Want to build BP/W

[ems_is_4_me]

Ok the LDS messed me over on my gear so I’m getting my money back. I want to build a BP/W. This is what kind of diving it will be doing Lake and quarry. Year round it gets cold in Oklahoma but not like up north. So any info on what I may need I am 5,11 245 if that helps any.

 

[BarryTX]

I suggest you start by doing some buoyancy calculations with the wing lift calculator that is a sticky in this forum:

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/bu...ems/158370-ultimate-wing-lift-calculator.html

Whatever the minimum lift required is, my personal desire was to increase it a bit to give me a little lift flexibility. In my case I calculated needing about 14# lift and I ended up with a 30# Oxycheq wing that I found used as a good deal. Be aware that this is a point of debate, however (no flames needed, folks) and some prefer to go with the minimum or just above.

Do a lot of reading of past threads, there is a ton of good info already on ScubaBoard.

In addition, I suggest discussing with experts directly if possible. Tobin at Deep Sea Supply is highly regarded and very helpful, will answer any questions you have if you call. If I had not found the used deal that I did DSS would have been my choice for new based on the excellent support offered.

 

[rstofer]

The thing about building up a BP/W is that by the time you have ALL the pieces, it may not be less than a DSS rig. So, get some idea about buoyancy and lift requirements and look at DSS. I have that rig with an LCD30 wing for diving with a 7/8mm semi-dry wetsuit.

I have also put together a couple of rigs for use with double hose regs. The total cost of the parts has NEVER been less than a complete DSS rig.

But the nice thing about BP/Ws is that you can select parts and pieces from various manufacturers and have some hope that they will work together.

One thing to consider: there are a few wings that will help stabilize the tank and you won't need an STA (single tank adapter). This is clearly the case with the DSS single tank wings. There are some molded-in blocks that support the tank. The Oxycheq and HOG wings have some ridges that do the same thing. Other wings can ONLY be used with an STA.

Another thing to consider is that all wings EXCEPT DSS have the tank bands retaining the wing to the plate. To disassemble the rig, you have to unthread the bands. The DSS wing has 'windows' where the wing can slide over the bands while they are still connected to the plate. The advantage is that you can remove the wing from the backplate and store it separately. I put the plate on the bottom of my dive bag, pile my other gear on top and put the wing at the very top where it won't get damaged. It also makes it easier to rinse out the wing without man-handling the weight of the wing and backplate.

Richard

 

[Scott L]

The thing about building up a BP/W is that by the time you have ALL the pieces, it may not be less than a DSS rig. So, get some idea about buoyancy and lift requirements and look at DSS. I have that rig with an LCD30 wing for diving with a 7/8mm semi-dry wetsuit.

I have also put together a couple of rigs for use with double hose regs. The total cost of the parts has NEVER been less than a complete DSS rig.

But the nice thing about BP/Ws is that you can select parts and pieces from various manufacturers and have some hope that they will work together.

One thing to consider: there are a few wings that will help stabilize the tank and you won't need an STA (single tank adapter). This is clearly the case with the DSS single tank wings. There are some molded-in blocks that support the tank. The Oxycheq and HOG wings have some ridges that do the same thing. Other wings can ONLY be used with an STA.

Another thing to consider is that all wings EXCEPT DSS have the tank bands retaining the wing to the plate. To disassemble the rig, you have to unthread the bands. The DSS wing has 'windows' where the wing can slide over the bands while they are still connected to the plate. The advantage is that you can remove the wing from the backplate and store it separately. I put the plate on the bottom of my dive bag, pile my other gear on top and put the wing at the very top where it won't get damaged. It also makes it easier to rinse out the wing without man-handling the weight of the wing and backplate.

Richard

I concur totally. Even if you acquire some used componets when you buy the other items needed you will pay a higher price than the same article as part of a new purchase package. DSS is the way to go.

 

[TSandM]

The really great thing about DSS is that, if you talk to Tobin, he won't let you buy the wrong stuff. Customer service is the biggest reason I recommend DSS all the time.

 

[StreetDoctor]

Like TSandM said Tobin won't steer you wrong. About a year ago I was in your shoes, I called up Tobin and he hooked me up, I've never been disappointed.

 

[kyleharmon]

There are a few of us here in oklahoma that dive BP/W set-ups. Also a shop or two that sells some tech-ish gear. And as others have said, Tobin knows his stuff. I think about every one of us has some DSS gear. I love my torus 26 and 38. I'll assume you'll be diving wet from glancing at your profile. Your right, it does get cold here, so if you plan on doing any winter diving, I would recommend at a least a 7mil/hood/gloves. Hit me up if you have any more questions about the area, I'll do my best to point you in the right direction!

 

[Bubbletrubble]

If you do talk to Tobin about BP/Ws, he'll ask you for your weight requirements given your current equipment setup. It will be helpful to have the following info at your fingertips: how much lead you use, thickness of wetsuit or type of drysuit + undergarment, and type of tank (composition/size/brand/model). Tobin will do some calculations and recommend the appropriate sized wing.

 

[cobbonthecorn]

I agree that working through buoyancy calculations is a must. The decision to wear a weight belt or hang weight on your rig, what size tank you plan to dive, and your personal buoyancy can have an impact on the wing size. [opinion to follow] I personally only have enough lead to drop to bring me to neutral buoyancy. The rest is fixed to my rig. [less opinion to follow] Buying new can be reassuring if the store keeper is knowledgeable. However, with a little education and work you can get a great used rig. For example, last winter I got a used (dove 5 times) Halcyon 45lb Pioneer Wing, SS plate, harness, ACB, and cam bands for $175. I have dove it 30+ times and will dive it for some time to come. Currently I am working on a back-up rig by buying parts. (Today I passed on a Halcyon Eclipse with AL BP and harness for $150 because it was a 30lb wing and I need a 40lb.) Just saying, it can be done if you are willing to work at it.