Wanted: BP/Wing system for a new Diver

[alicezhang]

I am a relatively new diver, so just starting to put together my gear set.
I will be diving about equally cold water (Pacific NW) and warm water (vacations). For now, I am simply doing recreational diving, so I would like to consider getting more into tech diving in the future, especially since a bunch of my friends are avid veteran divers.

I am not a fan of any of the BCD's (Ladyhawk, Ranger etc) I have seen as they all seem so "chunky" and really like the BP/Wing system as it's so simple and streamlined.
From the research I have done, I would like
* Donut wing (Single Tank is fine), no need for too heavy, just versatile enough for both warm and cold water
* Integrated Weight pockets (I absolutely hate separate weight belts)
* Stainless Steel backplate so I can put on less separate weight in my pockets
* Good for a short girl (5'2'')
For example, one set I was considering is from Golem Gear: Golem 35 Lbs SS Combo (any thoughts on this one for both quality and price?)

Does anyone have any recommendations for where I can find the best deal?
Also, if you have a used set in great condition, please send me details!

Thanks

 

[tbone1004]

DRIS Dive Gear 28lb BP/W System - Dive Right In Scuba - Plainfield, IL
buy that like now. Sale ends on that tomorrow. that's the best deal new or used that you'll find. It's a standard plate so it may be a little long, short plates are hard to come by. Dive rite makes a short one in aluminum, but you'll want the extra weight. Check Northeast Scuba Supply for other stuff, sleep beckons

 

[j2s]

Ck the classified's here on SB...Lots of gear you can buy that doesn't wear like BP's or harnesses or hardware ['D' rings etc.]...Many memebers have ratings and will send pics....I never advertise but have gear.....It'll save you $100's......

 

[beaverdivers]

Scubapro pure tek harness, 30lb dounut wing, S/S backplate MSRP $775, your price $697.50 Free shipping, no sales tax. Add Xtek quick-release weight pockets MSRP $80.00, your price $72 or X-tek counter weight pockets ( only hold 2.2lbs ea. ) MSRP $34, your price $31.

How does this kit look? You can check it out on SCUBAPRO UWATEC | Deep Down You Want The Best - SCUBAPRO

 

[alicezhang]

Thanks Sax!

 

[Blue Sparkle]

I am not a fan of any of the BCD's (Ladyhawk, Ranger etc) I have seen as they all seem so "chunky" and really like the BP/Wing system as it's so simple and streamlined.

I hear you! I felt the same way when I was BC shopping. I think that being shorter exacerbates the problem. (At least for me, I felt like I was "up to my armpits" in pockets and padding, like a mini Michelin-Tire-Woman. Ugh.)

* Stainless Steel backplate so I can put on less separate weight in my pockets
* Good for a short girl (5'2'')

Just a note: You might want to look for a backplate that comes in sizes. For example, I'm 5'5" (but short waisted so maybe my torso is that of someone 5'3") and a "regular" or "one size" backplate is too tall for me. It will work - I rented one for two weeks - but it's not optimal and I would not buy one that large.

When I was shopping I found that most "standard" or "one size" backplates were around 15" - 15.5" Some that came in two sizes had a 15" and a 14" One brand I found that came in five sizes and the "Small" was 13". I bought that one and love it. (It's a DSS brand; I'm not sure if any other ones come that small; I probably could have used a 14" plate too, although not quite as perfectly sized for me.)

I just figured I'd mention it since some people assume "a plate is a plate."

Edited to add:

For example, one set I was considering is from Golem Gear: Golem 35 Lbs SS Combo (any thoughts on this one for both quality and price?)

I just took a look at that one, and I don't see any mention of the plate size; I would guess that means it is "standard" which would be around 15".

Blue Sparkle

 

[jasonb751]

DRIS Dive Gear 28lb BP/W System - Dive Right In Scuba - Plainfield, IL
buy that like now. Sale ends on that tomorrow. that's the best deal new or used that you'll find. It's a standard plate so it may be a little long, short plates are hard to come by. Dive rite makes a short one in aluminum, but you'll want the extra weight. Check Northeast Scuba Supply for other stuff, sleep beckons

Actually the sale ended on that at 11:59 Monday night. It's up to 359.99 now. I was able to jump on the 279.99 price.

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk

 

[ochunter]

I have a system that I wanted to sell... you could just add the integrated weight system to it...
you could also break the system down to one tank... change the wing... pretty much anything you want.

Hello,
For Sale. I have a pair of Twin 60's Lp 1800psi Tanks Circa 1960's with champagne Bottoms!!! Very Rare! Also XS Scuba Twin Mainifold Valve with Din and Standard Fitting! Also Custom made SS Bands! Zeagle Hard Plate and Zeagles Big Bertha Wing Kit!!! The tanks are current on hydro and Vis. Hydro guys said the tanks are in perfect conditions! I would dive off of laguna beach and dive with only 4lbs and stay down for over 2hrs on these tanks!!! I love this system! It took me many years to find these tanks! Please feel free to contact me # 949-554-9712 if you have any questions Thank you!

​

 

[alicezhang]

Blue Sparkle: Thank you for the advice! I will look into the smaller plates!
JasonB: Yeah I saw the 360 price and was thinking it wasn't that different what you said explained why you thought it was such a great deal

 

[TSandM]

Alice, where are you in Seattle? I live in Woodinville, and I have gear from DSS and HOG. I have a small Kydex plate you could try on, and regular plate. In addition, Laura James (who doesn't post here much, but is a friend of mine) has one of the new Halcyon small pattern plates. Between the two of us, we could let you try on a fair amount of equipment.