Whats your opinion?

[vtxkev]

I would like to get some opinions on a Diverite BP/W set up. I am thinking about going with a Transplate Harness and SS Backplate. From reading on their website it appears that this harness will allow single or doubles? This would allow me flexability and not have to purchase another setup aside from maybe different cam straps?

Now I was looking at their selection of wings and I dont even know where to start. I have read the sticky with the excel spreadsheet and that made no sense to me what so ever, I read some other posts and i just cant figure it out. From what I do know I believe I should be going with a double bladder wing, but not sure how to calculate the rest.

If I go with the Transplate Harness and SS Backplate can I buy more then one wing for different senarios? Would this be a waste of money?

I have looked in other manufacturers and it seems Diverite has a good line and it isnt going to cost me a fortune.

Now I could be way off my mark here and nothing I just said makes any sense, but thats why I turn to you. Thanks in advance

 

[nereas]

If you are ready for a BPW, then all you really need is a plate, a wing, 15 ft of webbing, a buckle, 4 D-rings, 6 keepers, and then you can put it all together yourself.

You get a more versatile product this way, and you save yourself half of the money.

 

[NorthWoodsDiver]

You need only a few simple components to create a BP/W style BC.

you will need:
1 backplate in aluminum or stainless or poly (material depends on weight needs)
1 single tank adapter usually these come in stainless
1 pair of cam straps or I prefer the scubapro style cinch straps
1 harness, the transplate harness will work but I bet if you polled people more who suggest a HOG type harness (hogarthian style, based off Bill Hogarth's rig).
1 wing for each type of configuration, ie 1 for single tanks and 1 for double tanks and technical diving. generally if your new to diving just get the single tank wing first.

here is a good link from dive rite:

Hogarthian Harness BC System

and here is another great option from deep sea supply, if you have questions call them and ask for Tobin (he will be of more help than most manufactures):

https://www.deepseasupply.com/index.php?page=rigs

dont sell yourself short and stick with 1 company over the other. most brands are priced similarly and most offer very high quality products. These companies all make backplates and related products: Deep Sea Supply, FredT (on scubaboard), OMS, Salvo Dive Rite, Golem Gear, OxyCheq, Zeagle, Halcyon, Hammerhead, HOG (as in the pig, not affiliated with bill hogarth to my understanging), hollis , etc.

I own a Fred T plate which is available in several sizes and weights, DSS also makes different size plates, everyone else makes only 1 size I think. if you are out of average in height or weight you might want a different size.

If you choose a hogarthian harness you will be better off building your own, in which case look up Scuba equipment, Dive gear, reefscuba.com, Manufacturer of scuba diving equipment. Buy brass hardware, stainless steel hardware, surgical tubing, latex surgical tubing, bungee cord, parachute cord, Waterborne watch bands, SEACURE mouthpieces, velcro for the best prices on hardware.

if you make a harness you will need:

5-6 yards of 2 inch webbing
at least 5 2 inch D-rings
at least 7 2 inch belt slides
1 belt buckle

its super simple after you do it once and here is some instructions on how:

DIR-diver.com - Adjust the backplate
SDUA Fitting Your Back Plate and Harness


I am not DIR but this link gives a good breakdown on how to properly kit up for maximum streamlining and comfort...

Equipment Configuration | Global Underwater Explorers

hope this helps.

 

[rstofer]

Right up front: I have the DSS BP/W but I have the ProFit harness. I like the quick release buckles even it is isn't DIR.

You really don't want to buy a 50# wing if you plan to dive singles because you will have a bunch of drag you don't need. And a 30# wing probably won't work for doubles.

You really should be able to comprehend that spreadsheet. Just sit back and think about what is happening. What things cause negative buoyancy (weights, backplate, other equipment)? What things cause variable buoyancy (tank, wetsuit). What makes up the difference between negative buoyancy and the variable buoyancy (the BC).

There are 4 diving conditions of importance: at the beginning of the dive while on the surface (maximum wetsuit buoyancy, maximum tank negative buoyancy), at the beginning of the dive at depth (minimum wetsuit buoyancy, maximum tank negative buoyancy), at the end of the dive at depth (minimum wetsuit buoyancy, minimum tank negative buoyancy {could actually go positive}) and at the end of the dive on the surface. The spreadsheet gives info for all 4 conditions.

Richard