Which BPW setup?

[nivla80]

Hi,

Lookin into getting a new BPW rig... But it's a realm of the unknown to me. Been lookin at these:

Oxycheq
Dive Rite
OMS

Im leaning towards getting a SS backplate with comfort harness and a 32 lb single tank wing from OMS, but my options are still pretty much open. Also, OMS does not seem to be a popular choice here, does it? Also, is it advisable to make the setup weight integrated, by buying weight pockets and attaching them to the harness? I'm not a huge fan of weight belts... I do have to purchase tank bands too right?

Basically, I dive in tropical waters, and im probably not goin to be doin doubles in the near future... Any input is appreciated!

THanks!

 

[Bruce3]

if you go SS backplate and depending on what tank you use you may not need any additional weights. personally i dive with a diverite SS backplate, oxycheq 30# wing. but i dive cold water. you would have to buy tank bands too. i suggest you buy a roll of webbing and do a hog harness to try first if you dont like it you only lose out on 5 or so bucks.

 

[Nemrod]

If you dive tropical water why use a stainless plate? It will be fairly heavy and I don't use much if any weight with a 3/2 suit with my aluminum plate on an aluminum 80. Plus you have to pack/carry it on the plane. N

 

[cool_hardware52]

Hi,

Lookin into getting a new BPW rig... But it's a realm of the unknown to me. Been lookin at these:

Oxycheq
Dive Rite
OMS

Im leaning towards getting a SS backplate with comfort harness and a 32 lb single tank wing from OMS, but my options are still pretty much open. Also, OMS does not seem to be a popular choice here, does it? Also, is it advisable to make the setup weight integrated, by buying weight pockets and attaching them to the harness? I'm not a huge fan of weight belts... I do have to purchase tank bands too right?

Basically, I dive in tropical waters, and im probably not goin to be doin doubles in the near future... Any input is appreciated!

THanks!

If you dive tropical conditions with buoyant tanks the ~6 lbs of a SS Plate and harness is often all the ballast you need. If you use (some) steel tanks a SS plate might overweight you if you are using little or no exposure suit.

We have quite a few users who dive in cold water with a SS plate and extra ballast (weight plates) and often Steel tanks. They use the same plate without the extra ballast when traveling and diving with AL80's and thin suits.

Tobin

 

[rjchandler]

Also look at the DSS rigs. My wife just bought one of their kaplex(sp?) BPs and it is impressive. think about "lighter for travel" v. "weight on the back for trim"

 

[scarefaceDM]

Have you looked at Halcyon. The single rig Eclyps MC system is sweet.

The best rig is the one that fits you. I dive cold and very cold water so a SS 6lbs plate and a STA of 6 lbs helps with my balast, plus i also use ditchable weight Halcyon ACB pockets. which is sweet becasue they are form fitting. No bulk.

happy shopping

 

[alwaingold]

I love my DSS rig. I have a SS backplate + 30 lb wing for cold water. In warm water, I need about 5 lbs if I am wearing a 3mm plus hooded vest. Most people probably don't wear hooded vests in warm water though If I were only going to dive warm water (and wore less neoprene), I'd check out their plastic plate. I use the hog harness, so I can't comment on the DSS harness.

Aside from liking the product, I also recommend DSS because of their excellent customer service.

 

[Mr. Sunday]

Im using a Hammerhead BP, two piece Single Tank Adapter with a DIY Hog harness and just ordered a Oxycheq Mach V 40lb wing. I really like Oxycheq and Deep Sea Supply's products. I love the fact you can ask both owners questions about thier products directly on the Scubaboard. It gives me a lot of confidence in their goods.

 

[dcs917]

The backplate and wing offers a lot of options and flexibility. You do not need to be limited to the same BP & wing manufacturer. I have a Fred T SS Backplate, and a wing from another company. With a steel tank, I do not need any additional lead for Caribbean waters, and only a couple of pounds with full Neoprene for cold water diving. The fit and comfort of the Backplate is fantasic. Is feels like is bolted to your back, and very comfortable!

As mentioned before, I would go for the single peice of webbing harness and a couple of D Rings at the chest and waist. Get the minimum bouyancy wing for your diving and tank size to reduce drag.

Good luck and dive safe.

 

[Splitlip]

I am in SE Florida. I use a single steel LP 98. About 8# neg when full. Neutral when empty.
In a 1 mil full suit I can get by with no added weight using an Al plate. I usually add a Pound or 2 for trim and to make using a DSMB easier.
Winter I use a 1 piece 3/2 with a steel plate. Again a pound or 2 to trim. (before I got the steel plate, I would simply distribute 4 pounds between cam pockets and belt.)
If I add a vest, I will add weight as well.
I use a light weight (12 oz) STA.
In short, as others have said, steel and steel may put you a bit over weighted.
Al (or other light weight plate) would probably be better for the tropics if you want to buy just 1 plate. There are plenty of ways to add weight to the plate and harness as well as a belt.
I had an OMS 32. It was a nice wing but was "bigger" than my 2 Oxy 30 # wings. I suspect the lift is probably slightly more than 32#. Also "seemed" bigger than the 30# Diverites I've seen. Some people have commented on the DR Venture wing rear OPV dump. You need to look into that.
OMS is big in the NE and their 32 I am guessing may be geared towards wreck divers who would mount a pony on their primary cylinders. Mine seemed very wide.
I am looking to pick up a 17# or 18# myself for the summer (or trade one of my 30# if my daughter does not get into scuba).
Go for the simple 1 piece web (Hog) harness 1st IMO.