Why do Wings cost so much?

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Why do wings cost so much considering there isn't much material that goes into them. by the time you buy the BP, harness and wing it will easily cost around $500.

Also, is there such a thing as bladderless wing? Seems to me that they would be even more streamlined without the bladder.

Three simple words...... Supply and demand. You either have to jack up prices, or reduce production when people aren't buying your products. Think of how many divers use BP/W compared to the amount of divers that use a conventional BC. The market for the backplate wing system is limited, (thank God it's expanding as more and more divers get interested in it) so the prices have to be high.

Personally, I don't mind paying $650+ for a good rig.
 
Don't forget all the normal business overheads for a manufacturing business. I doubt most of these folks are working out of their garages.

And I suspect any form of liability insurance for someone manufacturing scuba gear might be a tad higher than your average homeowners policy.

I love to find a good bargain as much as anyone and that folly has led me into owning WAY more gear than I need. These days I try to spend a bit of time and find out what the BEST gear is and then make the best deal I can for that rather than buying the sale item.
 
I think the melting point of a standard wing is much lower than what you imagine.

Fortunately the water should aleviate any spontaneous combustion problems with my eclipse ;)
 

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