I just read all 6 pages of this thread... some good info in here.
Can I ask for related help? If it should go in a new thread please move this post or let me know to create a new one!
I'm a fairly new diver and have used a couple jacket BCs and have a (older) back inflate that I got basically for free.
I love the back inflate and how much less bulk there is compared to a jacket... but I want less. I also want more customization.
So, how do I pick a plate, wing, and (if needed) weights?
I'm definitely just a recreational diver but I love gear. I don't plan to do doubles any time soon and don't even have plans to move to steel tanks. Just planning on AL80s for now.
I live in Texas and dive mostly lakes but am slated to do a good bit of saltwater as well. I'd say probably 65 or 70% fresh water and the rest in the ocean.
I'm 6' 5" and 285lbs--do I need a larger / longer BP?
Right now I'm carrying 16lbs in the ditchable pockets on my back-inflate BC... how much of that is automatically irrelevant due to the buoyancy of the BC being lost?
So I am thinking of getting an aluminum BP for the freshwater and just adding a couple pounds on the cam bands when I hit the ocean. Saves me the extra $ of buying a SS plate in addition (though I may do that eventually.)
The stuff I'm drawn to so far is a HOG aluminum BP (because red), basic harness, and the HOG 32lbs wing for single tank.
Am I on a good track here?