Apologies for bumping an old thread, but I wanted to circle back and share my experience with those of you who offered advice.
I drove up to Chicago and walked into Dive Right In Scuba on the southwest side. I was assisted at the store by a helpful employee who gave solid answers to all my questions. Having experience in sales I can easily read when an associate is reciting company lines. This guy wasn't, and it was appreciated. I completed my entire kit on my visit. It consits of:
Hollis SS Back Plate
- I liked the corners bent out. When fitted alongside BP without bent corners I could feel the difference. A few extra bucks but worth it so I never think, "boy I wish I didn't feel that corner diggin' in."
Hollis Elite 2 Harness
- With my broken clavicle I wanted some padding over the broken bone area. I figure I can always remove the padding from the far side if desired, but that doesn;t seem like it'll be the case.
- I like a tight-fitting rig. I like being able to cinch down my shoulder straps. The hiker in me loves a sternum strap.
- Quck-release will/does make it easy for me to exit my gear in water. Also for demonstration to (hopeful) future students.
- If I ever out-grow this rig and wanna ride without a quick-release or sternum strap, it's an inexpensive upgrade of nothing more than webbing.
Pair of Trident Tank Straps
- Liked the idea of the application/removal without lifting unit up and over air tank
- easily adjusted for different tank volumes
HOG Single Tank Adapter
- ease of switcing tanks, etc
XS Scuba Velcro Weight Pouches
- Wanted dumpable weights as I hate weight belts
- Demonstrate to (hopeful) future students
DRIS 28lbs Wing
- was plenty of lift for my intended use
Following the instructions I assembled the kit myself. Wasn't difficult save one quick phone call placed to DRIS for assitance. I was impressed with the overall fit I was able to dial-in (as much as one can do in their living room).
Finally got the chance to dive it tonight at my local FW pool. Mind you, I may live in Illinois, but I haven't dove FW in 10 years. First thing I notice is I do not need any lead whatsoever. Hahaha, sweet. The unit on land in hand feels heavy, but once kitted-up it feels much lighter overall than anything I have ever dove. I settled at 10' and hovered motionless at perfect trim upon first descending. It took all of 15 seconds on land and 30 seconds in the water to be exceptionally happy with my purchase. Specifically:
Backplate - Never once "felt" the backplate on my back. I was wearing a "stay-dry" t-shirt, no wetsuit. Woulnd't have guessed i had a plate of SS strapped to me.
Harness - Padding was appreciated over the clavicle where the broken bone is noticeable. I will likely leave the padding on the opposite side just cause. Never actually released the QR, but I did use the cinch-pull ti tighten/loosen and it worked as I had hoped. I was easily able to exit the unit without contorting my blown-out shoulder. First experience with a crotch strap. More use will likely have me prefering it. Sternum strap worked as intended. Between it and the shjoulder straps, I was able to make the unit and me "one," which is my preference. A shifty BCD always bothered me.
Tank straps - priceless. Gosh that was nice to easily strap up a very secure bottle, then drop it just as easily.
Weight pouches - Obviously didn't need to use them in the pool today, but I put them through the test anyway. I positioned them as the first think onto the waist webbing so they are all the way in the rear. They are completely out of my way, but also an easy dump. I tested my okd BC to a positive 5lbs bouyancy tonight, and combined with the negative bouyancy of my new rig, I expect to carry perhaps zero lead weight but maybe up to 4-6lbs depending on how negatively bouyany the new unit is. Even if I need zero lead, I will carry some when with students both to demostrate weight drops and provide added lead to students if/when needed. Additionally, weight in the rear kept me upright, whereas my old Rig2 always had my face first in the water from 14lbs of lead in front of me.
Thanks to everyone that helped me figure this out. I can't wait to log many more dives in my new BP/W.