jeremyl
Contributor
Looking to switch from my Zeagle Scout (used for ~10yrs) to a backplate/wing setup. I dive exclusively on travel trips, in warm climates an I'm a minimalist. Nothing wrong with the Zeagle, but just wanting something new and I tried a BP last year and really enjoyed the way it felt and the minimalist nature.
I can't remember what I tested out but I think it was Dive Right. The guides there all used (and highly recommended) Techline. One nice feature of the Techline - which Im sure some others have - was a very supple harness, whereas the harness material on the other was very stiff.
I plan to get either a light aluminum or a carbon plate as this will be exclusive for travel. I take very good care of my gear so not really worried about snapping a carbon plate. Also not toooooo concerned about price - I have no reason to spend money for an "H" or pretty colors, but fine to spend an extra buck on quality or function. Also exclusively for single-tank diving. Im a rec diver and go on ~one trip a year - tho that trip might be 6wks with ~75 dives. 90% in SE Asia so weight is important with baggage restrictions on those fantastic flights on Lion Air (honestly the best airline in the entire world, and if you believe that I have a lovely bridge to sell you).
I'm small-ish (5'7", 135lbs) and usually use maybe 4-8lbs with a 3mm or 3/5mm full suite, and maybe a hood and vest sometimes. Sometimes with camera gear, and very likely with a full 'lobster rig' in the future... so I expect 30lb lift max in the wing and maybe a bit less depending on brand.
I'm perfectly happy to mix brands, and seek used. As I'm already on a trip (without gear except mask and computer) I expect it will be a while before I get a kit (unless I find a deal along my travels (Australia, Philippines, Indo)... but as I am traveling a lot on this trip I decided to rent v/s lug.
So mainly looking for a very comfy harness (don't want to have to add pads, and not limited with mobility- i'm pretty fit)... and maybe a brand of BP that has a slightly shorter option for my size, but def only need it to be single-tank and prefer not to need any adapters for that. I may add some small weight pockets - I'm not a big fan of belts but usually just put them on the tank. With camera probably don't need much, but it will be a while before Im taking a camera again. Decided to enjoy a few years without one.
Much Thanks!
I can't remember what I tested out but I think it was Dive Right. The guides there all used (and highly recommended) Techline. One nice feature of the Techline - which Im sure some others have - was a very supple harness, whereas the harness material on the other was very stiff.
I plan to get either a light aluminum or a carbon plate as this will be exclusive for travel. I take very good care of my gear so not really worried about snapping a carbon plate. Also not toooooo concerned about price - I have no reason to spend money for an "H" or pretty colors, but fine to spend an extra buck on quality or function. Also exclusively for single-tank diving. Im a rec diver and go on ~one trip a year - tho that trip might be 6wks with ~75 dives. 90% in SE Asia so weight is important with baggage restrictions on those fantastic flights on Lion Air (honestly the best airline in the entire world, and if you believe that I have a lovely bridge to sell you).
I'm small-ish (5'7", 135lbs) and usually use maybe 4-8lbs with a 3mm or 3/5mm full suite, and maybe a hood and vest sometimes. Sometimes with camera gear, and very likely with a full 'lobster rig' in the future... so I expect 30lb lift max in the wing and maybe a bit less depending on brand.
I'm perfectly happy to mix brands, and seek used. As I'm already on a trip (without gear except mask and computer) I expect it will be a while before I get a kit (unless I find a deal along my travels (Australia, Philippines, Indo)... but as I am traveling a lot on this trip I decided to rent v/s lug.
So mainly looking for a very comfy harness (don't want to have to add pads, and not limited with mobility- i'm pretty fit)... and maybe a brand of BP that has a slightly shorter option for my size, but def only need it to be single-tank and prefer not to need any adapters for that. I may add some small weight pockets - I'm not a big fan of belts but usually just put them on the tank. With camera probably don't need much, but it will be a while before Im taking a camera again. Decided to enjoy a few years without one.
Much Thanks!