Wanted: BP/Wing system for a new Diver

[alicezhang]

I am a relatively new diver, so just starting to put together my gear set.
I will be diving about equally cold water (Pacific NW) and warm water (vacations). For now, I am simply doing recreational diving, so I would like to consider getting more into tech diving in the future, especially since a bunch of my friends are avid veteran divers.

I am not a fan of any of the BCD's (Ladyhawk, Ranger etc) I have seen as they all seem so "chunky" and really like the BP/Wing system as it's so simple and streamlined.
From the research I have done, I would like
* Donut wing (Single Tank is fine), no need for too heavy, just versatile enough for both warm and cold water
* Integrated Weight pockets (I absolutely hate separate weight belts)
* Stainless Steel backplate so I can put on less separate weight in my pockets
* Good for a short girl (5'2'') :)
For example, one set I was considering is from Golem Gear: Golem 35 Lbs SS Combo (http://www.golemgear.com/p-165-golem-35-lbs-ss-combo.aspx) (any thoughts on this one for both quality and price?)

Does anyone have any recommendations for where I can find the best deal?
Also, if you have a used set in great condition, please send me details!

Thanks

[saxplayer1004]

DRIS Dive Gear 28lb BP/W System - Dive Right In Scuba - Plainfield, IL (http://www.diverightinscuba.com/catalog/28lb-system-p-3070.html)
buy that like now. Sale ends on that tomorrow. that's the best deal new or used that you'll find. It's a standard plate so it may be a little long, short plates are hard to come by. Dive rite makes a short one in aluminum, but you'll want the extra weight. Check Northeast Scuba Supply for other stuff, sleep beckons

[j2s]

Ck the classified's here on SB...Lots of gear you can buy that doesn't wear like BP's or harnesses or hardware ['D' rings etc.]...Many memebers have ratings and will send pics....I never advertise but have gear.....It'll save you $100's......

[beaverdivers]

Scubapro pure tek harness, 30lb dounut wing, S/S backplate MSRP $775, your price $697.50 Free shipping, no sales tax. Add Xtek quick-release weight pockets MSRP $80.00, your price $72 or X-tek counter weight pockets ( only hold 2.2lbs ea. ) MSRP $34, your price $31.

How does this kit look? You can check it out on SCUBAPRO UWATEC | Deep Down You Want The Best - SCUBAPRO (http://www.scubapro.com)

[alicezhang]

Thanks Sax!

[Blue Sparkle]

I am not a fan of any of the BCD's (Ladyhawk, Ranger etc) I have seen as they all seem so "chunky" and really like the BP/Wing system as it's so simple and streamlined.

I hear you! I felt the same way when I was BC shopping. I think that being shorter exacerbates the problem. (At least for me, I felt like I was "up to my armpits" in pockets and padding, like a mini Michelin-Tire-Woman. Ugh.)



* Stainless Steel backplate so I can put on less separate weight in my pockets
* Good for a short girl (5'2'')

Just a note: You might want to look for a backplate that comes in sizes. For example, I'm 5'5" (but short waisted so maybe my torso is that of someone 5'3") and a "regular" or "one size" backplate is too tall for me. It will work - I rented one for two weeks - but it's not optimal and I would not buy one that large.

When I was shopping I found that most "standard" or "one size" backplates were around 15" - 15.5" Some that came in two sizes had a 15" and a 14" One brand I found that came in five sizes and the "Small" was 13". I bought that one and love it. (It's a DSS brand; I'm not sure if any other ones come that small; I probably could have used a 14" plate too, although not quite as perfectly sized for me.)

I just figured I'd mention it since some people assume "a plate is a plate."

Edited to add:



For example, one set I was considering is from Golem Gear: Golem 35 Lbs SS Combo (http://www.golemgear.com/p-165-golem-35-lbs-ss-combo.aspx) (any thoughts on this one for both quality and price?)

I just took a look at that one, and I don't see any mention of the plate size; I would guess that means it is "standard" which would be around 15".

Blue Sparkle

[jasonb751]

DRIS Dive Gear 28lb BP/W System - Dive Right In Scuba - Plainfield, IL (http://www.diverightinscuba.com/catalog/28lb-system-p-3070.html)
buy that like now. Sale ends on that tomorrow. that's the best deal new or used that you'll find. It's a standard plate so it may be a little long, short plates are hard to come by. Dive rite makes a short one in aluminum, but you'll want the extra weight. Check Northeast Scuba Supply for other stuff, sleep beckons

Actually the sale ended on that at 11:59 Monday night. It's up to 359.99 now. I was able to jump on the 279.99 price.

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk

[ochunter]

I have a system that I wanted to sell... you could just add the integrated weight system to it...
you could also break the system down to one tank... change the wing... pretty much anything you want. :)


Hello,
For Sale. I have a pair of Twin 60's Lp 1800psi Tanks Circa 1960's with champagne Bottoms!!! Very Rare! Also XS Scuba Twin Mainifold Valve with Din and Standard Fitting! Also Custom made SS Bands! Zeagle Hard Plate and Zeagles Big Bertha Wing Kit!!! The tanks are current on hydro and Vis. Hydro guys said the tanks are in perfect conditions! I would dive off of laguna beach and dive with only 4lbs and stay down for over 2hrs on these tanks!!! I love this system! It took me many years to find these tanks! Please feel free to contact me # 949-554-9712 if you have any questions Thank you!
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/attachments/trips-marketplace-vintage-equipment-diving/107242d1320293242t-twin-60s-lp-1800-champagne-bottom-img_5464.jpg (http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/attachments/trips-marketplace-vintage-equipment-diving/107242d1320293242-twin-60s-lp-1800-champagne-bottom-img_5464.jpg)http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/attachments/trips-marketplace-vintage-equipment-diving/107243d1320293267t-twin-60s-lp-1800-champagne-bottom-img_5465.jpg (http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/attachments/trips-marketplace-vintage-equipment-diving/107243d1320293267-twin-60s-lp-1800-champagne-bottom-img_5465.jpg)

[alicezhang]

Blue Sparkle: Thank you for the advice! I will look into the smaller plates!
JasonB: Yeah I saw the 360 price and was thinking it wasn't that different :) what you said explained why you thought it was such a great deal

[TSandM]

Alice, where are you in Seattle? I live in Woodinville, and I have gear from DSS and HOG. I have a small Kydex plate you could try on, and regular plate. In addition, Laura James (who doesn't post here much, but is a friend of mine) has one of the new Halcyon small pattern plates. Between the two of us, we could let you try on a fair amount of equipment.

[Jeff Pack]

I just bought this

Zeagle Deluxe Harness Backplate System discounts on sale Zeagle (http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?product_id=ZeagleDeluxeHarness)

With the Zeagle Inflator Regulator (no Oct/2nd reg necessary) is a great recreational diver BP that fits the minimalist mindset.

Personally, I dont like all one piece BP webbing setup's.

[Blue Sparkle]

I just bought this

Zeagle Deluxe Harness Backplate System discounts on sale Zeagle (http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?product_id=ZeagleDeluxeHarness)

With the Zeagle Inflator Regulator (no Oct/2nd reg necessary) is a great recreational diver BP that fits the minimalist mindset.

Personally, I dont like all one piece BP webbing setup's.

One potential problem I see with that is that -- unless it's mentioned somewhere on that page where I can't see it -- that's a "one size fits all" plate. That probably means it's around 15" tall. At 5'2", it's hard to imagine that is going to be an optimum fit for the OP (which stands to reason when you look at some of the fit tests and imagine that this plate will fit, for example, someone 6' tall).

I have dived a "one size fits all" plate and I did make it work; but it was not ideal and so I would not purposely buy one when there are smaller ones available that fit me just right.

[DevonDiver]

I just bought this..... a great recreational diver BP

In all honesty, can you give such a wholehearted recommendation on equipment that you've only just purchased and started using?


fits the minimalist mindset....I dont like all one piece BP webbing setup's.

Sort of quasi-minimalist then really?

Minimalist, with a bit of extra added-on. ;)

[TSandM]

I know a number of people who have opted for "comfort" or "deluxe" harnesses, and in a short period of time, they're using webbing like the rest of us. Of course, gear choices are personal, but sometimes it is instructive to know the evolution someone further down the pike than you are has gone through :)

A properly adjusted harness has no need for releases or a chest strap, and gives you infinite flexibility to put d-rings where you can reach them and use them easily.

[scubadiver888]

Alice,

You mention using the BP/W for vacation diving. You might want to think about weighting and travel restriction. If you are flying to dive vacations, a lighter aluminium or kydex plate might work better. It will drop 4 to 6 pounds off your luggage. Plus, if you are diving say a 3mm shorty (or even full) on vacation you might find the SS plate too heavy. If you get an aluminium plate and a v-weight between the tank and plate it will be as heavy as a SS plate for diving at home. You can leave the v-weight at home and dive just the plate when on vacation.

You need to check thought. It could be that you'll be fine in tropical waters with a SS plate. You just will have a lot less ditchable weight. For me, I bought a SS plate for diving at home (just because I wear so much weight it is nice to get a little off the hips) and will buy an aluminium plate for travel.

You REALLY should take TSandM up on her offer. The best way to decide what you like is get in the water with it.

[Blue Sparkle]

You might want to think about weighting and travel restriction. If you are flying to dive vacations, a lighter aluminium or kydex plate might work better. It will drop 4 to 6 pounds off your luggage. Plus, if you are diving say a 3mm shorty (or even full) on vacation you might find the SS plate too heavy.

That's a good thought for consideration. One thing somewhat unique to the Small-size SS plate (if that's what she ends up with) is that it's 3.8 lbs. instead of ~5-6 lbs., so it's a bit lighter. I'm fairly buoyant (she may not be), and with the Small plate I'm just neutral with a full 60-80-ish aluminum tank and no exposure protection. So I just add weight for air compensation.

However, I did just pick up a Kydex (light like aluminum) plate to try. I don't tend to fly, but there are a couple of reasons I wanted to try one (and it was used/economical):

1) For times such as certain steel tanks + warm water

2) Because I find that I'm often head heavy, and I thought I'd see how I would trim out with a bit more weight on my belt and less over my upper torso.

That said, if I were "home diving" in Seattle's waters, I think that for myself I would still get a steel plate first, and then figure that if it didn't work for traveling I would also get a lighter plate. I like that it's a bit heavier and also (depending on brand) that there is the option to add weight plates.

But that all depends on one's approach. At first I had the idea that I would try to be really "efficient," and get all gear that would be multi-purpose so that I wouldn't have to duplicate. But then I changed my mind and decided to optimize my gear for my near-future diving (which for me was warm-water), and then get additional gear if/when I started diving elsewhere. I'm glad I took that approach as I have really enjoyed the warm-water-specific gear.

Now if I could just get DIVING and try that new plate. It's just sitting here mocking me! :splat:

[TSandM]

I used a SS backplate for several years in both cold and warm water, and it worked fine. Somehow, I can always find 3 lbs of weight savings in the luggage somewhere :)

I now have a Kydex plate I use for warm water diving, but I use it as much because I have the harness set for thin undergarments as because of any weight savings.