SangP:
Hi guys,
I'm seriously considering getting a 'proper' bc that is adaptable for both rec and cave diving but price is a consideration.
Firstly, I rather new to this so please excuse the newbie questions.
I have several options:
1. Zeagle bp, Hogarthian harness and a Zeagle 34 lb wing.
2. DSS bc with Hogarthian harness.
http://deepseasupply.com/page12.html
http://www.deepseasupply.com/page6.html
3. Halcyon bp w/ harness from ebay and a wing from another manufacturer.
I read with great interest and equal confusion that certain manufactures of bp/w are good but not DIR... Dive Rite, DSS, Jet Harness are such examples.
Therefore, what should the best cost/benefit option available?
Many thanks
SangP
The answer depends on how "DIR" you want to become. It's easy to get caught up in the "small stuff", and lose sight of the fact that the real focus of DIR is performance.
For example - the plastic knob on the rear dump isn't DIR ... only Halcyon wings come without one. But in my DIR Fundamentals class, people with Oxycheq and other wings had a plastic pull dump and the instructor didn't make us take it off. And it didn't affect how we performed in the class at all. It's trivial ... and if you decide later on that it matters, it's simple to remove.
So, here's my advice ...
Harness - it's just a piece of 2-inch webbing with some hardware. As long as the buckles are stainless steel, there are no quick-releases, and the D-rings are not the welded kind, you're good to go. Follow the DIR guidelines found in the Fundamentals of Better Diving (pp 67-70), and it matters not at all who you buy it from.
Backplate - the most important selection concern is fit. For most of us, any standard size plate will do. For people who are taller or shorter than normal, there are manufacturers out there who make long and short plates that will fit you better. Deburring the edges is an issue ... you should either order a plate that comes deburred, or be handy with a dremel tool. If you decide to buy the DSS plate, it comes with rubber grommets to prevent harness wear. I don't know of any other plate that offers a similar feature, but the finish on the Halcyon and FredT plate (for example) is excellent and you won't have excessive wear issues. With others, you might want to ask about deburring when making your purchase. Most people go with a standard 5 or 6 lb stainless steel plate. There are heavier plates, and lighter weight aluminum plates. Your choice should take into consideration your exposure gear and the type of cylinder you'll be using. The goal is to balance the choice of backplate and cylinder to achieve optimal trim.
Wing - for singles, most people prefer either Halcyon or Oxycheq. There are other good-performing singles wings out there. Most DIR divers who dive single cylinders prefer donut-shaped wings ... but there are some good-performance wings out there that are not donut shaped. DIR has recommendations, but not requirements, on the wing shape. The main things you want to consider for DIR are these ...
- no bungees or other devices that constrict wing inflation
- the inflator hose should not be excessively long ... 14-16 inches, typically for
a singles wing
- non pull dump on the inflator hose ... there should be a simple elbow connector
between the inflator hose and the wing
I notice you mentioned cave diving ... for that you will want to consider going with doubles, and that will require its own wing. Avoid buying a wing that markets itself as good for both singles and doubles ... some will accommodate, but with tradeoffs that make it less than optimal for either. If you are planning to dive both singles and doubles configurations, get separate wings for each configuration.
If you don't already have it, get a copy of the book titled "Doing it Right: The Fundamentals of Better Diving". Follow the guidelines on pages 67-72. That will satisfy all the requirements you need for taking the class.
... Bob (Grateful Diver)
