Going BP/w question

[iztok]

I dive Aeris 5 Oceans (back inflate BC) but its lack of flexibility is something I don't like. So I was thinking going BP/w and found out the following:

TECHNICAL SCUBA BCD PACKAGE at Divers-Supply.com

Right now I am diving AL80s (own 6 of them) so I will probably keep diving them for a while until I can sell/trade some of them for doubles (or perhaps just band two together for doubles).

Any opinion on the package?

 

[crlavoie]

Not sure how you were planning to configure it but bare in mind that you need to add:

- Crotch strap
- Cam bands (2)
- Single tank adapter

All in, it's $339 which is hard to argue with. I don't know a lot about HOG but have yet to hear anything bad. The next best alternative that is even remotely in that price range is DSS. The owner is a member here (coolhardware) and Tobin is his name. He and his gear are top notch and for lots of reasons, he's got a cult like following. The closest equivalent DSS rig is $460. Oxycheq is also in the same range in terms of price and quality and while I don't have personal experience with it, several people that I dive with have and they swear by them as well.

As far as doubles are concerned.... There a great singles wings and great doubles wings... then there are dual purpose singles / doubles wings that are great at neither. You really need the right tool for the job so to speak.

 

[Trimix2dive]

Double up the alum 80s great starter set you could use 38 or 58 wings, get the 2" crotch strap and whatever options you want. Note I have 2 set of dual 80s for fun no overhead lake or ocean diving. You can probably get them to cut a deal for a dual manifold and bands. If you live close to the shop or shops your could get them to do it for you for a small charge.

Not a bad deal to get started with. If I didn't have enough stuff to rig out 5 or 6 people, I might buy it.

Realistically - what are you looking to get into? Think about it and start looking to other people that do that type of diving. That is the best advise.

From the person above, you could benefit with the single tank adapter with the 38 wing. I don't think you would want to dive a single with the 58 way to much transfer side to side. As far as the cam bands for singles, yes. If they are cam bands for independent doubles back mount I do not dive those and can off no advise.

 

[zider]

First off, you will not regret going to a BP/W setup. As to the package, it seems to me to be a real good deal but I don't know much about the HOG brand wings. This company is somewhat new and is introducing new gear all the time. You absolutely can't go wrong with the DR harness and plate, but do some digging on the board with regards to the HOG wing.

 

[Trimix2dive]

HOG is seemless from stitch on to end. nothing to fear just adjustments from point to point on backplate.

 

[Belmont]

Halcyon is out with a new BP/W, the Infinity system.

Halcyon Infinity | Halcyon Dive Systems

Probably pricey, but heh you owe that to yourself.

 

[Belce]

Before anyone here can reply with any help you really need to tell us what lack of flexibility your current setup has and what you want the new setup to provide.

 

[iztok]

Before anyone here can reply with any help you really need to tell us what lack of flexibility your current setup has and what you want the new setup to provide.

Current BC is PITA when it comes to even slinging a pony bottle. It has no flexibility to move to double tanks.

I would like to have a new setup where I could switch wings for single and doubles and have flexibility to sling a pony bottle.

 

[Dr Wu]

Halcyon is out with a new BP/W, the Infinity system.

Halcyon Infinity | Halcyon Dive Systems

Probably pricey, but heh you owe that to yourself.

How interesting that even "The Great Blue H" has broken down and added padding, fancy adjustments/ hardware and accessories to the DIR line.

Looks like they are loosing too much trade to the rest of the manufacturers and bailing on the minimal ideas they created.

Cannot say I blame them for that. Padding sells and buyers love fancy looking hardware.

 

[iztok]

Double up the alum 80s great starter set you could use 38 or 58 wings, get the 2" crotch strap and whatever options you want. Note I have 2 set of dual 80s for fun no overhead lake or ocean diving. You can probably get them to cut a deal for a dual manifold and bands. If you live close to the shop or shops your could get them to do it for you for a small charge.

Well I have 6 AL80s and one of my thoughts was to double a pair and go with a wing for doubles. A lot of people are diving steel doubles and eventually I want to get there but I think double AL80s is a good start to somewhat match the air supply. I don't plan to do any overhead diving but would like to extend my bottom time a bit over what AL80s offer. Eventually I'll look to perhaps go to steel doubles but I somehow want to manage the upfront cost at this point and reuse what I have to extent. Now if someone would trade 4 AL80s for a set of steel doubles