Which BP/W Setup?

[aprxh]

I have the DSS plate and 17 lb wing. The wing comes off without any effort and make clean up easy. I dive in FL with a single and I love it. I dove a black diamond for years and this holds the tank more securely than my old BC.
My son just also just purchased one.

 

[Blue Sparkle]

I've been looking around at BP/W set-ups too. I rented one on my last dive trip and was thrilled to find something that actually fit me. Whoo!

I've been focussing on either the DSS or Oxycheq setups, because both of them have small-sized plates and a variety of wing sizes. From my armchair shopping, I believe that either the Oxycheq or DSS setups can be used without an STA, as both the Oxycheq and DSS wings have their own tank stabilizers (not exactly the same as each other, but same result).

I would be interested to hear if there are any differences in any of the various brands' hog harness setups. That is, just the basic single strap setup. Any differences in webbing feel or quality between the various brands? Buckles?

I don't *think* this is a hijack since the OP is choosing a harness as well.

B.

 

[paddler3d]

I would be interested to hear if there are any differences in any of the various brands' hog harness setups. That is, just the basic single strap setup. Any differences in webbing feel or quality between the various brands? Buckles?

I can't tell you much about the webbing. I do know that you don't want it too soft.

On the rest of the stuff, D-ring, buckles, so on so forth, I'd go again with Highland. Currently I believe highland is marketed through XS Scuba. You can get it through John at North East Scuba Supply. Piece per piece Highland stuff seems to be 20-30% more, but the finish is amazing. It is good quality stuff.

 

[buddha3145]

Don't worry Blue Sparkle, I don't mind if you hijack my thread. As far as harnesses are concerned, I don't think there is much of a difference in hog's because they're just 2in webbing with keepers and D rings.

I think I'm really leaning toward getting the Oxycheq wing. I'm just wondering if the difference in price between a Dive Right SS plate and other higher priced alternatives equates to a functional difference or a deficiency. I would think, and the comments seem to confirm, that a backplate is a backplate and any differences are minor.

 

[GrumpyOldGuy]

I ended up with the kit from ST, with the SB 10% discount is was a good deal relative to the DSS. Both setups have a good reputation. The Oxycheq wing is compact and even without the STA, it is rock solid on the B/P. The cover appears very durable and you have full zipper access to the bladder should you need to every repair a puncture. I am not sure if the DSS wing is user repairable to the same degree.

Bottom line, I don't think you can really go wrong with either setup. I just could not find a reason why I would spend another $100 or so for the DSS.

 

[a22shady]

Halcyon Eclipse

 

[Blue Sparkle]

Thanks, buddha

OTOH, *I* would mind if I hijacked your thread I was figuring if I kept my query confined to asking about details on something you were shopping for too, maybe we could both get some more info.

I realize a harness is a harness, when it comes to the basic hogarthian; but, on the other hand, I thought I'd read remarks about some webbing being nicer, stiffer, softer, or whatever, so... I figured I'd ask.

Another thing that got me to thinking about the basic harnesses, is that the buckle on the Halcyon rig I rented was fantastic. Okay, well, I wouldn't have given it much thought, but then the buckle on the weight belt had me diving in fear of it coming open, and involuntarily jettisoning my weights; so suddenly the differences in buckles seemed more important!

(I don't think I'm going to buy a Halcyon rig though, and just happen to be considering the same two wings, DSS and Oxycheq, that the OP is mulling over.)

The one difference is that the OP is between a DSS or DiveRite plate, and I was comparing between DSS and Oxycheq on the plates.

B.

 

[Codyjp]

Are any of the BP/W made in the USA???

Every single bit of the DSS rig is built in the US. I've been to the factory and it is quite a show. The customer service is what sets DSS apart from the rest.

 

[buddha3145]

Blue, usually the crotch strap has no resin, so it's a little softer on the nether regions. I haven't personally noticed any difference in the stiffness or softness of webbing on harnesses except in cases where it was well worn.

There are several non-hog harnesses that work with a BP/W setup that are made for more comfort if that is what you are looking for.

I can relate to your buckle paranoia. I'm always afraid that I'm going to catch on the buckle and accidentally ditch my weights. But, it's supposed to operate that way so you can easily ditch in an emergency. What kind of buckle was it that you thought was so fantastic?

 

[Splitlip]

I've been looking around at BP/W set-ups too. I rented one on my last dive trip and was thrilled to find something that actually fit me. Whoo!

I've been focussing on either the DSS or Oxycheq setups, because both of them have small-sized plates and a variety of wing sizes. From my armchair shopping, I believe that either the Oxycheq or DSS setups can be used without an STA, as both the Oxycheq and DSS wings have their own tank stabilizers (not exactly the same as each other, but same result).

I would be interested to hear if there are any differences in any of the various brands' hog harness setups. That is, just the basic single strap setup. Any differences in webbing feel or quality between the various brands? Buckles?

I don't *think* this is a hijack since the OP is choosing a harness as well.

B.

Don't get too caught up in buying a system from one manufacturer.

BPW's for the most part are (or should be) modular.

My wings are Oxycheq. My plates Diverite. My STA's Oxycheq, My bands Diverite (I think), my storage pouch Halcyon, my weight pockets XS, my corrugted hoses Halcyon, my harness not sure and my crotch strap and buckles DR, I think.