Bc v wings

[lowlysubaruguy]

i posted a few weeks ago about travel bcs. Got a number of good tips. Been reading about wings backplates and wondered why I haven’t dug deeper here.

Im a recreational diver lobster dive and spearfish I also plan to travel enough that I’m really trying to shave weights and sizes in my bags. One of my Philippines connections only allowed 40 pounds and only two bags total. Small crowded prop job not to mention we had a hand full of hectic transfers on and of plains boats motorcabs pedalcabs and buses. It was the most amazing trip and I’m headed back as soon as possible.

I know nothing about back plates and wings I like of less and simple. The only bc Ive ever dove in was a scubapro nighthawk its a back inflator so I’m used to being face planted at the surface. I like integrated weights but I can get over that. I would like to be able to get air 2 I love having only two hoses off my regulator makes it possible for me to carry one all the high end crap. I carry my wifes gear as well. Is there a high quality set up that’s light and compact you can suggest. Im headed to Florida in a month seems to be more options to see there than here.

I weigh in at 200 pounds and I’m 5’8” if that matters.

 

[runsongas]

kydex or aluminum plate and a travel wing will be significantly lighter than a knighthawk

 

[scubadada]

Scubapro Litehawk, Oceanic Biolite, Aqua Lung Rogue...

 

[hammet]

Aqualung outlaw.

 

[rhwestfall]

its a back inflator so I’m used to being face planted at the surface

ugh, again???? If you place all (and typically too much) weight on your waist, and overfill expecting to bob upright, high out of the water, you get that result...

 

[scubadada]

Aqualung outlaw.

Hi @hammet

I have the Outlaw and like it very much, especially for travel (Aqualung Outlaw posts #s 57, 63, 65). It may be missing a few features that @lowlysubaruguy wanted, so I suggested the newer Rogue instead, very similar BCs, both trim and light

The Outlaw has no D-rings, but I find the 4 large loops and webbed daisy chain work just fine for me, I don't take much stuff. There are two optional weight pockets that hold a total of 20 lbs, I use them with less weight, work fine. You can use the weight pockets OR the trim pockets (10 lbs), not both. There are no pockets and no good way to attach a butt pocket. I may add a pocket to the one of the waist straps via the loops and may add cam band trim weight pockets.

The Rogue has a few more features that some may want or need. It adds 4 steel D-rings and a couple of small pockets on the waist straps. Same primary weight pockets as the Outlaw, also optional trim pockets. There is an optional SMB pocket. The Rogue increases the wing size from 25 to 35 lbs, the former is enough for me. The Rogue also adds a shoulder dump, I only use my butt dump so do not need it.

The Outlaw lists for $389, weight pockets add $70. The Rogue lists for $579.

 

[Aviyes]

I’m used to being face planted at the surface. I like integrated weights but I can get over that.

Don't overfill at surface and you won't face plant. Even a jacket BCD can cause you to face plant if you overfill. Leaning back like reclining in a chair will help as well.

 

[Dogbowl]

I have an Oceanic Biolite and absolutely recommend it. It has 2 weight pockets on the waist belt, and 2 trim pockets on the cam band. It is back inflate and I did not have any face planting issues at all (and I’m not an experienced diver).

I chose this over the Outlaw (whose main con is no included weight pockets) and the Scubapro Lighthawk (which is very similar - I could’ve gotten this one too). I suppose the new Rogue is also an option too.

 

[decompression]

Well, seeing as you are inquiring about backplates and wings and you got a lot of replies about regular BCDs..........

Yes, definitely consider a backplate and wing combo, they fold up smaller and are lighter than most BCDs and are far more flexible/customizable than standard BCDs. When weight is a very serious consideration look into a soft plate, small wing and simple harness. Alternatively, as mentioned an Aluminum or Kydex plate are very light as well. You can easily add ditchable pockets and an “air2” if you wish. Divegearexpress has a lot of models and info as well as Tobin from Deep Sea Supply, a phone call to him will set you up perfectly.

DGX Custom - DGX Singles Harness / Backplate / Wing Package

Rig Configurator

OxyCheq Ultra-Lite Travel Package

 

[scubadada]

Well, seeing as you are inquiring about backplates and wings and you got a lot of replies about regular BCDs..........

It almost always works the other way, doesn't it?