First BPW Setup

[johnelrick0897]

I am looking to purchase my first BPW setup in the next few weeks as I am travelling to USA so can hopefully get whilst I am there

Does anyone have any recommendations regarding my first setup?

My largest concern is compatibility with wings, harnesses and backplates, for example:

I am thinking of purchasing the Deep6 wing with everything else being purchased from DGX, does anyone know if this is compatible?

 

[LandonL]

Most BP/W equipment comes with standard spacing, and multiple mounting options. Most every plate is compatible with every wing, with a few very rare exceptions.

 

[Graeme Fraser]

I've mixed and matched various backplate and wings in the past with no issues. I believe both US and European systems work on a standard 11" bolt spread and my current rig of choice is a Halcyon BP and Finnsub Fly25d donut wing.

Only tiny thing is if you get knurled / wing nuts in the US they'll be imperial so not compatible with our metric twin threaded bar. Only time that caught me out was with a Halcyon single tank adapter.

 

[ams511]

Most every plate is compatible with every wing, with a few very rare exceptions.

This is not true if talking about single-tank wings. Some wings have short slots, for example Apeks, Mares, Hollis, Scubapro, UTD, etc. so the slots in the plates need to line up with slots in the wing or else you need to use a single tank adapter.

Some wings have long slots, for example Oxycheq, Deep6, Dive Rite, DGX, VDH, and HOG. These wings can be used with pretty much any plate. The only exception is plates without slots, then you need to use a single tank adapter.

Harnesses are pretty much interchangeable. The only one I know of that is proprietary is the Halcyon Cinch.

 

[LandonL]

@ams511 Sorry, I was assuming STA use. My post was more in reference to the spacing being standard on the bolt holes, not cam band slots.

 

[swimlikethefish]

Beginners Guide To BP/W

This might help with some of your questions.

 

[johnelrick0897]

Beginners Guide To BP/W

This might help with some of your questions.

Thanks for the link, very informative, I guess my question is brand specific e.g. mixing and matching components Deep 6 with DGX

 

[swimlikethefish]

You should not have a problem buying a deep6 wing and bolting it to a dgx plate. You can use any 2 inch webbing to make your own harness. Or buy a prepackaged harness. I would buy a STA. Then you do not have to worry about cam band slots matching up. If you have specific questions put them in a post and the knowledge bank here will gladly assist.

 

[drk5036]

For what it’s worth I recommend NOT buying a STA. It’s unnecessary with most standard setups nowadays, and people generally prefer the simplicity of just using the cam bands to mount the tank and wing to the backplate. It also keeps the tank closer to your body which is better for balance and trim.

If you had questions about a specific match just ask here. I have a DGX backplate and VDH wing and everything lines up perfect. I’m sure the Deep6 wing will as well.

 

[swimlikethefish]

Everyone has their own style. I prefer the stability that a STA provides. I also use a weighted one (halcyon) when diving single tank. So that I do not have to carry lead. There is no right or wrong answer. Just find what works for you and go with it.