If you are in CA and use a 7mm or drysuit, you will need a bladder with more lift. A bladder with more lift will also be useful if you decide to dive al80 doubles. So you are looking at a bladder with 40-45 pounds. This gives you a lot of flexibility. Diverite rec model would be ok.
The multiple use means that there needs to be a restraining system of sort to keep the wing streamlined and to minimize the tacoing. The diverite rec also has this as well as a few others. The thing to avoid is a bungee system that you cannot adjust. We pin the bladder to the plate using two sided Velcro loops around the external rec bladder bungee.
Long distance carrying of the rig would imply padded shoulder straps. I have had to carry doubles a quarter mile. I think it would have been really uncomfortable without padding. I don’t like the add on pads. This would mean a built in padded system with adjustable straps like the ist and Hollis harnesses. Of course the Hollis harness is more expensive. Contrary to common practice, I like my harness drum tight, so the adjustable straps help with that with different types of exposure suits.
If you went with the Diverite rec in exp material housing, a generic plate, and the ist harness you would stay below $600. You would only need a couple of tank bands and a crotch strap for a basic configuration. some people prefer weight pouches for convenience. That would drive up the price a bit more depending on how many you want to use.
With the exception of the gull wing golem plate and the special carbon fiber halycon backplate, you may feel the need for a single tank adapter which would be another $20-50. Some people find the stability of just the straps ok.
whatever you get, you may want to have someone help you configure it. The weight distribution is critical for many people. We sometimes see people who become dissatisfied with plate and wing systems because they have difficulty configuring them successfully on their own.
