beginner diver back plate and wing config

[CDMac]

@Diver below 83 - where in Florida are you?

 

[Diver below 83]

TL;DR - approximately $180

16' Navy Blue webbing ~ $24 (including expedited shipping so it would get to me before I moved; about $15 webbing cost)
Back Plate and accessories from DGX ~ $200 (I bought 10 serrated keepers and 6 D rings in addition to what I put on the rig so probably could have gotten away with about $160 for cam bands, 2 small weight pockets, bolt snaps, D rings, keepers, stainless buckle, nylon tube sheathing, neoprene shoulder protector sleeves.

Oh, and I had to buy a lighter to burn the webbing ends after cutting as well as box of white chalk to mark the webbing as I was dry fitting the rings and straps (didn't want black sharpie visible on my webbing)

Ok so I’m already ahead of the game. I have a lighter and Chalk. Lol

 

[Diver below 83]

@Diver below 83 - where in Florida are you?

In in Pembroke Pines. About 20mins west of where your staying now. Though I spend a lot of time in that area. I was actually the one who recommending aquatic ventures to you which is very close to where your staying. The owner is the marine like yourself.

 

[dmaziuk]

Ok so I’m already ahead of the game. I have a lighter and Chalk. Lol

Heh. I still have a zippo and some gas for it from back when I smoked, but recently on Bonaire we bought some mosquito candles only to find out there are neither matches nor a working lighter in the condo. That was after it got dark and the shops got closed, of course.

 

[CDMac]

In in Pembroke Pines. About 20mins west of where your staying now. Though I spend a lot of time in that area. I was actually the one who recommending aquatic ventures to you which is very close to where your staying. The owner is the marine like yourself.

Yeah I called Aquatic Ventures and until I get my Open Water done I won't be able to dive with them as they have dropped PADI and are only doing SSI. I may get over to them at some point if I continue training.

 

[CDMac]

Heh. I still have a zippo and some gas for it from back when I smoked, but recently on Bonaire we bought some mosquito candles only to find out there are neither matches nor a working lighter in the condo. That was after it got dark and the shops got closed, of course.

Flint and steel man.... don't you carry that in your "just in case" kit?

 

[Diver below 83]

Yeah I called Aquatic Ventures and until I get my Open Water done I won't be able to dive with them as they have dropped PADI and are only doing SSI. I may get over to them at some point if I continue training.

For open water they usually offer NASE and SDI. I went SDI for my OW and NASE for Nitrox. You already started a portion through padi correct?

 

[Diver below 83]

Well, @Bryan@Vintage Double Hose shipped my 18# VDH wing, I moved to Fort Lauderdale, I went by DGX and grabbed some hardware and a aluminum backplate (will probably rig another setup once I get the SS Freedom from Eric), I received blue webbing from Piranha and I rigged my first BP/W. Below are the shots of me setting it up. I think the plate rides a little low on my back so I may mess around with the straps some but it looks freaking awesome.

I've left the waist straps plenty long until I get it dialed in just right.
I bought 16' of navy blue webbing but I could have gotten away with 12' (good to know for the future).
I think I'll add some of the tube webbing on the left waist strap to act as a keeper for the excess webbing.

I need a bungee for my inflator hose and I'll be ready to roll.
I went with the 16" inflator hose on the VDH and probably should have gone shorter
I'll pick up a 12" next time I've over at DGX

By the way, I went in to DGX right as they were opening and Keith was great. He gave me some advice on rigging my first harness and gave me some more dive op recommendations local to FLL/Boca.

This is a picture from the 15th floor temporary housing apartment we are staying in until our household effects get delivered in May. It's Sunrise Harbor in Fort Lauderdale

View media item 207791
This is the 18# VDH Wing and the rest of the harness goodies:

View media item 207790
And the rest of the pics as I set up the backplate and wing
View media item 207781View media item 207782View media item 207783View media item 207784View media item 207785View media item 207786View media item 207787View media item 207788View media item 207789

Maybe I missed it did you go with standard or stiff webbing? And what do you think feeling wise of which either you chose?

 

[ams511]

@CDMac 2 things:

1) You are missing the o-ring or bungee loop on the left shoulder D-ring to hold the inflator hose.
2) VDH sells the shoulder pads cheaper than DGX.​

 

[Diver below 83]

@CDMac 2 things:

1) You are missing the o-ring or bungee loop on the left shoulder D-ring to hold the inflator hose.
2) VDH sells the shoulder pads cheaper than DGX.​

And they have the matching logo to his wing. Matching ftw lol