Bp+w

[drbill]

I was just coaxed into test diving a BP/W set-up at Casino Point this weekend. The rig I used is a new one made by DeepSeaSupply of Pasadena, CA. I was impressed with the build quality of the backplate and wing (a single 30# lift double-bagger) I used. It is a non-Hogarthian rig (a plus in my mind) whose quality seemed to exceed some of the Halcyon gear I've seen.

I only did one dive so far on it. Hard to really evaluate it based on that, but they left a rig for me to dive with later this week. It did not have the same tight fit as my X-Tech soft backpack and wing, but it may have been the way the rig was set up. However, its quality and comfortable fit topside makes this a rig I'll test again!

Dr. Bill

 

[MikeFerrara]

I've never heard of DeepSeaSupply. What was it about the quality that you thought was superior to the Halcyon?

What is there about a back plate and wing that would be non-Hogarthian?

 

[SmokeAire]

I've never heard of DeepSeaSupply. What was it about the quality that you thought was superior to the Halcyon?

What is there about a back plate and wing that would be non-Hogarthian?

NetDoc dives with one. He had it at Jupiter two weekends ago. He could tell you more.
Their web site is:www.deepseasupply.com

Chuck

 

[jonnythan]

A Hogarthian rig uses one continuous piece of webbing for the harness, not a bunch of different pieces sewn together and connected with plastic clips. A Hogarthian rig uses D-rings, not steel plates with holes cut in them. A Hogarthian rig has no right side D-ring.

The Hogarthian harness can be put together for about $30, and if you ever manage to break it, you only need to find 12' of weight belt webbing - not a whole new harness from the OEM.

 

[pipedope]

A Hogarthian rig uses one continuous piece of webbing for the harness, not a bunch of different pieces sewn together and connected with plastic clips.OEM.

This is a small overstatement.

The shoulder straps and waist strap are one piece of webbing.
The crotch strap is a second piece of webbing.

I am not sure that Hogarthian is as rigid and defined as you claim. The DIR rig is rigidly defined.

 

[jonnythan]

This is a small overstatement.

The shoulder straps and waist strap are one piece of webbing.
The crotch strap is a second piece of webbing.

I am not sure that Hogarthian is as rigid and defined as you claim. The DIR rig is rigidly defined.

Point taken about the crotch strap, but the Deep Sea Supply harness uses four pieces [correction: 8 individual pieces] of webbing and puts plastic buckles right on the shoulder straps.

As for Hogarthian being defined, let me quote Jarrod Jablonski in an article he wrote titled The Hogarthian Gear Configuration and let you decide whether the DSS harness fits the description:

The Hogarthian Style has many minor variations, yet its focus asserts a policy of minimalism. In other words if it is not needed it is a potential liability. The Hogarthian style strives to eliminate the unnecessary while configuring the necessary in the most streamlined manner possible.

 

[cool_hardware52]

I've never heard of DeepSeaSupply. What was it about the quality that you thought was superior to the Halcyon?

What is there about a back plate and wing that would be non-Hogarthian?

Mike,

I'm DeepSeaSupply. http://www.deepseasupply.com

We do offer a harness with Buckles etc that we are well aware is not "DIR" compliant.......but our backplate and wings, to the best of my knowledge are consistent with the DIR guide lines. Our wings have no bungies, no rapid exhaust, short hoses etc. If one removes the plastic pull on the overpressure valve and you should be compliant.

Nothing prevents rigging our BP with a single piece harness, just as nothing prevent a Halcyon plate (or FredT or OMS or DR etc.) from being equipped with some other style harness.

Our approach to tank mounting, plate bend, wing retention etc. does differ from other manufacturers. We also given much thought to making our gear convenient to setup for use and easy to breakdown and service post use.

Our website is a work in progress and may not convey all that we offer well. If anybody has questions I'd be happy to answer.

Regards,


Tobin George

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

I was just coaxed into test diving a BP/W set-up at Casino Point this weekend. The rig I used is a new one made by DeepSeaSupply of Pasadena, CA. I was impressed with the build quality of the backplate and wing (a single 30# lift double-bagger) I used. It is a non-Hogarthian rig (a plus in my mind) whose quality seemed to exceed some of the Halcyon gear I've seen.

I only did one dive so far on it. Hard to really evaluate it based on that, but they left a rig for me to dive with later this week. It did not have the same tight fit as my X-Tech soft backpack and wing, but it may have been the way the rig was set up. However, its quality and comfortable fit topside makes this a rig I'll test again!

Dr. Bill

It looks similar in design to the DiveRite TransPlate.

I used a TransPlate harness for a couple hundred dives before switching over to a more traditional hogarthian harness. This design does offer some advantages in terms of comfort and fit, because of the way the straps are designed. The shoulder straps fit closer in over your shoulders than a standard harness (more like a well-designed backpack). And you can cinch them down nice and tight once you've got the harness on, which makes the whole rig conform more naturally to your body. I love how this type of harness fits and feels.

The trade-off, of course, is the introduction of additional straps, buckles, and other pieces that some would refer to as "failure points" ... and the fact that a replacement harness is over $100. If minimalism is important to you, this isn't a good choice, because the harness essentially works like a standard BCD.

But if your priority is fit and comfort ... and you don't mind paying a bit more for replacement parts ... then this design is worth considering. And yes, I've used 'em both and I do believe this type of harness offers a slightly better performance because you can snug it down on your body, whereas with a standard harness you have to leave some slack to get it on and off.

Personally, I'll stick with the hog rig ... mainly because of the cost factor (replacing a harness every couple hundred dives isn't cost-effective). But at times I do miss the fit and feel of the multi-piece harness.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[alemaozinho]

Just wondering if it is worth getting a BP+W setup for just recreational diving. The most technical thing i might do is dive for lobstah. I live in RI

yes,better trim,more streamlined,about seven pounds of your belt,very durable,easy maintainance, ect.check out oxycheck,they have extra heavy duty backplates 1/4 inch thick,10-12 lbs heavy.peace

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

yes,better trim,more streamlined,about seven pounds of your belt,very durable,easy maintainance, ect.check out oxycheck,they have extra heavy duty backplates 1/4 inch thick,10-12 lbs heavy.peace

Careful with those heavy plates though ... they might cause you to trim out head-heavy.

If you really want an extra-heavy plate, drop me a PM ... I've got a beautiful FredT 9-lb plate I'm considering selling. Love the plate, it's just not the correct choice for the rig I'm trying to dive (probably should've gone the other direction and gotten an AL plate).

... Bob (Grateful Diver)