Among the DGX pages, there are three brands: OMS, DGX, and Dive Rite. None are likely to have reduced lifespans. The soft plate ones are a bit less versatile. The hogarthian ones are more bare bones, so less friendly for those new to BP/W. I would focus on the 'Metal plate' page, skipping those for doubles. That leaves the DGX travel, two OMS, and two Dive Rite Transplate. The DGX one is cheaper, but they do not thread it for you.... The Transplate is more commonly discussed than the OMS. DGX threads it and the OMS. Dive Right In Scuba (DRIS) threads a similar DiveRite package, but with more options. So looking at the DGX and the threaded for you DiveRite Transplate packages.
- Plate: I'd go with metal plate, not fabric or transpac, for versatility. Aluminum or cutout steel for more flexibility in placing ballast for trim. If you know you need a more generous lead load (not you, being dense), go with the solid steel plate as you'll still have lead to play with for trim and ditching.
- Integrated: A common option is DiveRite 8 lb each side. That is a lot, but provides generous capacity, and has quick release. Could also go with DR 4lb travel lock on each side, but that would be more fine tuned and not as default fast release. I like some ditchable, possibly for surface ditching, but it could be integrated or a belt. Belt has advantages of lightening the rig weight out of the water.
- Trim: 2x DGX trim pockets - To put on top tank strap for trim weights. Trim *really* makes diving easier. This gives two places to distribute lead between, the trim pockets and the ditchable pockets/belt, instead of being stuck with whatever trim the plate + integrated or belt gives you.
* Low cost:
DGX Custom - DGX Singles Harness / Backplate / Wing Package $458 + $20 for 2x DGX trim pockets
- Plate: Aluminum
- Pads: No. More stuff to dry out. Even a thin suit provides padding.
- Weights: DR Quick Buckle 16lb
Pros: Cheapest package? Few confusing options. Good quality.
Cons: Harness not threaded for you. Threading is simple, but you may not want to.
The Mirage may be fine as well, at similar cost. I have not heard of that wing. It can be pre threaded.
Mirage 23/38lb BP/W Package
* Pre Threaded, DiveRite.
Dive Right In Scuba's
Transplate XT Travel Package $699 + $20 for 2x DGX trim
- Web it: yes
- Harness size: how much web length they leave, presumably with a bit extra.
- Plate: XT Lite
- Wing: Voyager EXP 35 lb
The 25 lb likely suffices, but the 35 lb covers more environments.
Rec is more special purpose, XTs are extra heavy duty versions.
- LP hose: 15" this is a bit shorter than rec normal, but less clutter.
- Inflator: 12" w/ Elbow - matching the LP hose length
- Weights: DR Quick Buckle 16lb
- Cam straps: yes
- Crotch: 1.5" (size is not critical, padding just seems more to dry.)
- Harness: TransPlate XT
Pros: Threads the harness for you. Might be more solid.
Cons: $240 more expensive. This the XT harness is more complex (padding and D rings) than needed.
DRIS has a BP/W configurator,
BP/W Package Configurator that threads the harness. But it leaves you to add cam bands, inflator hose, and integrated pockets. Or the
Basic Harness BPW package $598, which has a simple harness but the solid steel plate, they might be happy to switch it for the cutout plate.
DGX also threads their Transplate at similar cost, but with a pull-to-dump inflator. Yanking on your lift device all the time to vent it is an unnecessary aggravation to it, best to just skip that approach.
Deep6 is another option:
Deep 6 Single Tank Backplate and Wing Package $489.