Some good observations to follow up. Point by point...
1.) Halcyon - I wanted to buy locally and have the shop set it up.
Halcyon's website under 'Dealers' doesn't list any for TN, and only one for KY, which is Horizon Divers in Lexington. That's a few hours drive each way. I wanted something closer.
2.) I hear good things about the Halcyon harness. If I were rigging it myself, I might've taken the chance and ordered online.
3.) I was interested in Dive Rite, but I don't think they make an AL backplate now (& I can't stand the bare metal look), and I don't think their wing has built-in soft stabilizers (but OMS has a maybe $20 or so version you can buy and attach to a wing that lacks them), the Dive Rite's 'armored' version wing appealed. I preferred build-in soft stabilizers so there'd be 2 less screws to maybe come loose, etc..., someday.
4.) A Cam Band may be the main thing I think I could buy online and install on it myself. I was ambivalent; some people dive 1 cam band (at least on jacket BCDs), some 2; I prefer 2 for the added theoretical security, but much of that's psychological.
Good question: should I order & install a 2nd cam band? Opinions?
5.) Cost. Yeah, you can find cheaper BP/W setups. For an 'apples to apples' comparison,
DiveRightInScuba.com has a Hollis package option. 2XL backplate, they charge $10 to web it if you wish (I wish!), their wing options are 25 & 45 lbs (confusing since my wing is a Hollis 38 lbs; let's pick the 45 for the configurator), includes 2 tank bands rather than 1, it demands I select the back pad. $659, but no weight pockets, from pockets or crotch strap.
They have a Hollis crotch strap with scooter ring $21.95 (call $22), & a pair of Hollis trip pockets $24.95 (~ $25). But a Hollis stainless steel cam band is about $50. We could call that a wash. But the pair of 10 lbs weight pockets are ~ $160.
Remember that Dive Rite thigh pocket lists around $54 or so.
So, $659 + $210 or so? Ball park $860? Which includes a back pad I don't want. Let's add $10 for those 2 extra book screws I bought at the LDS: $870.
For the difference in price, I got personalized service including custom fitting, consultation with store staff weeks ago to help me consider various options & examine the Dive Rite thick pocket in person before deciding to buy one, and I can support a LDS whose existence might come in handy from time to time.
IIRC, recent changes in federal law may be ending the 'out of state Internet sales are free of sales tax for practical purposes' and online vendors may have to collect state tax soon? Not sure how that'll all shake out.
I could've bought an OMS setup; wing would've been a lower denier fabric than the Hollis. Might not mean much, but I'm hoping the Hollis is tougher. Could've bought different manufacturer parts to save money, but
per a page at DiveGearExpress.com:
"One configuration consideration is that plates and wings are not always perfectly interchangable among brands. Manufacturers tend to make subtle design decisions such as the placement of grommet holes and slots on the wing based on aligning similar slots and holes of their own brand of backplate. The shape of the flat in the center of a specific brand wing may be designed to match the specific shape of their plate so that the bladder is not pinched by the plate when the two are assembled together on doubles."
"For single tanks, you can usually avoid using a single tank adapter (STA) if the wing and plate are the same brand. By the same token when the brands are mismatched, or the wing manufacturer does not also offer a branded plate, a STA is pretty much a necessity."
I wanted to hedge my bets in favor of smooth interoperability, especially since I hope to avoiding needing a STA. And a consistent 'brand name' has some low grade aesthetic appeal over a 'Franken-rig.' Though I chose a Dive Rite pocket.
Richard.
Or at least that something is missing!
