Tyler Q Hemmerich
Registered
Hey All,
First post. I've been trolling for knowledge and have learned a good deal here.
I'm ditching my Aqualung Dimension BCD and am shopping for a BP/W. I start TDI's Intro to Tec followed by Deco Diver next month. Pretty jazzed. I intend to go "hogarthian" but am looking for a few bits of advice.
Some info that might help.....
- I am 5' 9.5", 185 lbs, fit (military), and leg heavy (road cyclist/runner).
- I'll be diving the Red Sea (bath water) for the next 6-18 months.
- I wear a rash guard - no neoprene aside from rock boots and thin gloves.
- Diving my Aqualung Dimension BCD requires 8-10 lbs
- A desire is to move weight from my waist to directly over my lungs.
- Travel weight is not a big issue right now.
- Adding/changing kit in the future when dive conditions change (like dry suit diving Lake Michigan) is not a problem. I'm not looking for a one-size-fits-all solution.
Given the above,
1) BP Material?? Can I get away with a SS back plate? Will it be too heavy? Should I go with an aluminum BP and SS tank strap cams? Will a STA + SS BP + SS cams be too much? What combo of metal would you recommend?
2) Integrated Weight?? Halcyon makes a really slick integrated weight system for the polymer Traveler system. Halcyon is not an option - too costly, not versatile (single tank only). But Dang their four trim pockets on the plate is cool. Who else does something like Halcyon's Traveler weight system for plain old AL or SS BP?
3) Single Tank Wing Lift ?? Given Red Sea bath water, 23-25 lbs? 28-30 lbs?
4) Double Tanks Wing Lift ?? Again, given Red Sea bath water how much lift is appropriate? I do plan to rent/borrow from my LDS so this one may answer itself with help of my TDI instructor.
5) Brands ?? I'm thinking HOG or Dive Rite. Apeks, Hollis, and Halcyon seem to have great stuff that is too spendy. XDeep is out based on too many reports of poor customer service. Any other suggestions or cautionary tales would be most welcome.
Thanks in advance for the help. SCUBAboard has been a great resource. I look forward to the responses.
!!! ATTACK !!!
First post. I've been trolling for knowledge and have learned a good deal here.
I'm ditching my Aqualung Dimension BCD and am shopping for a BP/W. I start TDI's Intro to Tec followed by Deco Diver next month. Pretty jazzed. I intend to go "hogarthian" but am looking for a few bits of advice.
Some info that might help.....
- I am 5' 9.5", 185 lbs, fit (military), and leg heavy (road cyclist/runner).
- I'll be diving the Red Sea (bath water) for the next 6-18 months.
- I wear a rash guard - no neoprene aside from rock boots and thin gloves.
- Diving my Aqualung Dimension BCD requires 8-10 lbs
- A desire is to move weight from my waist to directly over my lungs.
- Travel weight is not a big issue right now.
- Adding/changing kit in the future when dive conditions change (like dry suit diving Lake Michigan) is not a problem. I'm not looking for a one-size-fits-all solution.
Given the above,
1) BP Material?? Can I get away with a SS back plate? Will it be too heavy? Should I go with an aluminum BP and SS tank strap cams? Will a STA + SS BP + SS cams be too much? What combo of metal would you recommend?
2) Integrated Weight?? Halcyon makes a really slick integrated weight system for the polymer Traveler system. Halcyon is not an option - too costly, not versatile (single tank only). But Dang their four trim pockets on the plate is cool. Who else does something like Halcyon's Traveler weight system for plain old AL or SS BP?
3) Single Tank Wing Lift ?? Given Red Sea bath water, 23-25 lbs? 28-30 lbs?
4) Double Tanks Wing Lift ?? Again, given Red Sea bath water how much lift is appropriate? I do plan to rent/borrow from my LDS so this one may answer itself with help of my TDI instructor.
5) Brands ?? I'm thinking HOG or Dive Rite. Apeks, Hollis, and Halcyon seem to have great stuff that is too spendy. XDeep is out based on too many reports of poor customer service. Any other suggestions or cautionary tales would be most welcome.
Thanks in advance for the help. SCUBAboard has been a great resource. I look forward to the responses.
!!! ATTACK !!!