Suggestions for replace BCD - BP/W

[aprxh]

I ended up purchasing a DSS Medium SS BP with a Torus 17 wing and a HOG harness. Tobin was very helpful.

I got the BP/W 2 weeks ago and went in the pool with it for an hour practicing getting the kit on and off underwater and on the surface.
In the pool I needed 4 pounds of lead with the AL80 tank with 400 PSI of air. The 3 MM wetsuit would not sink with 6 pounds of lead but did with 8 pounds of lead.

I dove the rig 2 times so far at a local dive site (Blue Heron Bridge salt water) and I love it. I like it better than the black diamond BC that I have been using for years. I like the HOG harness and I am glad I listened to what people were saying.
In salt water I need 8 pounds of lead.

Thanks for everyone feedback on this.

 

[edasque]

Yeah, BP/W is a nice upgrade from a traditional BC, it can also be less expensive at least less expensive than the nicest BCs out there. My buddy Twain has a nice new article on choosing BP/W over BCs as a recreational diver. It's been a subject of controversy, certainly but is an interesting article nonetheless:

Backplate, Harness, Wing for recreational divers | Thinking Diver

 

[rongoodman]

On a recent trip to Bonaire I left my 3mm wetsuit hanging in the storage area one morning, which I found out about when we got to the dive site. I put my BP/W and one piece harness on over a T-shirt and swim suit and went diving with no problem(except for the comments about my white legs scaring the fish). I find the Halcyon webbing a little softer and more comfortable than the stiffer stuff that Oxycheq supplies.

I've never owned a jacket style BC, and only used one in my OW class.

 

[cool_hardware52]

I currently have a Seaquest Black Diamond BC. I used if for about 16 years and it is leaking from where the power inflator attaches to the bladder and I was told it cannot be repaired.
I would like to replace it with a BP/W.
I dive in warm water only now (South East FL and Vacation). I use a 3MM wetsuit(new wetwear) and I use 17 pounds of lead. AL 80 tank
I might want to get cavern certified but not cave.

My concerns are how comfortable is the 1 piece Basic Harness.
My current BC has weight pockets built in and I have not worn a weight belt in 16 years.

I am looking for recommendations for a BP/W BCD.

I am 5' 10'' and weight 165. I like to lobster and spearfish and take pictures

In a 3mm suit and al 80 17 lbs of lead (and 2 lbs of regulator )sounds like a bit too much.

You need ~4 to sink the 3mm suit and 4 to offset an empty al 80 and your current BC is probably 2-4 lbs positive due to foam etc.

I'd guess you need about 8 lbs of lead and 2 lbs of regulator unless you are very inherently buoyant.

If I'm right in my assumptions you could use a SS back plate, and regulator and no other ballast with an al 80.

Your rig would be about -10 lbs with a full tank, 6 in the back plate and harness, 2 for the reg and 2 for the full al 80.

Your suit can only loose the buoyancy it starts with, and for a 3mm that's about 4 lbs. (for a person of normal stature)

You can use a small wing, 17 to 20 lbs is plenty. 17 will easily float a rig that's -10, and 17 is more than enough to offset the full compression of your 3mm suit.

No need for a 30 or 40 lbs wing.

Tobin


Oops, looks like I needed to read post # 11. Thanks for the order!

Tobin