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- I'm a Fish!
I have officially begun my inevitable downward spiral to the dark side 
After a year of diving my trusty Ranger, I finally took the plunge and ordered a BP/W setup. Primarily, this was because I wanted a rig that I could grow with, transition to doubles with, and travel (lightly) with, and the Ranger just didn't do that. Don't get me wrong; I am immensely pleased with the Ranger as a rec BC, but if just doesn't provide the flexibility of a backplate and harness.
I did things a little differently than most and put this rig together a la carte. Normally this would mean that I'd pay an arm and a leg, but I ended up paying right around $500 for everything brand new (smokin deals to say the least). In the end it looks something like this
--Halcyon SS backplate and harness -- I was skeptical about the one-piece hog harness being difficult for entry/exit, but my fears were unfounded, and I am very thankful I didn't get a comfort harness now
--Oxycheq Mach V wing -- This wing really is, in my humble opinion, a fantastic singles wing. Low profile, rugged construction, 360 zipper, patchable bladder, etc...
--Halcyon STA -- Standard STA here, nothing unique (the STA/No STA argument
Halcyon SS cam buckles -- an extra $70 but WELL worth the investment
Needless to say, I'm very pleased. I was a little worried on the first dive about getting used to the trim/buoyancy characteristics, but I never felt out of control or unable to trim out.
For those of you thinking of switching (or even buying a BP/W for a first rig), I would highly recommend giving it some thought and trying as many configurations as you can before you buy. Though I don't regret going back inflate first, it certainly is the more expensive route.
After a year of diving my trusty Ranger, I finally took the plunge and ordered a BP/W setup. Primarily, this was because I wanted a rig that I could grow with, transition to doubles with, and travel (lightly) with, and the Ranger just didn't do that. Don't get me wrong; I am immensely pleased with the Ranger as a rec BC, but if just doesn't provide the flexibility of a backplate and harness.I did things a little differently than most and put this rig together a la carte. Normally this would mean that I'd pay an arm and a leg, but I ended up paying right around $500 for everything brand new (smokin deals to say the least). In the end it looks something like this
--Halcyon SS backplate and harness -- I was skeptical about the one-piece hog harness being difficult for entry/exit, but my fears were unfounded, and I am very thankful I didn't get a comfort harness now
--Oxycheq Mach V wing -- This wing really is, in my humble opinion, a fantastic singles wing. Low profile, rugged construction, 360 zipper, patchable bladder, etc...
--Halcyon STA -- Standard STA here, nothing unique (the STA/No STA argument
Halcyon SS cam buckles -- an extra $70 but WELL worth the investment
Needless to say, I'm very pleased. I was a little worried on the first dive about getting used to the trim/buoyancy characteristics, but I never felt out of control or unable to trim out.
For those of you thinking of switching (or even buying a BP/W for a first rig), I would highly recommend giving it some thought and trying as many configurations as you can before you buy. Though I don't regret going back inflate first, it certainly is the more expensive route.
