BP/W package

[LCFrigon]

I am looking at two set ups...the Hollis Travel BC and ScubaToy's BP/W package with a few accesorries like a few more D rings pockets and shoulderpads.

Hollis Advanced Travel System, BCDS: Men, Hollis, Hollis Advanced Travel System
BackPlate and Wing Package, DIR and Technical, OxyCheq, BackPlate and Wing Package

Anyone have the BP/W package and what do you think of it? Looks amazing for the price, but not sure since am new to the whole BP/W game.

Please feel free to give me advice...criticise both choices offer different opinions and choices....strengths and weaknesses etc

Used for recreational diving and as a set up to grow with (as in experience..not fatter
Also needs to be light and versitle enough for travel.


Thanks,
Lorne

[oddbod]

Originally Posted by LCFrigon

I am looking at two set ups...the Hollis Travel BC and ScubaToy's BP/W package with a few accesorries like a few more D rings pockets and shoulderpads.

Anyone have the BP/W package and what do you think of it? Looks amazing for the price, but not sure since am new to the whole BP/W game.

Please feel free to give me advice...criticise both choices offer different opinions and choices....strengths and weaknesses etc

Used for recreational diving and as a set up to grow with (as in experience..not fatter
Also needs to be light and versitle enough for travel.


Thanks,
Lorne

Just received my Oxycheq MachV Wing from ST it looks fantastic so much more streamlined than my old one( not Oxycheq), without even diving with it I would be tempted to recommend it over an older style.

A lot really depends where and how you dive?
To me the Hollis looks messy and less streamlined in the picture (may not be in life). Still really looks like a BC.
The BPW can be more versatile SS. plate for added weight or Al. for travel etc. Singles now, twins/sling tanks later.
If you dive with a wetsuit I find shoulder pads not necessary, you may want to consider a more refined harness, ie: swivel/quick releases etc. the pockets can be added and removed easily but don't overdo them, and weight integration is possible.
Make up your own package and ask ST for a price. Don't forget to mention your Forum 10% discount, I did.

[cummings66]

You may need a STA with the special package. It depends on the wing. Double check on ti.

[BobbyWombat]

Originally Posted by cummings66

You may need a STA with the special package. It depends on the wing. Double check on ti.

I think Cummings66 is right...I believe that the wing does not come with the "roll control tabs" found on the Mach V wings. So you would probably need a STA. A previous discussion on this package also noted that it is missing cam-bands for the tank. So that is something like $50 + $30 = $80 more you need to spend to actually get this package in the water.

There is no doubt that Oxycheq makes quality stuff. I would consider the Mach V carefully before pulling the trigger on this package, though. ST will make you a deal if you package it all up together. It will cost you more, but it is a nice wing.

The aluminum BP I like for travelling (it is what I have) but the weight you save in the plate you will wind up having to carry elsewhere. Others argue that the steel BP is only a few lbs more, so they don't mind carrying the extra weight.

I know nothing about the Hollis line, so can't help you there.

[Sounder]

I can't say enough GREAT things about the DSS wings and plates. They're worth a look and serious consideration. The owner is the one of very few people who will actually talk you OUT of buying one of his products when it's not right for you.

www.deepseasupply.com

[cummings66]

I own the DSS plate, Taurus 49 wing and the LCD 30. All of them are incredible deals. I love mine and wouldn't give them up willingly.

[LCFrigon]

Originally Posted by BobbyWombat

I think Cummings66 is right...I believe that the wing does not come with the "roll control tabs" found on the Mach V wings. So you would probably need a STA. A previous discussion on this package also noted that it is missing cam-bands for the tank. So that is something like $50 + $30 = $80 more you need to spend to actually get this package in the water.

There is no doubt that Oxycheq makes quality stuff. I would consider the Mach V carefully before pulling the trigger on this package, though. ST will make you a deal if you package it all up together. It will cost you more, but it is a nice wing.

The aluminum BP I like for travelling (it is what I have) but the weight you save in the plate you will wind up having to carry elsewhere. Others argue that the steel BP is only a few lbs more, so they don't mind carrying the extra weight.

I know nothing about the Hollis line, so can't help you there.

figure a weightbelt is the easiest thing ever to rent while traveling and most resorts, even those with poor equipment maitenance can't mess up a weighbelt too much

[LCFrigon]

Originally Posted by LCFrigon

figure a weightbelt is the easiest thing ever to rent while traveling and most resorts, even those with poor equipment maitenance can't mess up a weighbelt too much

I looked at the diverite BP and it says that an STA is not needed, but have sent ST an email to confirm this...would be a piss off to get it all here and realize that I am missing an essential part. Figure the ST guys wouldn't put a package together that wasn't complete, but you never know so thanks for the warning....will let everyone know what they say...

As for DSS...well I have spent the last month bothering Joe through nonstop emails and they have been nothing but great when I ordered previous gear, so I want to buy my first full package through them.

Plan on getting the BP/W package/Tusa Reg Package/Geo comp/and some accesorries such as spare D rings and such and spare mask save a dive kit etc....got about a grand to spend without the wife killing me in my sleep. Was at the begining only going to by a comp like the Atom 2, but decided I would rather my own set up to grow with. This will be my first complete set so over the years i am sure things will change and other pieces will become backup gear so I am leaning towards the BP/W style since it allows me to grow and modify more.

But hey...opinions are always welcome!!!
Cheers,
Lorne

[LCFrigon]

Here is the package i put together within my price range: please feel free to offer suggestions on what isn't needed or is redundant or what you would take of and replace with what:

Oceanic GEO Wristwatch
Titanium
Yes, add Oceanic Lens Cover
Yes, add a Oceanic Battery Kit
PC Downloader
$371.90
+50.00
Hanger Pack$19.95
Storm Whistle$5.95
Princeton Tec IMPACT XL Light$29.95
Zeagle Expandable Mesh Quick Pocket$20.50
Zeagle Clip Pocket Accessory$20.95
Zeagle Shoulder Pads$19.95
Dive Rite Belt Slide
2 Inch $0.99 $3.96
Dive Rite D Ring
2 Inch Bent $1.85 $3.70
Dive Rite D Ring
2 Inch $1.85 $3.70
BackPlate and Wing Package
Standard Single Cylinder Wing 30Lbs.
Stay with Dive Rite Aluminum Backplate
Yes, add Stainless Steel Dive Rite Tank Straps $367.35
$367.35
Tusa Regulator Package
Tusa RS-130
Tusa Imprex Octo
Yes, please send me an inflator hose
Metric (Meters - Bar)
Analog
Free Scubatoys Reg Bag $369.90
$369.90
Cetacea Deluxe Save-a-Dive Kit$34.50
$34.50
Tilos Frameless Mask
Black
Yes, add a black ST strap $55.90
$55.90

Sub Total:$1,378.16

[Sounder]

Originally Posted by LCFrigon

Here is the package i put together within my price range: please feel free to offer suggestions on what isn't needed or is redundant or what you would take of and replace with what:

Oceanic GEO Wristwatch
Titanium
Yes, add Oceanic Lens Cover
Yes, add a Oceanic Battery Kit
PC Downloader
$371.90
+50.00
Hanger Pack$19.95
Storm Whistle$5.95
Princeton Tec IMPACT XL Light$29.95
Zeagle Expandable Mesh Quick Pocket$20.50
Zeagle Clip Pocket Accessory$20.95
Zeagle Shoulder Pads$19.95
Dive Rite Belt Slide
2 Inch $0.99 $3.96
Dive Rite D Ring
2 Inch Bent $1.85 $3.70
Dive Rite D Ring
2 Inch $1.85 $3.70
BackPlate and Wing Package
Standard Single Cylinder Wing 30Lbs.
Stay with Dive Rite Aluminum Backplate
Yes, add Stainless Steel Dive Rite Tank Straps $367.35
$367.35
Tusa Regulator Package
Tusa RS-130
Tusa Imprex Octo
Yes, please send me an inflator hose
Metric (Meters - Bar)
Analog
Free Scubatoys Reg Bag $369.90
$369.90
Cetacea Deluxe Save-a-Dive Kit$34.50
$34.50
Tilos Frameless Mask
Black
Yes, add a black ST strap $55.90
$55.90

Sub Total:$1,378.16

Wow, that's quite an order!! You know, you COULD get the new Salvo 50w HID canister light for $1980... then you wouldn't need to buy a primary light. It's so funny, I spent SO much money when I was first buying gear and then as I've progressed in my diving, I've learned that unfortunately all the basic stuff is the cheap part.