Cheapest BP/W setup out there?

[wolfen42]

Ok, so I'm cheap.

What's the cheapest BP/W setup you can put together new?

This is what I've found...

Hammerhead cold water setup $110 (SS backplate and single tank adaptor)
Hammerhead warm water setup $80
Hammerhead harness kit(w/ rigging) $75


Highland Millworks Steel plate and harness $129 (with free shipping can be used without STA)

OxyCheq Hogarthian Harness from scubatoys $44



Wings... single tank wings...


OxyCheq Mach V Signature Wing $285

[ratown]

Dive Rite Cam Straps (2)- $40.95
Dive Rite SS Backplate- $96.95
Dive Rite Basic Harness- $26.95

Oxycheq Mach V Razor Wing- $205.95

[mentalmarine]

The dive rite AL backplate from ST: 65.00 (you might be able to find it cheaper and get a price match)
Scuba Sex Bolts for the wing: 8.40
Stainless Steel Cam Latch Tank Strap x2: 49.99
Dive rite 1" croch strap: 9.92
Dive Rite Basic Harness: 42.00 (you might be able to find it cheaper and get a price match)

Total: 175.31 (10% discount) = 157.77
Find a used 30lbs wing on one of the forums like the Oxycheq 30#: 150

Total : $307.77

Or you could go with the BackPlate and Wing Package:Standard Single Cylinder Wing 30Lbs., Dive Rite Aluminum Backplate, plastic Tank Straps for 335.85 and get your 10% off of that one.

I got my wing used and saved a bunch, dont forget that ST pricematches, it pays to look around.

[cmburch]

Hammerhead requires a bit of work cutting webbing, etc. See SCUBABoard and search the BP. There is a discussion and picture on set-up.

[wolfen42]

Originally Posted by cmburch

Hammerhead requires a bit of work cutting webbing, etc. See SCUBABoard and search the BP. There is a discussion and picture on set-up.

Thanks, I was assuming that all basic harnesses would probably require that.

[CompuDude]

Originally Posted by wolfen42

Thanks, I was assuming that all basic harnesses would probably require that.

All basic harnesses require a few passes with scissors. No big deal. The issue some people have with Hammerhead plates is they are not well finished... lots of sharp edges that will tear up your harness. So you have to put some elbow grease into the plate to debur and smooth things up a bit before using it.

Personally, a backplate is indestructible unless you want to use it for target practice with a really high powered rifle (I don't think an M16 would really hurt it... you'd need an M1A or better) or run over it with a tank.

Save some dough and buy it used. Similarly, the harness is likely just fine used, as long as there is enough to adjust to your size (easy to verify before purchase, else a $12 purchase to use existing SS hardware and new webbing). The only critical piece of a bp/w that can get hurt badly by maltreatment is the wing. So I'd recommend buying a new wing and everything else used.

[ChrisA]

Originally Posted by wolfen42

Ok, so I'm cheap.
What's the cheapest BP/W setup you can put together new?

The cheapest setup is always the one that works on warm water. An alumium backplate with a diverite travel wing. But is this what you need?

[ChrisA]

Originally Posted by mentalmarine

The dive rite AL backplate from ST: 65.00 (you might be able to find it cheaper and get a price match)
Scuba Sex Bolts for the wing: 8.40
Stainless Steel Cam Latch Tank Strap x2: 49.99
Dive rite 1" croch strap: 9.92
Dive Rite Basic Harness: 42.00 (you might be able to find it cheaper and get a price match)

If you are realy needing watch pennies. Home Depot has the SS bolts for less. You can salvage a cam band off your old BC and save $49.99
A 1" strap can be made up of common parts that cost about $2 total
The first back plates were made with seat belt webbing but even if you have to pay "dive shop prices" it's only a buck a foot and you can re-use a buckle off an old weight belt. I think there is room the scrounge off $50 to $70

[reactive]

I don't think you can really go wrong with this:
BackPlate and Wing Package, DIR and Technical, OxyCheq, BackPlate and Wing Package

Your avatar reminds me of Farva from Super Troopers.

[CompuDude]

Originally Posted by reactive

I don't think you can really go wrong with this:
BackPlate and Wing Package, DIR and Technical, OxyCheq, BackPlate and Wing Package

Your avatar reminds me of Farva from Super Troopers.

Even nicer when you knock 10% off with the forum discount.