Need advice on B/W set ups

[letsgodiving]

I am thinking of switching to a B/W BC, and wanted any input anyone can offer before I make the purchase. I will be mainly doing warm water recreational diving with my family.

I like the Dive Rite Transpac, and the OMS IQ harness...any input on either would be appreciate.

[skdvr]

I just made the switch to a BP/W myself so I do not have any experience with them except for all the research that I did first. I purchased a Hammerhead SS backplate, OxyChec Signature Series 30# wing, and Dive Rite basic harness. What I did not like with the Transpac is all the padding and such. I wanted to get away from the BC feel and simplify the harness. I did not look at the OMS harness so I have no feedback on that for you. You say that you are going to be doing warm water diving. I do not know what warm water is to you, or what kind of exposure protection you will wear. Maybe if you will not be wearing a wetsuit at all you may want the padding of the Transpac Harness. I do not doubt that it is a good system. I would just recommend that if you can find someone around you that is diving one and ask to check it out. Same goes for someone diving a BP/W with a basic harness.

Just my .02

Phil

[Centerius]

I have the Dive Rite Basic Harness (2" crotch strap) with Oxycheq Mach V Wing w/ STA. I can tell you that it is not at all uncomfortable, as soon as you're in the water, you can barely feel the thing.

[Wolfie2012]

The Oxycheq Mach V wing is definitely one of the best I've used. I use the 40lb lift version.

As for the harness, if you're looking for something basic, just buy a roll of webbing, a buckle - and if you're feeling particularly adventurous - some D-rings too. The simplest of BP/W harnesses is a single piece of webbing strung through the backplate. Personally, I like the simplicity of it. Others like the padded harnesses.

Anyway, my suggestion is to go for the oxycheq mach V wing. It is one of the most streamlined wings I've seen. As I said, I have the 40lb version and it sits so close to my tanks that one may wonder how you get 40lbs of lift out of it. Compare that to some of the diverites that make you look like an eagle ray because the wings are so big, and you'll know what I mean.

[BSea]

I have the dive rite delux harness. It's a step up from the hog harness. It uses a chest strap. When the chest strap is released, it gives you plenty of slack to get out of the harness. It's not adjustable like the transpack or trans plate. So it doesn't have all the padding.

I'm also sold on the Oxycheq Mach 5 wing. If you will mainly be doing warm water diving, you might look at the travel plate & the smaller 18 pound Mach 5. That would make a great travel BC.

I don't see the travel plate & the 18 pound Mach 5 wing on scubatoys website, but since they are a dealer, they can get them for you.

Most people usually get a wing bigger than they need. remember that a wing should be large enough to float your rig. So if you have a 5 or 6 pound backplate (the travel plate is less), a steel 100 tank that is 8 pounds negative in water when full, and your reg lets call it 2 pounds, an 18 pound wing will work fine. If you substitute an aluminum 80 & an aluminum plate or the travel plate, you should have twice the lift you need. But if you think you'll be putting weight pockets on it to compensate for a wetsuit, you might want to go with the 30# Mach 5.

[letsgodiving]

Originally Posted by skdvr

. I do not know what warm water is to you, or what kind of exposure protection you will wear.
Phil

I live in Florida, it was 97f outside yesterday and the heat index was 111f, so my definition of warm is a little skewed these days. We tend to dive south of our location, and mainly spring through fall. Most of the time the water temperature will be 80+, with the occasional winter dive in waters no colder than 70f. I always wear a 3mm suit.

I would prefer a more padded rig, so the Transpac and OMS IQ harnesses fit the bill. I am wavering toward to OMS IQ for a couple of reasons; it can take a backplate; and it is $100 cheaper.

Scubatoys have good prices on OxyCheq wings, and I am looking at the Mach V and Signature Series, 30lbs lift.

[cummings66]

Yeah, a 30lb wing is pretty versatile and would work well for you. You could use less but it does depend on the tanks being used.

I have a 30 lb wing and it has more lift than I need, it was enough to get an over weighted diver to the surface during a rescue class. In fact I'm guessing with how I had it configured then I had 5 lbs of excess lift with full HP120 tanks and the weight plate on it. That 5 lbs worked to lift him easily.

[Dive-aholic]

Originally Posted by letsgodiving

I live in Florida, it was 97f outside yesterday and the heat index was 111f, so my definition of warm is a little skewed these days. We tend to dive south of our location, and mainly spring through fall. Most of the time the water temperature will be 80+, with the occasional winter dive in waters no colder than 70f. I always wear a 3mm suit.

I would prefer a more padded rig, so the Transpac and OMS IQ harnesses fit the bill. I am wavering toward to OMS IQ for a couple of reasons; it can take a backplate; and it is $100 cheaper.

Scubatoys have good prices on OxyCheq wings, and I am looking at the Mach V and Signature Series, 30lbs lift.

Take a look at the Oxycheq site. There wings are the best. They also have a harness system. I don't think ST has it on their site, but they probably carry it in the store. And if they don't, they can get it in. When I bought my Oxycheq doubles wings from ST, they ordered them and had them in within a couple of days.

[BSea]

Originally Posted by letsgodiving

I would prefer a more padded rig, so the Transpac and OMS IQ harnesses fit the bill. I am wavering toward to OMS IQ for a couple of reasons; it can take a backplate; and it is $100 cheaper.

Scubatoys have good prices on OxyCheq wings, and I am looking at the Mach V and Signature Series, 30lbs lift.

You might also look at the Oxycheq O-Pack. It's a semi hard padded backpack. I've never used 1, but everything I've seen or used from Oxycheq is top notch. And no I don't work for them.

[WaterRat]

I know you said you wanted a padded rig. However if you haven't dove a BP/W, I can tell you that you really don't feel the hard plates. I like the stability of the solid plate. Not sure what your reasons are for wanting padded but if it's comfort, don't let the solid metal plate worry you. My 2 cents in case you haven't dove a plate before.

Ron