Help with my first BP/W

[microbe boy]

Hello everyone --- I am looking for some help with choosing my first BP/W set up.

I started diving about 7 years ago and at the time didn't know much so bought a jacket style BCD (Seaquest ProQD). It has worked well for me for many years, but I want to streamline my entire set up now and have decided to go to a BP/W. I like the simplicity, streamlining, and ruggedness.

I need help however with manufacturers. I've read a lot of the posts and see people who love DSS, Golem Gear, Dive Rite, OMS, OxyCheq, etc.... I've reviewed all of the different manufactueres I could find so far, and all seem to be fairly good.... the only real difference I can see is pricing for the most part.

I've kind of settled on the Oxycheq or the Golem Gear rigs (single tank 35#, SS plate).
Can those of you on the forum provide me with your opinions on why I should go with one supplier over another? other than price at this point.... that will have a factor in my choice, but I'm more concerned about product quality, features, etc....

Thanks for any feedback.

[ektess1]

Look at customer service. Read the post about what people say when there is a problem. Price is import, but how the customer is treated can make or break a company.

[MSilvia]

My top three picks for overall wing quality based on my personal experience and feedback from trusted divers:

• OxyCheq
• Halcyon
• GolemGear

For plates, it doesn't matter much, so long as the edges are finished, there are multiple mount points, and it's slotted (if you want that). I recommend Hammerhead as a low cost supplier of excellent plates.

For the most part, you're right... with the exception of poor quality gear, the biggest differentiator is price. Personally, the only brand of wing I don't like so far is DiveRite, and my experience with their wings is limited to the RecWing.

[BSea]

In my opinion, there isn't a better wing made than an Oxycheq. To be fair, I've never used a golem gear wing, but virtually every other wing I've looked at doesn't compare. I have an OMS wing for doubles, but I got it really cheap used. But comparing the quality between the two is like night & day.

[MSilvia]

Originally Posted by ektess1

Look at customer service. Read the post about what people say when there is a problem. Price is import, but how the customer is treated can make or break a company.

On the other hand, a backplate should never need service unless you run it over with a tank.

[Rainer]

I'd strongly recommend Deep Sea Supply.

[MSilvia]

DSS stuff is great, but not my first choice only because I prefer a single tank adapter and don't care for single tank stabilizer wings.

[texdiveguy]

My first pick would be a Zeagle set-up for the OP. Great gear and durable,,plenty of options.

[Rainer]

Originally Posted by MSilvia

DSS stuff is great, but not my first choice only because I prefer a single tank adapter and don't care for single tank stabilizer wings.

Any reason? I have STAs (homemade, love that MIT water jet...), but really, the DSS system is just as stable, and much easier to dissemble/assemble (for transport and cleaning). The ability to integrate weight plates, the flatter BP (great for single tank diving), nice touches (plastic inserts on slots), all at a great price really make the DSS set ups a great buy.

[Rainer]

Originally Posted by texdiveguy

My first pick would be a Zeagle set-up for the OP. Great gear and durable,,plenty of options.

Have lots of Zeagles regs, and once owned a Ranger, but don't know their BP/W wing set ups (did once sell a used Zeagle plate, seemed nice enough). What do you like about them compared to others?

I've owned/used Halcyon, Oxy, and DSS rigs. Prefer the DSS stuff in general.