BP/W bad idea for newer diver?

[ArmyDiver]

I'm in the process of trying to decide what new gear to get. I've got the money saved up from being over here for a while and want to get myself a nice set of really good gear. I noticed that as people progress through their diving experience most end up at BP/W. I will be doing mostly warm water diving but would like to get into wreck diving eventually and maybe even possibly cave diving. So my question is this...

Would it be a wise move to get into a BP/W now or should I wait until I actually get certified for wreck/cave diving and upgrade then once I've got more experience. I have about 40 dives right now and have been using a BC for all of them. I don't expect to be diving dry.

[ianr33]

Originally Posted by ArmyDiver

Would it be a wise move to get into a BP/W now

Yes.


Simple as that

[medic001918]

Agree with ianr33. I'd be surprised if you were disappointed with your decision to get a BP/W set up.

Shane

[mm_dm]

I would say get the BPW now. If you put the kit together right you should save some money over a BC that you will eventually set aside. I could easily outfit a diver with gear I paid good money for that now sits unused. A good technical BC usually begins with a plate and harness. The wing is interchangeable depending on the need and the dive. Divers are always upgrading or changing their BPW's; so a good used wing isn't too hard to come by should you want to diversify while keeping the same plate/harness set up.

[ArmyDiver]

Excellent... Except now I have absolutely no idea what to look for. I've got a little experience with the BC's and they're pretty straightforward. But with the BP/W thing, how do I decide between the different types of harnesses and what webbing to go with? Also, there are a bunch of different types of wings. Is there really a difference other than style? Which would you suggest for a recreational diver? Would it be wise to try and get it cheaper used or should I just go ahead and get one new so I know exactly what I'm getting? I guess thats enough questions for now. Thanks in advance

[FishFood]

Unless you have mobility issues, the single peice webbing is the way to go. Easiest just to buy it in the kit:

Dive Rite Basic Harness reviews and discounts, Dive Rite

As for which wing and backplate, you may want to type 'bp/w' into ths search function. Everyone has there own opinion to what is "the best". Personally I think the Oxycheq 30lb Mach V is the best wing for a "rec" diver.... You dont need an STA, and it's more streamlined than most other wings.

OxyCheq Mach V Signature Wing reviews and discounts, OxyCheq

And, being in the Army, you'll probably like their digicam version.

[Black-Gorrilla]

Diverite, Oxycheq, Anybody really, offers a Hog harness set up, it's a couple of D-rings and belt slides, a buckle ans some webbing (some minor diff. between kits) so for a basic harness... just pick one.
For a BP, i would say SS, keeps weight off the belt...
for a single wing, Oxycheq Mach V... my favorite.
add 2 tank straps and some water and enjoy.

[ArmyDiver]

Alright... Well, here's what I've come up with. I know I could do it cheaper but I want something comfortable and figured I'd get the nicest thing I could now while I have the money. Plus with the money you guys saved me by suggesting to go straight to BP/W now, I'm still comming out on top.

Harness- My reason for choosing this is comfort mixed with the fact that I absolutely LOATH weightbelts and like the integrated system as its what I've grown accustomed to.
http://http://www.scubatoys.com/stor...nical_Sys tem

Wing- I read everyones comments on this wing and it seems like the perfect choice. I didn't see a selection for the camo wing though. Cause yes, I would like that.
OxyCheq Mach V Signature Wing reviews and discounts, OxyCheq

Backplate- I chose this simply because it matched the brand with the harness I was looking at and figured that would be the best way to go. If anyone has suggestions for something else that would work and be better for me, I'm all for it! Aluminum would be my first choice due to travel and weight issues.
Hollis Backplate reviews and discounts, Hollis

STA- I read a few threads about the wing that I chose and there was some debate as to whether or not a STA was needed. I figured I'd throw it into the mix anyhow and see what the suggestions were. Again, chosen due to the brand of wing.
Oxycheq Single Tank Adapter - STA reviews and discounts, OxyCheq

Tank Bands- These I just chose cause they looked like good quality bands. I was going to get two.
Dive Rite Stainless Steel Cam Latch Tank Strap reviews and discounts, Dive Rite

Now since my knowledge of BP/W's is rather limited I don't know if thats everything I will need. I'm hoping so. Please chime in with opinions and additional gear that would be suggested. I was planning on going with the zeagle ranger LTD. This total comes out to about $834 and the BC was going to be $771. So, as long as I didn't miss anything it looks like the BP/w choice was a good one. Do you think there would be a possibility to get all of that thrown into a package from ST for a better price? I will be buying about another two grand worth of stuff as well. Maybe they'll cut me a good deal haha. Thanks in advance. Looking forward to hearing everyones input on this one.

[rongoodman]

Agree with the Hog harness and small singles wing. The prices you're quoting seem high. You can buy a complete Halcyon Eclipse and SS plate system for $720 from Extreme Exposure and Halcyon gear is not noted for being cheap.

[FishFood]

Youll have to call Scubatoys to get the camo version.

My reason for choosing this is comfort mixed with the fact that I absolutely LOATH weightbelts and like the integrated system as its what I've grown accustomed to.

You're paying over $300 to fix a non-problem. My $40 harness is VERY comfortable. With a steel backplate, you'll need less weight. Add in a weighted STA and youll need even less (depending on the diving you do)

If the STA + BP doesn't get you down, you can either put weights on your tank cambands. Or, I have a set of these around my waist for the times I dont feel like adding weight to my cambands -

XS Scuba Weight Pocket reviews and discounts, XS Scuba

That's 'integrated' weight.

IMO, if you want that big bulky harness, there's not much point in going BP/W. Especially for that price.

If you dive with a lot of neoprene, get a steel backplate and a weight STA. That's -12 pounds right there. Weights on the cambands or waist pockets and you're good to go.