Oxycheq questions

[tomich]

I was looking for a travel bcd, since my Scubapro T-Black weights a heinous 10 pounds. Not fun when it takes up a quarter of your bag and weight limit!

I was looking into getting a travel BCD, but so many of them look disposable. I was thinking of getting a low end but well built BCD, but then have been reading about the joys of a BP/W setup.

After reading endless posts, I was looking at a BP/W setup. I had a couple questions about an Oxycheq travel setup:

- They have a lightweight BP, and a travel BP. i assume the lightweight BP is lighter - but what would you recommend the travel BP for over the lightweight?

- The light, travel wing has 18 pounds of lift. most bcd's have this amount as well. aside from carrying a lot of tec gear (extra bottles, etc.) or a situation where you have to carry something immense, do you see a need for more than 18 pounds of lift? Do you really see 18 pounds as cutting it short?

Thanks all!

Matt

[DevilDiver]

Depends on how much weight you will need for the dive. If you plan for minimal weight (0-12lbs) the 18 wing would be fine. If you plan to need more than 14lbs of weight I would go for the 30lb wing.

I have both and the 30 is only slightly larger and about 3" longer than the 18lb.

[tomich]

Originally Posted by DevilDiver

I have both and the 30 is only slightly larger and about 3" longer than the 18lb.

Thanks!

How much heavier is the 30, with a travel situation in mind?

And which backplate do you use?

[DevilDiver]

Originally Posted by tomich

thanks! and how much heavier is the 30? negligible?

I was actually wondering this as I was replying earlier, truthfully I have never checked but it would be ounces and should be a non-issue.

[Splitlip]

Originally Posted by tomich

I was looking for a travel bcd, since my Scubapro T-Black weights a heinous 10 pounds. Not fun when it takes up a quarter of your bag and weight limit!

I was looking into getting a travel BCD, but so many of them look disposable. I was thinking of getting a low end but well built BCD, but then have been reading about the joys of a BP/W setup.

After reading endless posts, I was looking at a BP/W setup. I had a couple questions about an Oxycheq travel setup:

- They have a lightweight wing, and a travel wing. i assume the lightweight wing is lighter - but what would you recommend the travel wing for over the lightweight?

- The light, travel wing has 18 pounds of lift. most bcd's have this amount as well. aside from carrying a lot of tec gear (extra bottles, etc.) or a situation where you have to carry something immense, do you see a need for more than 18 pounds of lift? Do you really see 18 pounds as cutting it short?

Thanks all!

Matt

You are kind of mixing wings and plates here.

Oxy has a SStravel plate which weighs in at 2.2 pounds and an ultra lite plate weing in a 1 1/4 pounds. Both are unconventional with the ultralite being really unconventional.

I would simply go with the tradiitional Aluminum plate. My DR weighs 1.75 and is about 1.25 # negative. A traditional plate is so much better than the other 2 for you unless you have really dialed things in. I know that you have not from your post.

Now as to weight of the 18 v. 30, I can't say. I plan to switch things around this week. If I get the chance, I 'll weigh them. I suspect you will be splitting hairs.

As to the performance of the two with different gear configs, there has been discussion. Remember, you want the wing to float your rig without you in it.

[tomich]

Originally Posted by Splitlip

You are kind of mixing wings and plates here.

I saw; corrected!

Originally Posted by Splitlip

Oxy has a SStravel plate which weighs in at 2.2 pounds and an ultra lite plate weing in a 1 1/4 pounds. Both are unconventional with the ultralite being really unconventional.

I would simply go with the tradiitional Aluminum plate. My DR weighs 1.75 and is about 1.25 # negative. A traditional plate is so much better than the other 2 for you unless you have really dialed things in.

If I am reading correctly, your standard DiveRite aluminum plate weighs less than the OxyCheq "travel" plate?

Originally Posted by Splitlip

Now as to weight of the 18 v. 30, I can't say. I plan to switch things around this week. If I get the chance, I 'll weigh them. I suspect you will be splitting hairs.

Thanks! And so if the weight difference is negligible between a travel BP and 18 pound wing, and your standard aluminum BP with a 30 pound wing, is there any benefit to the travel rig? Is it significantly smaller dimensions?

Thanks in advance!

[Splitlip]

No, but I just went to to the Oxy site. The ultra lite "plate" weighes in at under .75 #. I have no idea what it's buoyancy is.

An aluminum plate weigh .75# more and at least will offset some weight.

The ultralite plate is very untraditional. Threads differently and I have no clue as to buoyancy. And no way to add accesories.

And to the travel plate?? It weighs more to transport than the aluminum and provides a little more ballast than the aluminum without the traditional attachments.

I am telling you, if you are considering the two extremes, settle in to the middle ( and more traditional) aluminum plate.

You frankly are considering two extremes which don't have their place unless you you are seriously dialed in.

[tomich]

Originally Posted by Splitlip

No, but I just went to to the Oxy site. The ultra lite "plate" weighes in at under .75 #. I have no idea what it's buoyancy is.

An aluminum plate weigh .75# more and at least will offset some weight.

The ultralite plate is very untraditional. Threads differently and I have no clue as to buoyancy. And no way to add accesories.

And to the travel plate?? It weighs more to transport than the aluminum and provides a little more ballast than the aluminum without the traditional attachments.

I am telling you, if you are considering the two extremes, settle in to the middle ( and more traditional) aluminum plate.

You frankly are considering two extremes which don't have their place unless you you are seriously dialed in.

thanks for the warning and the advice. it sounds like the traditional plate will offer more options down the road without a massive difference in weight.

from your experience, what harness do you recommend/prefer?

[bubbletrubble]

Originally Posted by tomich

from your experience, what harness do you recommend/prefer?

For style of harness, I would start out with a no frills, basic hog harness. It's relatively inexpensive and works great. If you don't like it, then spend a few more bucks for a deluxe harness with quick-release doo-dads. FYI, the majority of local BP/W divers in my area (SoCal) end up with a basic hog harness. Don't know how it is in other places.

With regard to what brand harness to get...
Option #1 (Cheaper): Purchase all the parts (D-rings, belt buckle, crotch strap, webbing, tri-glides, etc.) on your own and assemble it yourself.
Option #2 (Slightly more expensive): Buy a brand-name kit and assemble it yourself. Any kit should work just fine. Expect to pay $30 - $45. Convenient because it's a complete kit.

Here's more info that you might find helpful...
I like the stiffness of Halcyon webbing on my cold water BP/W rig. However, it is more expensive.
I bought the Dive Rite basic hog setup for my warm water rig. The Dive Rite webbing is a lot floppier than the Halcyon. I think that both types of webbing are equally comfortable. YMMV.

I think ScubaToys is having a closeout sale on a Salvo basic hog kit.

[Scuba Pete]

The ultralight plate is just a soft plate. It really is no different than the transpac. You can add a basic hog harness to it, or any other harness that a backplate can. You could also look at the zeagle tech express bc, that looks pretty nice to me.