I too want a BP/W

[skdvr]

I am trying to figure out what woudl work best for me. I too was looking at the HH plates but I do not know if I should go with a SS or AL plate. My confusion is because I usually dive a HP 130 in a 7mm wetsuit with a hooded vest, gloves and booties, (I wear 8lbs of lead) so I would think that the SS plate would be a good option. BUT I also like to just hang out in the shallow water some times in a 3mm suit and I do not use any lead then. I do not do any drysuit diving yet but I am looking forward to doing it sometime in the future. I also mix in an AL 80 every once in a while too. So I was thinking that the AL plate would probably be the best option overall and then just add a little lead when I am wearing the 7mm or when I get a drysuit.

Then to the wing. I was looking at the Dive Rite Venture Wing Air Cell and the OxyCheq Signature Series Single Wing both of which seem to have a pretty good price on them at the moment. I just wanted to know what your thoughts were on those two wings...

Right now I am diving a Sherwood Avid BC. I like it and will probably keep it so if I ever instruct (future plans) I could still use it, but I would really like to switch to the BP/W.

Please let me know of any suggestions. I know this is kind of a repeat of a few others, but I wanted some godo advice for my specific situation.

Thanks to all
Phil

[Splitlip]

I have not used the Diverite Venture, but I don't get the shape with all that flare at the bottom. I have an Oxy Razor which has the same basic shape as Sig Series. It works for me.
The Sig series is a sturdier wing than the Diverite IMO. I have handled both and inspected them.

It sounds like you will eventually end up with 2 plates.
I use a steel plate with a single 98 and a 3 mil suit. I am 5-11 190-195.
Depending on what I am doing I will sometimes add 2 to 4 pounds.

You may be able to get by with steel for both. Fact is you probably will end up with 2 plates eventually, but you know you will be using a steel one.

I say go steel first to really appreciate the benefits. I went aluminum first as dive 1mil or 3 mil. The Aluminum was great with my 3 mil suit, until I got a steel plate.

[tedwhiteva]

I agree with Splitlip - go with a steel plate. I have DR recwing with about 100 dives on it (including instructing) with no issues on durability.

[cummings66]

I'd agree, go with a steel plate. It's going to get a lot of use and last forever. Plus you can lose some weight off the belt.

[Splitlip]

One more thing about Oxycheq. Call up Patrick, the owner. He will talk to you about his product if you have any questions. (you still want to buy it from Scubatoys. They will get a better price than buying direct)
When I was doing my due diligence I tried speaking to a number of wing manufacturers. Patrick was accessible by email and phone and even called me.
When I decided on Oxycheq I further talked to Patrick about a couple little tweaks I wanted on the set up. I "Frankensteined" a few things. I ultimately bought my set up from Scubatoys with Larry the legend himself helping me put it together. He drop shipped me the wing from Oxycheq and sent me the other assorted "non Oxy" dodads I needed to customize the package.
I don't recall if you said you were buying the wing from Scubatoys, but give them a shot. They will give you the best price and support. But you can still talk to Patrick. He is a blast.

edit: I just reread my post. Please don't think I am trying to suck up to Larry and Joe. I am not. It is my opinion based on my experiences that they will give the best price and customer support.

[skdvr]

Thanks for the opinions, they are appreciated...

Phil

[medic001918]

I have to agree with other's about the SS backplate. Stainless steel will help drop weight off your belt and will last forever.

Shane

[Joew]

Originally Posted by skdvr

I am trying to figure out what woudl work best for me. I too was looking at the HH plates but I do not know if I should go with a SS or AL plate. My confusion is because I usually dive a HP 130 in a 7mm wetsuit with a hooded vest, gloves and booties, (I wear 8lbs of lead) so I would think that the SS plate would be a good option. BUT I also like to just hang out in the shallow water some times in a 3mm suit and I do not use any lead then. I do not do any drysuit diving yet but I am looking forward to doing it sometime in the future. I also mix in an AL 80 every once in a while too. So I was thinking that the AL plate would probably be the best option overall and then just add a little lead when I am wearing the 7mm or when I get a drysuit.

If I were you I would go with an AL plate to start with. Given your weighting requirements I think it would be much more versatile. If you get a SS Hammerhead plate with their 2 piece STA that will weigh about 7.5 lbs. If you had this plate you would need no additional weight with your thickest suit, and would be overweighted in your 3mm. Go with the AL Hammerhead plate and 2 piece STA. The kit only costs $70 bucks, so your not out by a ton of money if you decide to get a SS plate. Also, the plate + STA weighs 4 lbs, so you'd only need an additional 4 lbs on a belt.

[Splitlip]

Originally Posted by Joew

If I were you I would go with an AL plate to start with. Given your weighting requirements I think it would be much more versatile. If you get a SS Hammerhead plate with their 2 piece STA that will weigh about 7.5 lbs. If you had this plate you would need no additional weight with your thickest suit, and would be overweighted in your 3mm. Go with the AL Hammerhead plate and 2 piece STA. The kit only costs $70 bucks, so your not out by a ton of money if you decide to get a SS plate. Also, the plate + STA weighs 4 lbs, so you'd only need an additional 4 lbs on a belt.

Joe has a good point. The HH single piece adapter is 5#. The 2 piece lighter adapter is only 2#, probably would not be enough. You might cut a deal with HH on an Al plate and a heavy adapter. Ony thing about HH adapters, they are set up for 7.25 Dia tanks. Not 8". You can tell them you have bigger tanks or you can bend them yourself. I have a 2 piece adapter I have bent back and forth a couple times.

[WaterRat]

Originally Posted by Splitlip

Ony thing about HH adapters, they are set up for 7.25 Dia tanks. Not 8". You can tell them you have bigger tanks or you can bend them yourself. I have a 2 piece adapter I have bent back and forth a couple times.

FWIW - I have used the 2 piece single tank adapter with an 8" tank without bending it and had no stability issues. I guess the tank probably say a little higher. Honestly I wasn't even aware that they were bent for a certain tank.

Ron