bp\w setup need some help.

[bigman241]

Ok been looking at which bp\w to buy. Need some help. Flatliner has been helping me but thought i would get some more thoughts. Though he is doing a great job.
Diveing warm to slightly cold water 3mm or 5mm wetsuit. I am a big guy 6'5 470 though i am going to be dropping alot of weight soon. I will also be buyign and using steel hp 130 tanks. though i will be stuck renting the al 80s most of the time.
Flatliner said to go with the dss since the price is so good. But thought i would ask your thoughts. Though i do agree with him. But i do not want to go the wrong why because of some cash.

Here is what i was looking at on dss
Single Tank Rig w/ Long Pattern Stainless Steel plate, Hogarthian Harness, LCD 40 Single Tank Wing w/ 22 mil Bladder 480 plus plus 109 for the bolt on weights.
Or a custom setup like something me and flatliner was discussing.
stainless back plate 234
hog harness 58
OxyCheq Mach V Signature Wing280
stainless single tank adap 60
weight plate 108
total 740

[skdvr]

I know that DSS makes the long plate which would be nice for someone that is 6'5". I personally dive a Hammer Head SS plate that I really like and the price is like $90 or $95. If you want something like the long plate but do not want to spend an arm and a leg on it go over to Scubaboard and shoot a PM to FredT. He makes custom plates that are super nice. I buddy of mine has 2 or 3 from him. My buddy is 6'5" also. You could talk to Fred about making you a weight plate also. I am sure that they will be less expensive than DSS and just as nice. You could get the Dive Rite HOG harness for $33 with your ST discount, which is better than the $58 from DSS. I have never dove the DSS wings. I have an OxyCheq wing that I think is a great wing... That being said I would also check out HOG wings. I have not dove one but I have seen them and they too are really nice. If you shop around you can put something together for way less that $740...

Phil

[Flatliner]

Phil has a great suggestion on checking with Fred T on scubaboard. I forgot he makes a long plate. My reason for sticking with DSS is the long plate. If you can get one from Fred then go with one of the other wing options. I too have heard the hog wings are high quality. Also, the oxy check Mark V is really good from all reports. The extra weight of the STA would be good for you as well.

[bigman241]

thanks guys i will check with fred. Though very quitly over there i bet they still remember me. lol

[bigman241]

just sent him a pm. Going to go look at the hog wings.

[CompuDude]

I haven't seen them in person, but like what I've read about the HOG wings, I suspect they're quite good. Still the Mach V is the Cadillac.

DSS makes an integrated package that's very impressive, however. They're wings are excellent... I like OxyCheq's a smidge more, but if I had a DSS plate, the way the two work together as a system would definitely have me in a DSS wing. Tobin is great to work with, too.

In your alternate configuration, what weight plates were you looking at? DSS again, or is there another company that makes them?

[zoey]

I own a HOG and really like it. Excellent construction. The only complaint that I've heard is that the inflater is 'too quiet'. However, even with a 5mm wool lined hood on, I have no problem hearing mine.

Not that I'm complaining, but the price point on the HOG is ridiculously low.

[mitsuguy]

I just got a Hollis wing and love it... ultra rugged construction, seems reliably built, and, it doesn't require a STA... even better, the built in soft STA actually does its job of keeping the tank in place... Just one more option to look in to... (and will save you the $60 STA)

[skdvr]

I think for midwest diving he would probably benifit from a STA. I use my 5lbs STA on all single tank dives unless I am wearing my 3mm. Then I have a 2.5 lbs 2 piece STA.

Phil

[Jack Hammer]

I've got two HOG wings and have been very happy with them so far. I also use the 5# STA, I like it alot because it helps keep my trim and weighting more similar when I switch between diving singles or doubles.