BP/W configuration question

[nathan]

Heya, i'm considering purchasing a BP/W Setup, but was really hopeing for some suggestions.

I'm 200lbs, 6 foot, dive mostly 60-110 feet (but occasionally do shallower and deeper dives, but stay above 130 ft). I've dived with all rental jackets, with typically around 10 lbs around my waist in mostly warm saltwater with no exposure suit. I use single tanks, with whatever tank the rental shop gives me (typically 3000 psi steel tanks). I have to travel to get to my destinations (flight), there is really no good places to dive where I live. I typically have dived with a bathing suite + nylon shirt, but if i did put on an exposure suit probably it would be relativily thin wetsuit, I don't expect to be in a drysuit anytime soon. Lastly I use Scuba Pro JetFins.

I'm looking for a BP/W Setup that will not limit me or require me to buy replacement pieces in the near future, but also is well configured for how I plan to use it (single tank, recreational, warm water, travel to destination).

1. Wing: From what I understand I need 30lbs of lift or less. So i'm considering the Oxy Mach V #30, which from my research is a pretty good wing that does not require a STA since it has slots cut into it to let the cam straps fit through. I would be up for any alternate thoughts/ideas on this selection.

2. Harness: I'm considering the HOG/Basic strap setup but I'm going to try one on locally before I make the purchase, and compare to more of a Deluxe/Transplate setup. I'd also consider a Soft/Transpac type setup but I'm under the impression for single tank dives the weight from a steel plate better and provides more long-term options/growth, but then again people say cloth is better for travel.

3. Plate: Ok this is where i'm sorta confused. I read its optimal to have alot of weight on your back (instead of your waist) with a BP/W setup, and with a Single Tank setup its optimal to have a heavy steel backplate. Halcyon actually sells STAs available with 6lbs in them too, that make your backplate like 11lbs! Plus i've read about trim weights and such.

Anyways so with the dive profile/diver described above exactly what would be 'optimal' for single tank/sw/recreational dives? Additionally I have read for travel sakes some people opt for allum. back plates or the travel back plate (that is only 2 lbs) like offered by Oxycheq. If I go this route does this mean weight goes back on my waist or do people get trim weight kits and put the lead in the pockets on their tanks?

I've looked at alot of pictures of different brands, and am very open to any brand advice someone might have, but i'd prefer it fit in with the whole DIR perspective of diving.

Anyways I guess i'm looking for someone to confirm what i'm planning and help me figure out/recommend the whole travel/light vs. single tank/steel/heavy thing.

Thanks!
Nathan

[Vercingetorix]

My rig:
HammerHead SS BP (5.5 pounds)
GolemGear 35# wing, STA-less
Hog harness,with crotch strap

Weighting:
3mil, fresh water - no weights
7mil FJ, fresh water - 16 pounds
7mil FJ, salt water - 20 pounds

Me: 180 pounds, 6 foot

If/When I dive warmer water, I'll use my AL BP (1.5 pounds)

Hog Harness is inexpensive ($10 for webbing, plus D-rings and keepers and buckle)

Very easy to configure and few upgrades are needed once you get it set. I have a BC knife,EMT shears, and a mesh pocket as "permanent" attachments. The mesh pocket can be swapped for bigger pocket in 5 minutes.

I also have a SS STA which adds another 5.5 pounds, if I need it. Have not needed it as I prefer to have ditchable weights(weight belt).

I do recreational diving for now. Will advance to wreck diving in a 100 dives or so.

If you use AL BP, weight must be put on weight belt again. (unless you sink like a rock naturally).

[somewhereinla]

Nathan, If most of your dive are in 60-100 ft and you don't use a wetsuit you should get more that 30lbs of lift if you dive with a steel tank that's over 95cf.
What you probably dived with was Aluminium as I don't think there are 3000 psi steel tanks. Steel are ususally either about LP 2600 psi or HP 3500 psi depending on the brand. If most of your dive are deep dive you should get a drysuit as well (they make tropical drysuit). In case of a BC failure at 100ft, there is no way to go back up. Which is one of the reason technical divers always wear a dreysuit, it can act as an alternate bc should a bc failure occur.

[nathan]

Honestly I just assumed they were steel tanks, but maybe they are aluminium. Its just the standard tanks dive shops give the tourists ...

Originally Posted by somewhereinla

Nathan, If most of your dive are in 60-100 ft and you don't use a wetsuit you should get more that 30lbs of lift if you dive with a steel tank that's over 95cf.
What you probably dived with was Aluminium as I don't think there are 3000 psi steel tanks. Steel are ususally either about LP 2600 psi or HP 3500 psi depending on the brand. If most of your dive are deep dive you should get a drysuit as well (they make tropical drysuit). In case of a BC failure at 100ft, there is no way to go back up. Which is one of the reason technical divers always wear a dreysuit, it can act as an alternate bc should a bc failure occur.

[skdvr]

My rig

Hammerhead SS back plate
Hammerhead 2 piece STA (I like having the STA and opted for the 2 piece to cut down a little weight)
Oxycheq sig series 30lbs wing (Does not need a STA)
Hog Harness

I am
5' 11"
200lbs
dive single al 80's or steel HP 130

3 mm = no weight
7mm w/ hooded vest and gloves = 6lbs when diving the HP 130 and 12lbs when diving the al 80

I think if I was going to be doing most of my dives while traveling I would have gotten an AL backplate because of the weight difference and most of the time you are traveling to dive it is going to be warm water where you may not need the extra weight because of little if any wetsuit. Hammerhead has a great plate at a great price. I liked the fact that they use 316 SS instead of 304.

I really like my setup, it is very comfortable. Even with no wetsuit and the HP 130 the wing supports me just fine...

Phil

[No Misses]

Nathan, it sounds like you have already done your research. So I will only add this...the SS BP usually weighs ~5lbs. If you choose to get the AL BP, you will only save ~3.5 lbs in your suitcase. That is assuming that you will borrow/rent weights when you get to your destination. If you are bringing your own weights, who cares if it is in the SS BP or the lead? The BP configration packs very small for travel. IMHO

My rig.
SS BP w/DR Venture wing
3mil full suit
AL80 (single)
AL19 pony
I carry 4lbs of lead on my belt to compensate for wetsuit in salt water. If diving sans suit, I do not need any lead at all.

Good luck on purchasing your new rig. I'm sure you will like it.

[BSea]

My rig:
HammerHead SS BP (5.5 pounds)
Oxycheq signature wing
Diverite Deluxe Harness (Don't be confused with an adjustable harness)
Diverite SS STA (its very light weight probably about a pound or less. It looks very similar to the Oxycheq STA)
Apexs weight pockets (I only use these with a drysuit.)

I like the Diverite Deluxe harness because I can adjust for different exposure suits by just tightening the chest strap. I've used it from everything from a rash guard to a dry suit without having to do any adjusting to the straps.

I've taken this on several trips without a problem. It packs smaller than my old brigade. I would have Mach 5 wing if thet were available when I bought my BP/W. With steel tanks I need no weight in fresh water even with a full wetsuit.

In salt water I need no weight with steel tanks, and usually only 4 if I use aluminum tanks with a light wetsuit. Just for clarification, are you sure you are using steel tanks rather than aluminum? I don't know of steel tanks that are normally filled to 3000 psi.

[nathan]

Well I guess thats a good point. Its only like 3 lbs difference going al plate vs. steel plate, so I guess i'm overly stressing over something that in the long run won't make a huge difference to pack in a suit case.

As for needing more then 30lbs I bet i was using alum tanks or something. Answer: I honestly don't know what metal the tank was, it was shiny metal! I read specifically for single tank dives I shouldn't need more then 30 lift lbs.

So another question ................
So since alot of you are doing rec. diving, how do you have your hoses/second stages setup?

Do you do the whole long hose is your main with a short alt on a necklace (tec/dir style) or do you go with the more traditional padi/naui style of having a short hose for your main, and the alt being longer/yellow and in the magic triangle (chest)?

[BSea]

Originally Posted by nathan

Well I guess thats a good point. Its only like 3 lbs difference going al plate vs. steel plate, so I guess i'm overly stressing over something that in the long run won't make a huge difference to pack in a suit case.

As for needing more then 30lbs I bet i was using alum tanks or something. I read specifically for single tank dives I shouldn't need more then 30 lift lbs.

So another question ................
So since alot of you are doing rec. diving, how do you have your hoses/second stages setup?

Do you do the whole long hose is your main with a short alt on a necklace (tec/dir style) or do you go with the more traditional padi/naui style of having a short hose for your main, and the alt being longer/yellow and in the magic triangle (chest)?

Your BC should be able to float your rig without you in it. Even with a large single steel tank, you shouldn't need more than a 30 for recreational diving. Look at it this way.

6 pounds for the BP
1 pound for the STA
12 pounds (negative bouyancy for the tank)
5 pounds for your Reg (and it won't be this much)
that leaves 6 pounds negative bouyancy for anything else you might carry before you reach 30 pounds. You just won't be carrying all that much, and most steel tanks arn't 12 pounds negative, I was just giving you worst cases for the weight. And if you want to try a test, go to a pool with your gear, and see if you can swim up from the bottom without air in your wing.

As for my octo, I use a bungeed necklace to keep my alternate right under my chin.

[skdvr]

I personally use the long hose for my main (7ft.) and short for my backup on a bungee necklace around my neck. I think that no matter what happens down the road I will stick with the backup 2nd stage on a necklace on my neck. I really like that. My wife is even thinking about changing after she saw mine. Before I went to a 7ft hose I used a 40" hose so that I could route it under my arm instead of over. There is nothing that says if you use a BP/W you have to use a different hose configuration. You can use what ever you are comfortable with.

Phil