#2245
MDW - 1/04/2012 6:14 PM
Both are overpriced. If you are up to the task, make your own from individual components to fit you personally.

I made myself several setups, from modifying a regular BP/wing (put DR Trek wing on inside of harness & plate) to a Razor-style "minimalist" setup (google Steve Bogaerts).

The one I like best and use most consists of the following:
- OxyCheq soft backplate - $40 on sale (probably $65 retail)
- DSS "Monkey" wing (12lb lift) - $160 on sale (maybe $210 retail)
- 15 ft of thin 2 in webbing (more flexible, but regular 2 in webbing will work fine) - $15
- 2 "counterlung D-rings" on crotch strap to act as butt plate - $35
The whole thing cost me $250 plus a few bucks for the 6 regular D rings. The whole rig rolls up smaller than my regulator bag and weighs like 2 or 3 lb max. Add 2 cam bands and 2 stage straps for the tanks and you are all set for sidemount at home and on vacation. I can get this whole setup plus regs, fins, mask, etc. in a carry on. Just rent 2 AL80s and some weight at the destination and dive. At home, just put the straps on you own tanks and dive.

Mark