Backplate and Wings - Which Setup Reigns Supreme?

[@j-c-d-z]

Most thorough intro to backplate and wing setups I’ve found. Thank you much!

[@DIVEindotcom]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it.

[@sabreflier]

Both the Apeks and Hollis systems look awesome. Ready to graduate from a jacket style for all my drysuit dives

[@MarcoVanErp]

I love these video’s, they are a great help to search for a new bcd/ wing. Also your other video’s are super helpfull. I would say that the cressie aquawing is my favorite because I love the quality of the brand. All of the stuf is super from cressie. Thank you and I wil wait for the next video to explore other gear.

[@teedeerolo]

Thank you I am glad to get this info as I will be looking for one setup.

[@DIVEindotcom]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tooslow8150]

Great video. I'm in the process of finding my next set up and this was super informative.

[@1-.-M]

I seriously appreciate all these videos you put out for us all. Thank you for all you do. And the XDeep NX Zen is an absolute beaut 🤩

[@DIVEindotcom]

It's a good one, and you can really customize it a lot.

[@bobsilva6222]

I would love the NX Zen Deluxe Scuba Diving BCD for Single Tank. Great video.

[@fredmeyer5695]

These videos are great. I started diving the summer of 2023 and have been buying stuff as I go and your videos are a huge help. I got the tip to try backplate and wing when I was looking for a BCD and I stumbled into the Mares Magellan HD. I bought it and love it. I think it is a great "beginner" Backplate and wing that is already assembled and doesn't have the continuous weave belt. Again, more for beginners, but it works great for me. I have to say the Hollis ST Elite looks like it could ease the transition to BPW with the straps though!

[@BosZx_watching]

I’d love to dive the Xdeep due to the innovative crotch strap! But the Deep6’s wing materials also looks really neat, and the Cressi looks soooooo comfortable and great for traveling. Tough choices!! 🤩

[@Kaydo86]

This is one of the more informative videos I have seen on BP and W because you gave everyone different options, not just the continuous webbing BP and W. I am a huge fan of Dive Rite and dive their regulators so I would love to get a matching BC have a good day.

[@capti443]

Great video - excellent side-by-side / apples-to-apples comparison! I am seriously looking at BPW systems needing to replace my old (2nd hand) back inflate BC so this video comes at the perfect time. The Apeks WTX-D in aluminum for trips looks to be the perfect one for me. As requested, I've "liked," and subscribed to both the videos and newsletter. Keep up the good work!!

[@carlysol7]

The Dive rite looks great!!! i also love D-rings for all my accessories!!

[@patty4142]

Great review! I like both the DiveRite and I like the Cressi Aquawing!

[@jaketschida7016]

You just popped up in "you might like" list and I'm glad it did. I've told people for years when shopping for gear to look at what others are using and ask to try theirs or rent it from a dive shop. I've used Zeagle, Apeks, Hollis, fixed straps, and adjustable straps BCDs. I was able to buy my Zeagle from work when it came out of service, but always had the Hollis ST Elite on my wish list. I got to try out a friends of mine and it was easier to go from wet suit to dry suit just by swapping weight bags. Thank you for showing off all the different rigs!

[@DIVEindotcom]

I'm glad we popped up. Thanks for the nice words!

[@jaketschida7016]

@@DIVEindotcom thank you for show us the differences between different product and being honest with their good points and bad points. Sales people will always guide you to the most expensive one for the sale even if it isn't what you are looking for.

[@ephraimwiesel2110]

I am a big guy and I am always changing my setup based on the water conditions. I love the idea of the adjustable straps on the Hollis ST Elite 7:18 with the option of pockets for additional weights. I love the the Xdeep NX Zen double croch strap. 10:00

[@ablatenpace4930]

I’ve been looking at the Hollis ST Elite for a while now. Great video!

[@MSYSie]

Awesome video! I just used a backplate for the first time even though I’ve done some dives already. I really loved it and certainly would like one! I’d love to get the XDeep NX ZEN as the backplate I used was the XDeep Zeos. I like that one a lot but the NX ZEN looks even better!

[@karenrex1400]

Great selection of backplate and wings with a good range of budgets. If I was lucky enough to win and had a choice I’d go for the Deep Six or Cressi BP&W. Really liking the videos thanks for making and sharing.

[@langford168]

Thanks a million for the review! Aquawing will be my choice!

[@KianYongBaey]

Awesome video! Especially for a new beginner diver like me! Learnt alot from this video! Wish i can win the Cressi Aquawings! This would definitely help me on my scuba diving journey!!

[@alluraromel392]

Thank you for this video. I have been diving for 8 years & 300+ dives. I’m considering a backplate & wing as I love to hunt Lobster & Lionfish & penetrate wrecks. I need to watch this video again & take notes. I’ve been looking online but manufactures websites don’t do justice for their product like you did. 🧜‍♀️💜

[@sousa1534]

If I had to choose, it would be the Deep6 , love them. Their eddy fins are also super nice. you should definitely add the Dive System quickly MoBi to the list, that wing is pretty much unique

[@kevinch1u]

Cressi Aquawing would be my choice. Its design and material make it perfect for travel. 👍

[@RickSalm]

The Apeks wtx 30 would be my choice. Love the video, great job!

[@Elaines-travels]

I like the ST elite, I am newer to diving and like the idea of moving into a wing system and this looks like a great unit to transition into it

[@rachelbaldwin8031]

The Apex’s WTC-D is on my list. Great product

[@MrZepestana]

this is awesome! the Hollis st elite seems the most bang for the buck in my opinion. would love to own one!

[@tomas75t]

Great video as always. Very informative. For me, best choice would be Hollis ST Elite system, mainly because the harness adjustment. As fairly new diver, I probabely spend my time to adjust and probabely for few first dives, also getting off would be much easier. Although, Cressi looks very nice - simple and travel friendly.

[@Wermun.]

I just completed my OW and I'm looking to get a bp/w setup. I would love either the Apeks or any of the Hollis. I think the backplate and wing system is way better to keep it for longer and update it as I progress into technical diving in the near future hopefully.

[@kylebezuidenhout7997]

I like the cressi aquawing. Seems comfortable and exactly what I need. I like traveling and diving. And the cressi seems best for that. Thanks in advance 😂

[@teomaroviedo4493]

I would love the apeks WTX 30 series 13:05 setup ❤, good video 👍🏻

[@in.depth.productions]

This is informative since I have had quite a few BC set ups for singles but now I am looking at a new BC (backplate/harness) that I can Double-back as well as easy conversion for sidemount. Hollis I believe has a set up that has one BC where you can modify to single, doubles or side mount without needing a new BC. That is the one I would like to get so I can start to train on double and sidemount. Out of these set ups I think the Hollis ST Elite would be the one I would go with.

[@erbicide]

The apex looks nice, would love that!

[@jedholm1]

Great video, I would live the Xdeep Zen

[@stephanwilliot2324]

I love the X-Deep Zen so customizable and of course Apeks makes a quality product. Those two are my favorite picks.

[@ScubaDaver]

That Cressi looks like a winner!

[@quickdry3]

solid reviews, love that you got to the point really quickly on them. Love any of those BPW setups - especially the Apeks, DIverite and Deep Six. (btw the newsletter link is giving a page error)

[@arielades6970]

Super helpful video - i'm literally starting to look into backplates and wings for my next setup! Wouldn't mind getting the Apeks WTX-D :-) (also FYI newsletter link is returning a page not found error)

[@scubacro5758]

My first bcd was Mares dragon SLS full of acessories, after 1.5 years I got backplate and wing with 2x12 with DIR harness(my profile pic), only thing I don't like that much is weight, the rest is grait, would not change to jacket ever again

[@LordNelsson]

The Apeks one definitely looks neat!

[@WatMiah]

The Apex WTX-D is the perfect compromise in my opinion. Balances everything really well and the added thought for comfort and customization with your body is a huge bonus. All of these are solid choices but anything that makes dives more comfortable is a big bonus to have.

[@TankVgryazi]

Transplate. Seems the best balance of price and quality and compatibility.

[@aliffahmad191]

I love the Apeks WTX-D and XDeep NX Zen .... it is minimalist and functional .... just simple and straight forward BCD .... I would love to dive with this BCD 😊

[@vukmajstorovic7033]

Mmmm cool video. I have no preference yet ( only 30 dives so far ). Cressi sounds good for me, I have some of their gears.

[@MidwestLakeDiving]

If I had my choice of those (and I'm in the market for one), I'd probably go with the Hollis ST Elite with the stainless steel backplate and the ST35 wing. I should add that I have some shoulder issues as well so while I'd like the more minimalist setup, I'm going to need some of those more comfort adjustments to the harness.

[@jonbushman2197]

Definitely would like the cress aquawing

[@darklegionnaire]

Apex wxt. Thanks for the comparison video!

[@CK-tn2lf]

I like the two DiveRite models. Not sure which one I would pick. Leaning towards the traditional backplate and wing.

[@jontan5998]

As an avid scuba diver, I'm always looking to enhance my diving experience. Currently, I'm using the Aqualung Zuma, which has served me well, but I dream of upgrading to something like the XDeep NX ZEN or the Apeks WTX-D Series. I believe that a backplate-and-wing setup could significantly improve my buoyancy and comfort underwater. I’m excited for a chance to win one of these amazing setups! Until then, I’ll continue to dive with my Zuma and make the most of every underwater adventure.

[@BikramadityaBaruah]

Would love the Apex. Looks pretty neat

[@alisonanthony1228]

I dive the XDeep Zen with an SS plate and I absolutely love it. I have no problems travelling with it, just ajdust my non-diving packing to adjust for the additional weight - who needs 17 pairs of shoes on a diving holiday anyway? I could never go back to a jacket bcd now, the Zen is it for me.

[@thordurolafurthordarson7341]

Same here - love it

[@timothyclark6557]

Me too. Love my Zen ( but ai went with the Aluminum BP).

[@philippelapointe8240]

The Apex wings to complete my gars. Thanks

[@ptdiver]

I would love the apeks WXT 30. BTW the link for the news letter is not working.

[@MalteSchneider-s6o]

the apeks system sounds amazing!

[@mickyjose]

The Apeks looks great.

[@bens.1603]

I am looking at the Dive Rite setup, or the Hollis set up. Although, the Xdeep backplate is beautiful!

[@priscillalunsford3790]

I'd take whichever one you'd give me. I'm a big BPW fan! If I had to choose, I'd choose Deep 6, but would love them all. Currently diving an old set from a mentor and need an upgrade!

[@Randy-jz9ml]

Hollis Elite is my choice. Many divers in my area use them.

[@CodinGree]

Getting the XDeep NX Zen would be awessome!!!

[@TonyPelle-h4r]

Apeks looks like a great setup

[@snierop]

I’d love to give the cressi aquawing a try sometimes. But the Hollis ST elite also looks like a winner

[@bbaker90]

I love how streamlined that Apeks WTX-D is.

[@m1ch4Lko]

I got the XDEEP Zen and it's amazing.

[@paulkim9318]

Love the Xdeep!1

[@DIVEindotcom]

What make you pick the Xdeep?

[@kyoshiken9507]

I dive a halcyon cinch backplate and it is a single piece of webbing that is adjustable. Best of both worlds.

[@Provuk]

Funny thing to mention, every GUE instructor i met, advertised highly against the cinch system. Especially but not single handedly because after every dive you have to make sure ur backplate is set correctly in the harness.

[@cleanlife1305]

My wife and I do too. I do not loosen the webbing after a dive; I "slip" my shoulders out of it. I am thinking about ditching the pads on the back and shoulders. The Xdeep was a serious contender.

[@gerranfin]

Really cool comparison. I like how you pointed out the subtle differences between the different brands. One thing I think should have been emphasized is that these systems are modular. You CAN use a Dive Rite Backplate with a Deep 6 Wing and Hollis harness (for example). But not all wings are completely compatible with all backplates as the slots and holes don't always line up right (I think some of this comes from metric countries vs US). For example I have a dive rite backplate with an Apeks wing. With 2" cam bands it doesn't quite line up and stretches the wing a bit, but with a 2" cam on top and a 1.5" cam in the bottom slot everything works fine. I know that the Scubapro Xtek stuff also has strange measurements and AFAIK you can't mix scubapro with any of the others. Going back to modularity, if you want to switch to doubles, all you need is to remove the cam bands and wing and you can attach the backplate to an appropriate wing and a set of doubles and still have your harness set the way you like it. I've been eyeing those 6lb Hollis plates for a while now. I'd be happy with either one and don't need the weight pouches. PS. Apeks also has slick wings like the Deep 6, it's the PSD version available in 30 and 40lb versions. They're armor guarded to resist contamination and dries off super fast .

[@ReneNielsen-x3p]

I would LOVE the XDEEP 🤩🤩

[@jondeason546]

It is absolutely fantastic. I can’t recommend it enough.

[@fourmarlins]

I like the Dive Rite stuff, high quality American made. I'd like to see a review of a zeagle back plate set up.

[@jonathanhayes8158]

I would choose one of the Hollis from these choices, also interested in the DGX brand!

[@Zertorgen]

The Xdeep NX Zen is the one that interested me the most

[@MGG1933]

Love the DiveRite setup. Great to grow with as my diving becomes more technical and something I’m in the need of for work. What about ScubaPro’s S-Tek?

[@amosgillespie-so9ef]

Id love the xdeep NX Zen

[@henrikworg350]

Hi the XDEEP NX or the DEEP 6 are my favorites 🤩

[@ProH20Skier]

Just subscribed; I’d love to win that XDeep Zen! It’d also be cool to see you add Halcyon and Oxycheq to your comparisons!

[@benheckendorn2696]

To be honest all were great, so I would love to win all of them. 😍

[@FlorianForster]

I'd love the Hollis ST (non-elite) ☺

[@lap845]

i would love the Hollis ST Elite. i currently have a Hollis SMS 75.

[@AndrewR74]

The xdeep or the Hollis elite would be my choices. Also had shoulder surgery, so I like the adjustable straps, also dive in anything from a 1mm to dry suit, so adjustability is critical for me.

[@justintimeski]

I'd love the X-Deep Zen. I've dived the Dive Rite for a while now and really like the idea of the split crotch strap. I know a few divers who like it too. Thanks for the great info.

[@TheodoreJudah]

Dive gear express has great, economical, bp/w sets. its what I use with Mares weight pockets.. I believe simpler is better - a continuous webbing is the way to go. If I win, the Apeks or similarly basic one for me.

[@Seekfriend]

Apeks and Hollis are both great wings

[@walidabdel-wadood410]

Huge fan if the Cressi Aquawing

[@iwanz118]

Would love the Hollis ST Elite

[@paulkrein]

The Apex or Dive rite system would be great to learn on.

[@DiveandLearn]

I got a carbon fiber plate and it is the best for traveling!

[@Here4LaunchCodes]

I would love the Xdeep Zen

[@peterjulianphotos4659]

I have the Cressi AquaWing Plus (has the intergrated dumpable weight pockets on the waist). I've added a second pair of trim pockets to the upper cam band and it distributes the weight anatomically. I sit perfectly in the water - no head up ass dragging. I've also added an extra D ring on the Right waist to clip off my SPG, and added some inner tube to secure my torches, so they're not snag hazzards. I'd recommend the Cressi AquaWing to anyone who is looking to improve their scuba experience. I woundn't change, I'd get the Cressi.

[@robertcummings7508]

Dive Rite!!!!

[@frankserafin9207]

I love to get an xdeep zen, the crotch strap idea for more comfort would be amazing. It would have been nice to see some comparisons with some halcyon gear. Thanks for the review and information

[@JazzLyons-q5y]

I'm looking at the ST Elite.

[@jackie19restrepo]

Dive rite or Apeks are on my letter to Santa this year... lol

[@ogtw]

I’d like the xdeep zen

[@adrianothomazi]

The xdeep is class... if I could choose one, it definitely would be the xdeep

[@LordNelsson]

Would also love to see comparisons of some hybrid-like BCDs like the Apeks Exotec and competitors

[@mhaskinsin]

Nice video. Really hard to compare BP and wing when they are all seem to be the “same”. I was hoping to see the scuba pro BP and wing. I’ve seen they have made their BP with a different contour to fit the back better but I have yet to see one in person or a very good review on it.

[@samsonlheritier7520]

The xdeep ❤

[@teresajones7661]

Would love the xdeep zen

[@baselborah4036]

Since I'm an Apeks fan I would love the Apeks WXT-D 30.

[@bosdiver2696]

Love my Deep6 regs and flippers but built my own backplate and wing set up because I like a small 18lb lift wing. Wish they made one.

[@jeffconley6366]

There is a piece of hardware you can add to the Holigartian (spelling?) rig that makes it very easy to adjust the straps. It would go on the waist strap side with the buckle. What I don't like about the setup is the lack of a chest strap. Always feels like it is going to slip off my shoulders without the chest strap. So my configuration is to add these items and quick dump weight pockets on the waist strap. I like the oxycheq single tank style wings which many have copied. They don't get that wing effect and don't need the single tank adapter.

[@joshuama789]

The deep6 looks like a pretty good travel bcd