2022 Project TBCS Back Plate and Wing BCD***How to Build One

In 2022 many are considering buying or building a Back Plate and Wing style BCD. Project Back Plate and Wing will help you plan your custom built Buoyancy Control Device for your specific type of diving. Link:

[johnteng]

Hi Bob, I was so excited to meet you at the Scuba Show in Long Beach this afternoon. I love your training videos as you are a fantastic teacher and representative for the diving community! I look forward to working with you to build out my customized HOG BCD!

[oscardelcastillo]

First time posting on your channel, though I’ve watched most of your videos, only now subscribed. I finished my OW cert 12/12/21, just a few weeks ago, but had been researching bcds and wings systems for about 3 months prior. After a lot of discussion with friends here in Southern California, I broke tradition with their gear selection, and ordered the TCBS complete package. After about 2 hours, I had the whole thing ready to use, but, like so many of you, new to this sport/adventure, I was only 95% sure I’d really like this system. My buddy bought a similar system, but made by Tusa. We dove today at a local cove, and here’s what we both agreed upon…..
My HOG TCBS was easier to adjust, easier to trim, easier to don AND doff, and easier to feel my gear responding to MY needs, as opposed to settling on how the system fit, comfort or not. Considering this is my first dive in this, after certifying only a few weeks ago, I had no issues strapping the 80cf steel tank, harnessing up, and adjusting trim weights, gear, safety equipment, and knowing I was 4-8 lb lighter than the rental crap I certed in. The wetsuit did play some difference, but with the stainless backplate, I only needed 14lb to descend. Certifying, I needed 18. The Tusa system my friend was using, had trim pockets with only a quick detach buckle, oriented such that his weight bags kept falling out. TCBS pockets have a zippered loading pocket, and a Velcro dump strap. The Tusa was hard for him to adjust, with straps and belts not quite being in the right place 100%. His wing also seemed to twist a bit on his body, leaving the tank at about a 15 degree offset from perfect vertical. Mine stayed put thru both dives today. His shoulder straps seemed harder to adjust than mine. Both systems are brand new, and neither of us is stronger than the other. He checked my adjustability and position retention, and agreed the HOG system was a bit better. Comfort wise, mine was far easier than a traditional jacket bcd, and much more comfortable as I could more functionally, manage my trim and position.
It’s a simple, yet diverse harness that will allow me to progress to tech diving rather easily. I live in SoCal and work in the entertainment industry, and several of my counterparts are going to be considering what system they want to start using. I can’t help but recommend the TCBS as I am now 100% satisfied with what will serve me for a number of years. If issues or concerns arise, I will gladly post them or respond, accordingly. Oz

[ericburgess]

Also looking forward to seeing the next video

[byronmcdonald]

Bought mine last year. Still need to order a few pieces and get it put together.

[chrisfowden]

Very interested in seeing how this series progresses. Looking for a backplate & wing for my son.