First impressions of the Hollis ST System
The Hollis ST system comes pre-assembled, making it much more accessible for divers who are new to backplate and wing setups. Unlike many BPW systems that require extensive setup, the Hollis ST comes ready to dive right out of the box.
This is a huge advantage if you’re transitioning from a jacket BCD and want to avoid the hassle of threading webbing, adjusting D-rings, and assembling wings from scratch. The system also offers a clear choice between creating a travel-ready rig (ST22, aluminum plate, Solo harness) or a cold-water setup (ST35, stainless steel, Elite harness)—or your own mix of the options in between.
Both harnesses feature shoulder and back padding, improving comfort, especially when diving in minimal exposure protection like rash guards or shorties.
In-water performance
Both wings provide excellent trim stability. Thanks to the tapered wing design—narrow at the shoulders and wider at the base—trapped gas naturally moves down the bladder, helping you maintain a flat, horizontal trim without the common “head up” position. Whether you’re in warm or cold water, the wings feel stable, balanced, and easy to control.
ST22 on the aluminum backplate
The ST22 wing paired with the aluminum backplate is an ideal travel setup. It’s lightweight, packs small, and still provides more lift than most compact wings (22 lbs. compared to the typical 15–18 lbs. range).
In the water, the aluminum backplate offered just enough negative buoyancy to reduce the amount of lead I needed without compromising mobility. The rigidity of the backplate helped maintain great tank positioning, preventing tank roll and improving stability underwater.
Despite its minimalist weight, the aluminum backplate provided solid control and trim, especially when diving with minimal exposure protection like a rashguard or 3 mm wetsuit. The lighter system also made gear handling on boats and shore entries noticeably easier.
ST35 on the stainless steel backplate
The ST35 wing combined with the stainless steel backplate created a robust cold-water setup. The 35 pounds of lift easily supported thicker wetsuits or a drysuit, steel tanks, and extra weight without affecting trim. The heavier backplate significantly reduced the amount of lead I needed on my belt or trim pockets, often by 4 to 6 pounds.
In the water, the stainless steel backplate enhanced overall balance. It kept the tank and wing stable even in rougher conditions and during surface swims. The added weight at the backplate also helped lower my center of gravity, promoting a more horizontal profile and reducing fin effort.
Competing systems
I also compared the Hollis ST system to:
- XDEEP NX Zen: Similar tapered bladder design; easier harness adjustment but fewer modular wing-size options
- Cressi AquaWing Max: Features a patented, adjustable harness system that’s easier to modify but not as good in cold water
Both competitors offer excellent trim and comfort, but the Hollis ST offers more customizability across wings, plates, and harnesses.
Additional features
- Two cam bands hold the tank securely without needing a single-tank adapter
- Trim pockets are positioned well and simple to use
- Optional weight pockets (up to 12 lbs. per side) integrate easily into the harness
- Multiple D-rings, pre-bent and movable for custom gear configuration
Final thoughts: who should buy it?
The Hollis ST backplate and wing system is an ideal choice for:
- Recreational single-tank divers transitioning from jacket BCDs to BPW setups
- Divers who want one customizable system for both warm-water and cold-water diving
- Divers who value modularity and the ability to swap components
- Anyone needing a comfortable, padded harness without sacrificing the benefits of a streamlined backplate system
It’s not designed for technical diving with doubles or multiple stages—but that’s by design. For recreational divers seeking a reliable, customizable, and future-proof BCD system, the Hollis ST is an excellent choice.
Price/Quality Ratio
The Hollis ST system delivers excellent value for divers seeking a long-lasting, adaptable setup. While it can be a significant investment when purchasing the full system—including wing, backplate, and harness—the durability, modularity, and comfort justify the cost.
Unlike many BCDs that suit only one type of diving, the Hollis ST allows you to configure a travel-ready system or a cold-water rig without needing to buy multiple units. Its quality materials and thoughtful design also mean you’ll get years of use without quickly outgrowing or replacing components.
Compared to other premium backplate and wing systems, it stands out for its combination of flexibility, comfort, and ease of use—especially for divers new to BPW setups.
Do we recommend the Hollis ST system?
Yes—absolutely, for recreational single-tank divers who want a customizable, reliable system that can grow with them.
The ST22 with aluminum backplate and Solo harness is perfect for travel and warm-water diving, while the ST35 with stainless steel backplate and Elite harness offers excellent support for cold-water dives or heavier gear setups.
This system is ideal for:
- Divers transitioning from jacket BCDs to BPW setups
- Traveling divers who want a lightweight, compact setup
- Cold-water divers seeking better trim and weight distribution
- Divers who want one system they can adapt rather than owning multiple BCD
It’s not intended for technical diving with doubles or multiple stage tanks, but it delivers exceptional control, comfort, and flexibility for the vast majority of recreational diving needs.
Specs & Features
| Materials | 1000D Cordura outer shell, urethane bladder |
|---|---|
| Backplate | Aluminum (1.5 lbs./1 kg) or stainless steel (6.5 lbs./3 kg) |
| Wing Lift | 22 lbs. (10 kg) and 35 lbs. (16 kg) |
| Cylinder | Single tank |
| D-rings | Eight total (two on each shoulder, two waist, two crotch strap) |
| Adjustment | Solo harness: webbing only, no quick release; Elite harness: Yes, two quick-release buckles |
| Tank attachment | Cam band slots |
| Weight system | Optional weight pockets and trim pocket on tank band are available |
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