Greg,
I suspect that you will get a fairly consistent response recommending
a backplate and wing. Sme of these people really know what they're
talking about, and some have no clue but are following the trend and
preaching the company line.

I started cave diving with a Rig, until my Intro instructor gave me a
backplate to try. The difference between the Rig and the BP is very
pronounced in favor of the BP. The Rig is bulky and heavy. Despite
Dacor's hype, it is horrible with doubles. Mine went on Ebay (and
brought a good price) immediately after trying the BP.

The BP and wings will end up costing more if you buy more than one
wing (which I also recommend), but it providesmuch greater freedom of
movement, is less bulky, and with different wings you can almost
exactly match buoyancy to your exposure protection and tanks.

For purely warm water reef diving, there are a few BC's that are not
bulky and work well, but I have yet to see a BC that can beat a
backplate and wing for technical diving, or diving a variety of setups
where a changeable wing is advantageous. With the BP, your harness
setup never changes, so everything is always in the same place, and
you're not moving gear from one setup to another.

If possible, try both before buying anything, and decide for yourself
what is best.

al

               I also must agree with the above response. I own a Rig 2
and though
                i do like it is very bulky and useless  to break down  to
fit in a dive
                gear bag for travel. Backplate and wings are the only way
to go.
                Try a few different types if your dive shop has them, im
sure you
                 you will prefer it. I just purchased a new Halcyon system
and there
               is no comparison,,,, backplate  are the way to go

               Richard