Backplate for Apeks WTX-D18

[timreinaldo]

Hello,

I have a Apeks Wtx-D18 wing and currently i’m using it with a cheap no brand aluminum backplate. However, as it is, it needs to be bolted because the tank bands of the wing don’t align with those of the backplate.

My question is: other the Apeks brand backplates, is there any other (cheaper) brand that has backplates with tank band holes thank align with those from the Apeks wing?

Since I use this for travel, my goal would be to just use the tank bands to attach the wing to the plate. Not using bolts would also make it easier to assemble/disassemble.

Any thoughts?

 

[scrane]

My inclination would be to elongate the slots on the backplate to accommodate the wing. I've done this without a lot of drama with a Dremel, electric drill, and a file. I like to attach the plate and wing together with book screws so an additional hole or two might be needed.

 

[runsongas]

if you get low profile cam bands, you can use a generic plate without sta, it just is a little less secure

or cut the slots in the wing longer

 

[Umuntu]

DGX plates should fit. Call them.

Otherwise lengthen the lower slots of your Backplate.

 

[NorCalDM]

My son uses a DGX aluminum plate with his Apeks wing and the slots line up fine. Side note I found an Apeks aluminum plate new for $65 so they are out there if you look.

 

[Badger7]

Any thoughts?

Not the answer you're looking for, but I actually prefer to use a single tank adapter when traveling. I prefer to roll up the wing and not have it in contact with the plate when packed to keep it a little safer. I also prefer not to velcro/unvelcro my tank bands over and over as every time you rip them apart and put them back together the get less sturdy (using al/apeks griplock quick release cambands - super convenient on a crowded dive boat when changing tanks).

Regardless, when getting to my destination, I can just unroll the wing and sandwich it between the STA and backplate with two bolts and go diving, no mussing around with threading cam bands through slots and have the wing flopping around while walking to the dock. I'd rather remove two bolts than thread two cam bands, but that might be just me. I've got the wrenches in my kit anyway for regs.

 

[lowwall]

Lengthen the slots on your existing plate. All you need is a file and some patience.

Not the answer you're looking for, but I actually prefer to use a single tank adapter when traveling. I prefer to roll up the wing and not have it in contact with the plate when packed to keep it a little safer. I also prefer not to velcro/unvelcro my tank bands over and over as every time you rip them apart and put them back together the get less sturdy (using al/apeks griplock quick release cambands - super convenient on a crowded dive boat when changing tanks).

You can have all this (except a rolled wing) without an STA by just not bolting the wing to the plate. There's room between the plate and wing for your wetsuit or clothes so they don't touch each other. Everything lines up fine when the tank is attached even without the bolts.