Back plate and wings

[randytay]

So my last question:

If I go ahead and get a webbing and plate (any brand), can I use the wing of my Zeagle Ranger? I know I can remove the wing from my Zeagle ranger but are all wings and BP inter compatible?

 

[Wayne at DiveSeekers]

A BP&W requires no padding! Try with out first and then you can always add it later.

Harness w/Hardware:
Dive Rite Harness - For Backplate - Basic BC1063 *Buy Dive Rite at DIVESEEKERS.com 888-SCUBA-47

Harness (by the FT) Only:
Dive Rite Webbing - 2'' Nylon Harness (Ft) AC3004 *Buy Dive Rite at DIVESEEKERS.com 888-SCUBA-47

 

[fjpatrum]

randytay, as I understand it the Ranger's wing is essentially the same as the 44 lb bladder option on the express tech. I think they're interchangeable and have standard spacing for mounting on hard plates.

 

[Kern]

IIRC the 44lb Ranger wing has no centre panel & can only be mounted to Zeagle equipment.

 

[randytay]

After poking around abit, I am definitely more "educated" now and I am back some new questions:

1. What is the typical weight of a SS backplate?

2. Diverite vs HOG SS backplate, pros and cons?

3. Are Oxycheq wings ok?

I am trying to to go crazy with cost...

 

[TSandM]

Most SS backplates are five to six pounds negative. Some, like FredT, make heavier ones. DSS makes weight plates to bolt onto the SS, that can make it up to 13 lbs negative.

I'm not familiar with the Dive Rite SS plates. The HOG plates we have have nice finish and standard holes and slots. The big differences between plates are 1) finish and deburring; 2) whether they have camband slots or not, and if so, how they are spaced, and 3) whether the plate has holes along the rim or not, and if so, how many, and where are they placed.

I have no experience with Oxycheq wings. They have a loyal following. Their customer service sucks.

If I were going to counsel someone into putting together a rig . . . if you can afford something in the $500 range, buy a DSS setup. The goods are good quality, made in the USA, and customer service rocks. If you are trying to minimize costs, look into the HOG setups. We have them for our students, and the quality seems to be quite acceptable, and the price point is good.

 

[Pullmyfinger]

Most SS backplates are five to six pounds negative. Some, like FredT, make heavier ones. DSS makes weight plates to bolt onto the SS, that can make it up to 13 lbs negative.

I'm not familiar with the Dive Rite SS plates. The HOG plates we have have nice finish and standard holes and slots. The big differences between plates are 1) finish and deburring; 2) whether they have camband slots or not, and if so, how they are spaced, and 3) whether the plate has holes along the rim or not, and if so, how many, and where are they placed.

I have no experience with Oxycheq wings. They have a loyal following. Their customer service sucks.

If I were going to counsel someone into putting together a rig . . . if you can afford something in the $500 range, buy a DSS setup. The goods are good quality, made in the USA, and customer service rocks. If you are trying to minimize costs, look into the HOG setups. We have them for our students, and the quality seems to be quite acceptable, and the price point is good.

As TSandM stated, there are differences between plates. DSS stainless plates have rubber molded around the webbing slots. This means you won't need tri-glides on the webbing. Not a big deal, just a nice touch from DSS.
I have a DSS single rig, and an OxyCheq double wing, I added a DSS OPV to it. My wife has a DSS for her single and doubles rig.
Yes, OxyCheq wings are good. DSS rigs are better, which is why there are 3 of them in our house.

Have fun shopping around. Compare your choices to a DSS complete rig before you buy. They are high quality, well thought out designs, and are a great deal.

-Mitch

 

[wader]

I recently sold my BC and went BP/W, so I know the pain you're going through.

I recently purchased a Salvo SS BP from Scuba Toys for $69. Although I have not gotten it wet yet, I like the way it fits me. I am putting an Oxycheq Mach V wing on it. Can't wait to get in the water with it.

Last summer I bought my wife a DSS BP/W (Used once from SB poster). Again, not wet yet, but it seems very well made. I have contacted Tobin at DSS several times about questions and he has been very helpful. If money is an issue, you can probably find a good used model. If new is our thing, don't be afraid to piece some together. Although several vendors offer a full rig cheaper than by pieces. So many options, prices, it can make your head spin. Divers can be fiercely loyal to their name brands, worse that a Ford vs. Chevy discussion at a state fair. Best of luck.

 

[jbrians]

Not thread hijacking but looking for some more info, as I am also putting together a BP/W.
What determines whether you need a single tank adaptor (STA) using a DR SS plate with a 30# donut wing. the plate has slots for 2 tank bands.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

Not thread hijacking but looking for some more info, as I am also putting together a BP/W.
What determines whether you need a single tank adaptor (STA) using a DR SS plate with a 30# donut wing. the plate has slots for 2 tank bands.

It depends on the wing.
Oxycheq Mach V wing for instance have roll control cushions on either side of the slots that provide a wedge between the curvature of the tank and the sloping angles of the plate channel sides thus keeping the tank centered on top of the plate channel.
DSS has something similar but it's a single wedge shaped piece of rubber that's sewn into the center panel of the wing.
I don't know what the other brands of wings have as far as a built in tank stabilizer to not have to use a STA with a conventional style plate.

The problem with STA's is the added cost, the added weight (which could be an issue for warm water), plus the added distance they cause between the tank and the divers back.