Back Plate/wing set-up....have some questions

[Bigeclipse]

I have recently decided to go to a back plate wing set-up so looking to buy one. I honestly have no idea where to begin. I have done some research and it seems a 25-30lb lift set-up is what I may need for single tank. I dive cold waters with 7mm suit, hood and gloves and a pony bottle (I typically have the bottle slung across my front from a shoulder D ring to a waist D-ring. it is a 40 size pony) I typically wear 22-24lbs of lead. I am 5'9 195lbs (36 inch waist). From what it seems, I will need to buy a back plate (aluminum or steel), harness, and a wing. Is there anything else? How do weights attach? (I think I read you may need to buy weight pockets or something). How do you transport other things if there are no pockets like lights, inflation floats, etc...what else do I need to consider or buy? Thanks everyone

 

[Peter69_56]

I use pockets on my dry suit. If you have non you can have pockets attached to a wetsuit after market. Also you can buy pockets for your thigh or pockets for your belt.

I use thigh pockets when in a wet suit. Weight is an issue. With wetsuit I use a belt. With dry suit I use a harness. I am considering adding rear pockets for non dumpable weights to remove some of the weight off the harness.

 

[tbone1004]

you sir need to look below and read some of the similar threads.

Quick run down of your questions

Al/Steel, buy steel for cold water
Harness-standard harness to stard
Wing-yup
Anything else?-nope
Weights attach, weight belt, pockets, plates bolted to the backplate itself, whole bunch of options.
You can put pockets on them, or wear neoprene cargo shorts made for this, have pockets glued onto your wetsuit, etc etc. Lots of options.

I'd recommend getting in touch with Deep Sea Supply and talking to them about your situation and long term goals etc etc. Expect around $500 for a full setup from them, about $600 if you order their weight plates with it.

https://www.globalunderwaterexplorers.org/equipment/config
Read that, while it is directed mainly at doubles, basically everything relevant is able to go back and forth to singles.

Read threads on here, lots of information that will help including lots of pictures. Dive Gear Express also has some good articles on their website.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Pm sent.

 

[Mustard Dave]

A steel plate is better for cold water as it is heavier and eliminates some of the lead.

Weight pockets are available that are secured to the plate at the bottom and then to the waist band. Alternately you can wear a normal weight belt. Some weight can be fixed to the plate itself, such as P-weights that fit in the groove on the plate, or weighted single tank adaptors.

Pockets can be added to a wetsuit, either by glueing them on or by wearing cargo shorts. Another type threads through the harness waist band at the top and has a strap at the bottom that goes around your thigh. I clip my SMB to the butt D-ring and lights clip to the chest D-ring, with an elasticated loop (known as a snoopy-loop) threaded over the harness just below the chest D-ring. When not in use, the light can be tucked into it so it isn't dangling.

 

[victorzamora]

You also need to purchase cambands to mount your tank to your BPW with. Some BPW options also require a Single Tank Adapter (STA) as they have no option to directly mount cambands. These can be weighted for further weight belt reduction.

 

[RJP]

Is there any chance that we can create a dedicated "Today's Daily 'I'm looking to buy my first BP/W setup and have a few questions' Post" sub-forum?

In all the bicycle, car, watch, photography, home theater, wine, and other online communities I've frequented over the years I've never been a big "Please use the search function" fanatic, but I think I'm gonna start pushing for that with this one.

 

[victorzamora]

Anybody care to write a good "Sticky" as A BPW primer? If be happy to do it later tonight if nobody else will take it on

 

[RJP]

Anybody care to write a good "Sticky" as A BPW primer? If be happy to do it later tonight if nobody else will take it on

All the sticky needs to say is "First BP/W? Try searching first... then if you still have questions feel free to ask."

 

[Bigeclipse]

All the sticky needs to say is "First BP/W? Try searching first... then if you still have questions feel free to ask."

You don't have to be an A$$hole about it. Yes I have read dozens of threads on BP/W and there is just way to much information and combinations that it is overwhelming to someone like me who is even having a harder time learning all the names of each piece of equipment. I think if someone wrote a sticky for a decent "FIRST" wing/backplate set-up would be great. Yes I get you can customize them to your personal needs but there are soooo many other things to consider. For instance someone just commented on I will actually need these other type straps to hold the actual tank to the wing. That is the first time I have read that even though I have read literally dozens of wing threads.