cainslie
Registered
Hi All.
TL;DR: Ali or SS backplate?
I've searched, I've read, I've Googled & I've Youtubed. I've learned a LOT, but I have just one more question...
Firstly though, some background which will help:
So, all that out the way, next up for me is a BP/W, DIR setup for my 15L steel. 12L doubles in a year or so, but don't worry about that, it'll require a new wing anyway.
Considering my current setup, do I get an ali or SS plate? I'll be looking for a 14kg (30lb) to 18kg(40lb) wing, I think. Most advice I find relates to drysuits and ali tanks so I'm struggling to find sense in it all. There isn't a lot of this kind of gear in South Africa and certainly not enough of it around for me to be able to borrow, test, try out etc. Along with the FOREX rates, getting it wrong will be a very expensive mistake.
So, ali or SS?
Feel free to jump in with any other comments, questions or knowledge. Moving to BP/W is the next step for me, I just don't want to make stupid (read: expensive) mistakes.
Thanks very much!!
Chris.
TL;DR: Ali or SS backplate?
I've searched, I've read, I've Googled & I've Youtubed. I've learned a LOT, but I have just one more question...
Firstly though, some background which will help:
- I dive warm(ish). Generally, around 18 to 20'C, but frequently 16'C - 23'C. (East coast of South Africa).
- I wear a 5mm wetsuit which is getting old, has a little less buoyancy than new, but will be replaced with another 5mm one day.
- Almost all my dives are with a 15L steel (232bar) and occasionally I use my 12L.
- Have only ever dived ali tanks when travelling and then I use rental gear anyway.
- I have a few stab jackets - Cressi, Scubapro and Tigullio.
- In all cases, I dive with 4kg of lead.
- Recreational diver only. Sadly, too claustrophobic for any serious overhead diving.
- 70% of dives are around 27m (90'), the rest are closer to OW limits.
- I do plan to do some Tec training - very specifically for depth as there are deeper wrecks in the area that I'd like to explore. I expect that in the next 5 years I'll be diving 2 specific wrecks at 100m (330') and then I hope to dive with the coelacanths (about a 4-hour drive for me).
So, all that out the way, next up for me is a BP/W, DIR setup for my 15L steel. 12L doubles in a year or so, but don't worry about that, it'll require a new wing anyway.
Considering my current setup, do I get an ali or SS plate? I'll be looking for a 14kg (30lb) to 18kg(40lb) wing, I think. Most advice I find relates to drysuits and ali tanks so I'm struggling to find sense in it all. There isn't a lot of this kind of gear in South Africa and certainly not enough of it around for me to be able to borrow, test, try out etc. Along with the FOREX rates, getting it wrong will be a very expensive mistake.
So, ali or SS?
Feel free to jump in with any other comments, questions or knowledge. Moving to BP/W is the next step for me, I just don't want to make stupid (read: expensive) mistakes.
Thanks very much!!
Chris.