Weighting a backplate

[KiltedOne]

To minimize my add-on weights, has anyone ever tried plating their backplate? Mine is a DSS, who offer steel plates, but I was thinking bolted on lead. I was bored and threw this together (adds 8lbs), but I’m interested in thoughts from those more experienced.

I originally was going to try P-weights, but the DSS plate/wing don't really allow room for it.

 

[cmburch]

For trim. I tend to go 1/3rd weight over lungs and 2/3rd on belt. I have a weight that bolts in channel. I have DR and unknown brand SS BP. I guess it has more to do with trim rather than ad on weights. So only rubber weigh belt.

 

[CuzzA]

Looks heavy... 10-15 lbs.+ plate? Will you have any ballast to ditch if need be?

 

[KiltedOne]

These plates only add 8lbs to the backplate. Probably will have some QR pockets on my harness as well, just not anywhere near the weight on my jacket bcd.

 

[charlier]

One other consideration is trim. You might find that you need marginally more weight the upper or mid-level on the backplate. Perhaps it’s best to get comfortable with your kit and make sure that you are weighted properly before customizing the BP.

 

[_Ralph]

Looks heavy... 10-15 lbs.+ plate? Will you have any ballast to ditch if need be?

OP is in dry suit country ... single tank AL80 is in the 20-30lb range of lead ....

_R

 

[stuartv]

I had a DSS SS BP and the DSS bolt-in weights. I recently sold it all.

If I needed that much weight, I would put 4 trim weight pockets on my tank straps and put weight in those. That would probably support 20#. If I still needed more, I would probably just put the rest on a weight belt. I don't know. Usually I don't need any weight. When I do, it's for diving in a drysuit with thick undies and in that case, I dive doubles and use a V-weight.

If I needed that much weight and were diving a single tank, I would definitely use a steel tank.