My new backplate

[F_Raven]

I’m evolving from a hydros (SP) to a backplate set-up & I have to admit, backplates are AWESOME . My question if anyone knows, is there a butt plate or “lower” back plate available for these set-ups? To raise it an inch or so away from the lower spine? Think it’ll help me with preventing lower back pain in the future.

Thank you

Apeks WTX

• F_Raven
• Jul 12, 2020
• 1

My first backplate

 

[Boston Breakwater]

Hello. How are you? Congratulations.....
Cheers.

 

[rhwestfall]

What is this pain you speak of?

I dive a BP/W in anything from a t-shirt to a dry suit, and never experienced any "lower back pain"...

Two other family members too.

 

[lexvil]

What is this pain you speak of?

I dive a BP/W in anything from a t-shirt to a dry suit, and never experienced any "lower back pain"...

Two other family members too.

My guess it’s a trim issue.

 

[James79]

What is this pain you speak of?

My kids sometimes complain of how the lower edge of the plate digs just above their hips/in their lower back on land. My 14 y.o. uses a backpad we salvaged off an old Dacor BCD, and I may be making a lumbar pad for my 10 y.o.

The OP may be dealing with similar.

 

[rhwestfall]

...then the plate is too long or they have it too low...


YMMV

 

[F_Raven]

I feel it more today then yesterday. It’s at the very bottom of my spine. I’m thinking it might be because it was too low. It’s a muscle pain.

 

[rongoodman]

...then the plate is too long or they have it too low...

Looking at the position of those D-rings I'm guessing the plate is either hanging way too low or else the D-rings are at about the bottom of his rib cage.

 

[Bald Wookie]

If the backplate itself is causing pain, you could use harness pads such as these:
Halcyon Dive Systems

If the pain is otherwise, you may have the plate too low on your back and may be having trim issues. There are plenty of resources available for correct placement on the back, and often requires the help of another person to get correct. A quick and dirty way for placement is if you can touch the backplate with the tips of your fingers when on your back, its almost in the right position, but needs a second person to help you fine tune.
Also, your D-rings should be touched by your thumbs when you have your arms horizontally outstretched and you bend at the elbow. This means the rings will always be in the same place and muscle memory can clip things easily.

is a great resource.

Hope this helps!

 

[UCFKnightDiver]

May need to tighten your shoulder straps a bit to raise the bottom of the plate