Alternative to BP/W

[cmm1970]

OK, I have been loving my OMS Comfort harnes and wing with aluminum backplate. Trouble is, the airlines have now reduced their internationaly baggage weight max. to 50lbs from 75lbs. My kit has to go on a weight loss plan to keep from paying the $100 penalty for being overweight. What alternatives to the BP/W have you all found that offer the snug security and orientation/trim that this cool comb yields without the weight of the backplate. Am I asking for my cake and to eat it too?

I know that there are a wad of back inflate bc's out there now, but I have been skeptical that they would provide the same great trim in the water. Share some experiences...

Mike

 

[Detonate]

Doesn't DiveRite make an aluminum travel backplate?

 

[triton94949]

OK, I have been loving my OMS Comfort harnes and wing with aluminum backplate. Trouble is, the airlines have now reduced their internationaly baggage weight max. to 50lbs from 75lbs. My kit has to go on a weight loss plan to keep from paying the $100 penalty for being overweight. What alternatives to the BP/W have you all found that offer the snug security and orientation/trim that this cool comb yields without the weight of the backplate. Am I asking for my cake and to eat it too?

I know that there are a wad of back inflate bc's out there now, but I have been skeptical that they would provide the same great trim in the water. Share some experiences...

Mike

Use an aluminum plate. My OMS cost about $50.

 

[kidspot]

What wing are you using?

1) you could trade out your comfort harness for a hogarthian harness (so simple it can't weigh much)
2) leave the D-Rings off that you don't need. Perhaps (I hate to say it) a plastic buckle instead of a SS one - or at least a lighter weight SS buckle.
3) A smaller/lighter wing such as one without an outer shell like the 27# Pioneer or OxyCheq Single 18 or 30# wing.
4) Trade the aluminum plate for a DSS plastic plate (though an aluminum plate is pretty light)
5) If the wing does not have an STA - build one out of pvc http://www.kidspot.org/personal/scubaboard/fincomparison.html#sta instead of using a ss one.
6) Swap out SS cambands for Plastic ones
7) a travel style Jacket BC like Triple-L sells might also be another consideration, but I doubt it would be as stable or even as light as a simple bp/w - http://store.triple-l.biz/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=79

I'm guessing you could get the entire package close to 5 lbs. enough room to put your weightbelt with 40lbs of lead into your bag too! lol

Aloha, Tim

 

[O2BBubbleFree]

Doesn't DiveRite make an aluminum travel backplate?

And an ABS one, if you're really worried about travel weight.

 

[aquaoren]

http://oxycheq.com/backplates.html

Look at the Travel Backplate 1/8"

 

[kidspot]

http://oxycheq.com/backplates.html

Look at the Travel Backplate 1/8"

It's still heavier at 2.2 lbs. than an aluminum plate though - whereas the plastic plate from DSS (with steel reinforcing) is only 1.7 lbs. - so 1/2 pound difference.

Though it would appear to be a lot smaller for packing.

 

[Rick Inman]

I don't get it. I just packed my Fred T SS BP and Oxy wing into a suitcase with clothes all around it and the whole thing weighs just less than 50#. Mask/fins/etc in another case and carry on reg and computer. No weight issues.

 

[wunat]

How about DiveRite TransPac?

Haven't use it myself but know people to love them.

 

[mxracer19]

Yeah I dont see how you could be over the weight limit unless youre packing your tank!

Why dont you bring the heaviest items with you as carry-on? I dont think theres a weight limit for that. id bring your regs plate and computer....safer and keeps the weight down

-Matt