Another backplate question

[WeldonDowd]

I don't know what this strap is called; however, every jacketed BC that I have ever rented, used, or seen has a strap that hangs the BC over the tank yoke before you strap the BC to the tank. I'm not sure if this is to catch the tank if it were to come loose or simply just to aid in setting the tank height. But I was wondering if anyone adds this strap to their BP/W setup?

Thanks to those who helped me get my BP/W. I went with a Hammerhead backplate, XS Scuba tank bands, Venture Wing, and a basic harness. I had nobody local to turn to for advice on this so I appreciate all the help. Oh, and I already want to replace the Venture Wing with something with less lift so it will probably be listed soon in the classified section.

 

[fisheater]

Don't know what it's called either, but you're right. It's used to consistently set the height of the BC on the tank.

They're typically not used on BP/W setups, largely (I believe) because backplates don't sag and you don't have an issue with figuring out where you shoulders will be vis-a-vis the tank.

 

[dkktsunami]

Strap is used to aid in correct mounting. No, I absolutely would not add this to wing. In fact I cut the one off my poodle jacket bc, then off the back inflate. Happy to have moved on the the bp/w with less useless stuff to swim around with.

 

[cool_hardware52]

I don't know what this strap is called; however, every jacketed BC that I have ever rented, used, or seen has a strap that hangs the BC over the tank yoke before you strap the BC to the tank. I'm not sure if this is to catch the tank if it were to come loose or simply just to aid in setting the tank height. But I was wondering if anyone adds this strap to their BP/W setup?

Thanks to those who helped me get my BP/W. I went with a Hammerhead backplate, XS Scuba tank bands, Venture Wing, and a basic harness. I had nobody local to turn to for advice on this so I appreciate all the help. Oh, and I already want to replace the Venture Wing with something with less lift so it will probably be listed soon in the classified section.

Once you find where you prefer your cylinder pick out a "landmark" on your cylinder for the upper camband. In other words make a mental note of where the upper band lands on your cylinder.

For example "the upper edge of the band is ~1 inch below the break or crown of the tank"

Alternatively you can compare the top of the cylinder to the top edge of your back plate.

It will become second nature.

Tobin

 

[FishOutUvH2O]

I don't know what this strap is called; however, every jacketed BC that I have ever rented, used, or seen has a strap that hangs the BC over the tank yoke before you strap the BC to the tank. I'm not sure if this is to catch the tank if it were to come loose or simply just to aid in setting the tank height. But I was wondering if anyone adds this strap to their BP/W setup?

Thanks to those who helped me get my BP/W. I went with a Hammerhead backplate, XS Scuba tank bands, Venture Wing, and a basic harness. I had nobody local to turn to for advice on this so I appreciate all the help. Oh, and I already want to replace the Venture Wing with something with less lift so it will probably be listed soon in the classified section.

In some cases, like the Zeagles, that strap is a combination carry handle/tank locater/catch the tank if it falls strap. And I'm with you, I sometimes do wish my BP had one. Where the BC sits on the take can mean the difference between fighting being head-up/head-down, or staying horizontal without effort, on a dive. While 99% of the time I get it right the first time, there are just some days that after having to adjust the plate on the tank several times, I wish I had a locater strap. Maybe if someone comes-up with an easy strap, I'll give it a try.

 

[scubafanatic]

.....you might try Zeagle part # 7284...it's the 'strap' you are looking for .....I installed a few on my harnesses by threading them through the upper cam slot on my STAs.....I use them to 'set' a fixed height so my harness is always mounted at the same height......which is especially useful if you ever have boat crew handle your gear and swap out your tanks.....so THEY see/know what height you like to have you gear mounted at.

 

[Davidstealey3]

cool hardware has the right idea.

find a spot on your tank and remember where it is. when we teach open water students, we tell them to put the top of the tank valve even with the top of the bladder. while this might not be the "perfect" spot for bouyancy, it gives them a spot to put the tank everytime consistanly.

you will have to find where that spot is for you and make a mental note of it.

as far as the strap being for tank height, i guess that is debatable. not all the straps come out of the factory at the same length. if anything i would say it is there to help keep the bc from falling all the way down to the ground while you adjust it to the proper height on the tank. but this is just my oppinon. i never have nor will i ever use the handle to adjust or correct the height of my bc on the tank

 

[rongoodman]

when we teach open water students, we tell them to put the top of the tank valve even with the top of the bladder.

I don't think I could reach my tank valve if it was this low.

 

[Davidstealey3]

like i said it is just a starting point and a place for them to remember where to put the tank when it is attached. never said it was reachable, but i keep mine there and dont have a problem. and if you cant reach it just going back, pick up on the bottom of the tank and try.

besides, i dont know of anyone that teaches new students how to turn off the air in a single setup untill they start doing different valve configurations

 

[Fishpie]

With the exception of the DSS system I find that 99% of the time the top cam strap needs to be as high as possible on the tank, otherwise heads are hitting regs.

For me, the main advantage of the DSS rig over the others, is the ability to RAISE and lower the rig on the tank. Very useful for teaching and rental.

(and to be fair, the top strap of the Halcyon, Oxycheq and others, when located as high as it can go, does work for for all but the shortest divers).