another backplate questions thread...

[SpiderSense]

Just starting to look into backplates, wings and harnesses (DSS, Diverite), its seems that most like this setup over traditional BCs, even in rec diving. after reading here, i still have some questions.

assuming tropical, recreational diving with single tank, vacation diver, beginner diver.

1. would a harness, like say the ProFit or Hog from DSS, be comfortable with a 3mm wetsuit? or would pads be recommended? how about the Transplate from Dive Rite?
2. would a backplate, like say the SS backplate from Dive Rite, be comfortable with a 3mm wetsuit? or would padding be needed or the Transpac be better?
3. i like the sound of lighter aluminum backplate for travelling purposes, but from reading here, people seem to like the SS backplate which reduces added weights or even elminates a weightbelt. isn't ditchable weight on a weightbelt better? besides comfort of less weights on a belt, does having the weight on the backplate help with comfort or stablity? i guess i'm looking to understand the pros/cons of aluminum vs ss.

thanks in advance.

 

[TSandM]

I also had doubts about whether a backplate and hog harness would be comfortable with a 3 mm wetsuit, and to my surprise, it is VERY comfortable. No padding needed, and I have hiked about a quarter mile down (and back up) a hill with my rig and an AL80 and I was fine.

With regards to the ditchable weight, there are a lot of prior discussions of this on the board. Here are a few:

http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=155586&highlight=ditchable+weight

http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=136534&highlight=ditchable+weight

http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=128236&highlight=ditchable+weight

http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=128236&highlight=ditchable+weight

 

[Scuba_Jenny]

Hope this helps... I dive as DSS 30lb wing with 4lb SS backplate. I dive in the tropics, well, ok Florida. It is fine with a 3mm wetsuit, no need for pads. I have also used it with only my skins, and even just my bathing suit. Again, no need for pads. I prefer having the weight on my back instead of around my waist. The weight seems distributed better, and with my steel 80 tank, no longer use a weight belt. I prefer less is better. Love the streamlineness of the BP/W set up. FWIW, I have dived a BC for many years, and have never had one fit me as well as the BP/W.

 

[Firefyter]

I dive a SS backplate and a hog harness with a 3mm suit, and it's the most comfortable thing I've ever worn.

 

[FredT]

The choice of plate material is based on YOUR buoyancy needs and tank choices. A SS plate works well for those who need just a little lead and are diving aluminum tanks. I dive a modified hogarthian rig on an aluminum plate with steel tanks and need no additional weight until suit thickness gets over 3mm or I dive dry. The rig is comfortable all the way down to T-shirt and shorts. If diving without a t-shirt it's best to give the plate a coating of spray-on tool dip. That slows heat transfer and keeps the tank "stuck" to your back even if the harness is a bit loose.

The SS plate often is used to offset the inherent positive buoyancy of the AL80.

First spend a few hours at a pool or dock to find out what it takes to sink YOU, then do the same for your gear item by item. Then by mixing and matching intelligently you can minimize your overall "dead" weight requirements that must be added either in plate or lead on a belt. Strangely enough this will also minimze the drag you get while swimming and generally improve your trim. Your target is to surface neutral with NO air in the wing!

FT

 

[AZ Desert Diver]

I just got in the pool today with my new SS BP/W, Hog harness and a 3mm and I must say that I'm gald to have made the move. It was like wearing nothing on at all, you don't feel the bp or harness at all!

 

[SpiderSense]

without trying to start another 'ditchable weight' thread, i think i'll go with the aluminum plate for travel reasons and to have ditchable weight. i think i'm just more comfortable having ditchable weight to have the options of being positively buoyant at the surface if needed (ooa, exhausted, uncons., etc).

anywho. so the hog harnesses without shoulder strap padding is comfy with 3mm wetsuit or even no wetsuit? hmmm. if thats the case, i can just choose whichever harness i want..

thanks again!

 

[kidspot]

you "might" want to just try a hog harness, then if you don't like it after a dozen dives buy another style - since they are the cheapest option you might be pleasantly surprised, and if not, you're not out a whole lotta dough.

Aloha, Tim

 

[cool_hardware52]

you "might" want to just try a hog harness, then if you don't like it after a dozen dives buy another style - since they are the cheapest option you might be pleasantly surprised, and if not, you're not out a whole lotta dough.

Aloha, Tim

This is very sound advice. I've never had a "Hogarthian User" switch to an Adjustable (Pro-Fit Harness) I have had people start with a Pro-Fit and switch to the Hogarthian.


Tobin

 

[*Floater*]

anywho. so the hog harnesses without shoulder strap padding is comfy with 3mm wetsuit or even no wetsuit? hmmm. if thats the case, i can just choose whichever harness i want..

It's comfortable in the water.