Apeks Backplate Considerations

[Oldbear]

I use and sell the Apex BP with either the 18 or 30 lb wings. Our divers typically use them 3-5 days out of the week and we never had any problems. Just a nice durable rig. I stop using my Dive Rite, DSS and OMS rugs in favor of the Apex.

 

[Anthony A.]

The D18 is nice and streamlined. If its enough lift, I would get that. The 30 is bulkier in comparison.

 

[admikar]

I use and sell the Apex BP with either the 18 or 30 lb wings. Our divers typically use them 3-5 days out of the week and we never had any problems. Just a nice durable rig. I stop using my Dive Rite, DSS and OMS rugs in favor of the Apex.

I dive Apeks rig with 30lb wing so no argument from me, but would you care to elaborate why you prefer it?

 

[211ratsbud]

For me it is I would only sell what I would use and I use what I sell.

 

[Oldbear]

I dive Apeks rig with 30lb wing so no argument from me, but would you care to elaborate why you prefer it?

The durability and craftsmanship of the wings.

The Back Plates - to me a BP is a BB with minor bending adjustments and slot/hole configurations. However, there are a few with "only" narrow crotch strap slots; hate the limit-ability of these.

Harness - It is a nylon webbing (different grades through) with a buckle, d-rings and tri-glides.

Wings - This is where the separation between brands comes in play in my mind. Apex has been the best brand to fit my needs out of the brands I have tried. They have held up the best with over 200-300 dives per year for over 5 years, both recreational and tech. They are the most stream-lined wing I have used, others are just wider. They also offer a true redundant double wing (not just stacking a second wing on top of the first wing).

Based on personal dive type, wing design, wing durability, and customer service I would rank the wings that I have tried in the following order:

1) Apex
2) Halcyon
3) Dive Rite
4) OMS
5) DSS

You might also notice that my personal preference resembles price...I just noticed that myself. I guess you truly do get what you pay for.

 

[Oldbear]

The D18 is nice and streamlined. If its enough lift, I would get that. The 30 is bulkier in comparison.

In the tropics, where I live, the D18 is more than enough for most divers. I use the D30 since I do a lot of teaching and am a heavy guy. The Apex D30 is barely noticeable larger than a D18...we have laid them out side by side in the store many times. The D30 is still more streamlined compared to other brands I have tried in similar weights, Diver Rite, DSS, OMS.

 

[stuartv]

Quick background: somewhat seasoned recreational diver, PADI MSD that has recently completed tec 40 and 45. 250 or so dives all in warm carribean water or the florida keys.

I'm looking to advance in the tec diving training and have decided to begin diving my local quarries. I'm in the process of purchasing my first twinset rig so a backplate/drysuit is in my future for sure.

However, my next dive trip is a week in Cozumel, easy diving with the wife and generally taking it easy. I currently have been diving with the Aqualung Outlaw and have been very happy with it. However, these tec classes have opened my eyes a bit and i'm considering an effort to standardize gear. I was thinking that if I end up with a BP/W, perhaps I could have a rig that would elminiate all weights for my CZM trip. I currently carry between 6 and 8 pounds of lead with the Outlaw.

Change from 2 x 3# or 4# weights, which are provided by the boat, to a 5 or 6# BP that you lug everywhere? If you're happy with your Outlaw, why bother?

I bought my first BP/W immediately after finishing my OW cert. I only dived BP/W for the 3+ years since then (until very recently). I have 3 BP/W rigs - one dedicated for single tank, one for doubles, and one Kydex plate rig for double steels in warm water.

I recently got a "normal" integrated BCD and I like it so much I am now using it for all my single tank diving. With a steel 100 and a 3mm wetsuit, I still need no weight. With an AL80, I need 6#. A 3# weight in each of the trim pockets on the back works perfectly and doesn't offend my diving sensibilities in the least. Besides, I virtually never dive an AL80 anyway. If you choose the right dive operator in Cozumel, you won't have to dive an AL80 either.

A BP/W is a great rig. A requirement (in my mind, at least) for diving back mount doubles. But, if you have a BCD you are very happy with, for single tank diving, I wouldn't rush to spend money on a single tank wing and ditch the BCD you're happy with.

I haven't tried an Outlaw, but my new BCD is more convenient (only slightly so, but it IS) and is more stable (again, only a slight difference, but the difference is there) in the water than a BP/W.

 

[Jackie Treehorn]

Fair questions.

Yes, quite happy with the Outlaw. I'll definitely be keeping it for those tropical destinations where I'm very restricted on luggage weights. Cozumel not so much as I can check 3 bags at 70LBS each.

The reason I was thinking to bother with it is again to standardize. One harness and plate to use for all types of diving. Local quarry dives with drysuit and twinset, all the way to warm water single tank dives with board shorts and a lavacore vest. Just change out the wing depending on the application.

Having the majority of the weight from the steel plate be right at the dead center of my buoyancy circle has be curious. I may already be deep into marginal benefit return territory but I need it for the tech side of things so figured its not completely wasteful.

I ordered the steel plate, harness and D18 donut. Will pool check it and possibly knock out a drysuit course locally before heading down to CZM.

 

[stuartv]

Nothing wrong with any of that. I'm just saying that, knowing what I know now, in your shoes, I would not have spent the money on a single tank wing.

I want my stuff to be standardized, too. But, for my use, that just means that I want my my inflator and dump to be in the same spots, my light to be clipped to my BCD in the same spot, and my reel clipped in the same spot. Etc. I don't care if one rig has adjustable shoulder straps and no crotch strap and the other is the opposite.

Anyway, I imagine you will be quite happy with your new rig. Enjoy it and Coz!

 

[Anthony A.]

I recently got a "normal" integrated BCD and I like it so much I am now using it for all my single tank diving.

I haven't tried an Outlaw, but my new BCD is more convenient (only slightly so, but it IS) and is more stable (again, only a slight difference, but the difference is there) in the water than a BP/W.

So which bcd did you get?