back plate pad
- Thread starter vinnydav
- Start date
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matt t.
Contributor
To me they appear to be mostly cosmetic. I used mine for 1 dive and then sold it. It didn't make anything more comfortable and I didn't like the "pita" factor for trying to retrieve a lift bag or smb. Suit pockets work much better. That said people always seem to want them, because they used ones always sell quickly. YMMV.
Belmont
Contributor
Very usefull to carry an SMB or lift bag. Out of the way and easy to reach even with my short arms. It leaves place in the pockets for bulky items. It's not for padding or comfort.
dkktsunami
Contributor
I agree it adds little or no comfort unless you are diving in a t-shirt.
As for SMB/lift bag storage, I prefer to roll the bag or smb and store it threaded through 2 bungee loops on the bottom of the backplate. It is still streamlined and easy to access, but does not interfere with attaching the plate and wing to your doubles. If you are using a single tank and or STA the latter is not an issue.
As for SMB/lift bag storage, I prefer to roll the bag or smb and store it threaded through 2 bungee loops on the bottom of the backplate. It is still streamlined and easy to access, but does not interfere with attaching the plate and wing to your doubles. If you are using a single tank and or STA the latter is not an issue.
The H "Storage Pak" doesn't really interfere with plate attachment if you leave the bottom two screws that attach the Pak to the plate off. Then you can reach both the top and bottom holes in the plate easily. Also make it easier to get the SMB into/out of the Pak as well.
Originally I attached my lift bag in a mesh pouch hanging from bottom of plate, then tried the way you mention, but I found both to cause difficulty. No during dive, but on the boat. Perhaps because I dive relatively "shorter" 119cf tanks, but there's not enough room for a bottom-mounted lift bag; requires that I sit on the bag when gearing up, and then when sitting back down after the dive the bag would get stuck under the tanks, etc. Many boats have some kind of rail on the bench to keep tanks in place, which would often pinch the bag between the tanks and the rail.
