karmstrong
Registered
As stupid as this sounds can some one please fill me in on what a back plate is. I have read about it in many post concerning Bc's and I cant figure out what it is. Who knows I may own one and not even know it!
Back Plate
- Thread starter karmstrong
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I don't own this particular brand, but click here for a pic.
The backplate, along with the harness, is kinda like a saddle on a horse - securely and comfortably distributes the weight of the rig over a broad area of of your torso. The wing is attached as the buoyancy compensator.
The backplate, along with the harness, is kinda like a saddle on a horse - securely and comfortably distributes the weight of the rig over a broad area of of your torso. The wing is attached as the buoyancy compensator.
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karmstrong:
It doesn't sound stupid at all ... feel free to ask away.
Basically, as the picture shows, a backplate is a metal plate that holds a scuba cylinder rigidly to your back. It's used in place of the BCD that you trained with, along with a harness to hold it in place, and a wing to provide buoyancy.
An equally good question for you to ask would be why would you want to choose one of these over a conventional BCD. In anticipation of that question, I'll give you some more information based on my experiences.
Start by considering what a BCD does for you ... it gives you a way to hold your cylinder in place, and it provides you with a way to control your buoyancy. This is all packaged in a single piece of gear. The straps that hold a BCD to your body come in "standard" sizes which are adjustable within a certain range to fit your body. So when you purchase a BCD you have to decide what style you want (back-inflate or jacket style), how much lift the bladder should provide, and what size to choose (so the straps will fit you properly). Then you shop around for a BCD that comes closest to "ideal" in all of these categories.
A backplate system gives you all the same functions in a "component" style. You can choose any size wing, so the buoyancy you need will match your needs. You can use it with single or double cylinders (most BCD's don't accommodate doubles). And a traditional harness is one single piece of standard webbing (like you use on a weight belt), so you can make it fit your body exactly.
Now, there are some advantages to a backplate system that you cannot get with a standard BCD. These include the fact that a backplate holds the cylinder much more rigidly (and closer) to your body, providing a more natural feel when you're diving it ... and for the most part, since there's less movement between your body and the cylinder on your back you'll have an easier time with your buoyancy and trim. Backplates come in stainless steel and aluminum of various thicknesses and weights. A "standard" stainless steel backplate will allow you to take about six pounds off your weight belt. That six pounds accounts for the buoyancy of the plate, which is distributed evenly across your torso, where it counteracts the buoyant effects of the air in your lungs ... a more effective place to have it than around your waist.
Another advantage to consider is that a backplate system gives you the opportunity to change components as you become more experienced and want to try different approaches to diving. If you're using a BCD you may have to purchase a completely different rig for more bouyancy, or to accommodate doubles. With a backplate system, all you'll need to purchase is a larger wing. On a BCD if your bladder wears out or gets a hole in it you'll end up replacing the entire BCD. With a backplate system all you'll need to do is replace the wing.
About the only downside to a backplate system is that you'll need to put some thought into what you'll originally want to purchase. Rather than simply going into a shop and having the salesman tell you that "this is what you want", you should do some research. Figure out what kind of backplate system you want. There are a variety of different systems out there, ranging from adjustable harnesses to wings of different shapes and sizes.
Now, don't get me wrong ... there are many people out there who prefer a BCD to a backplate. They like the comfort and convenience offered by the BCD and don't really need the advantages offered by the backplate system. It's a personal decision, and only you know what goals you want to pursue as a diver.
Either way, before you purchase a BCD I would recommend that you at least look at a backplate system and, if possible, try one on to compare it to the BCD. They are a lot more comfortable than they appear when you're first looking at them.
Feel free to ask more questions ... it doesn't sound stupid. In fact, it's smart to educate yourself before purchasing. I ... like many others in here ... started out with a BCD and can give you some honest appraisal of the advantages and disadvantages of each.
... Bob (Grateful Diver)
OP
karmstrong
Registered
Wow What great info! I have already purchased my gear, but who knows what the future brings.. Thanks for the picture to from the other person who poasted.
hantzu701
Contributor
Great post for newbies NWGratefulDiver. Maybe your post can qualify as an article for general reference.
Do we have an article section on scubaboard?
Hantzu
Do we have an article section on scubaboard?
Hantzu
Never heard of a backplate until I joined Scubaboard, I am now interested in the backplate/wing set up. Your explanation, NWGratefulDiver, was excellent, non infammatory, non judgemental (like that EVER happens here, LOL) and described the good/bad aspects of the BP/W vs. BC. For that, I am most appreciative. Thank you.
boomx5
Contributor
A couple of years ago when I was looking into buying a bp&wing setup I called every shop in my area (about 5 or 6 shops) and asked if they carried them. Most of the responses I recieved were, "what's a back plate & wing", or "why do you want something like that"? So doing some more research here on Scubaboard, I found a great place to buy them, and haven't looked back since. I've used a number of different setups and (personally) I find the bp&wing type setup the best bc I've ever used.
Yes...Great posts here for new divers.
Not all that long ago (over the past summer) I had the same questions. Unfortunately the local dive shops, the very same people that want my money were of no help when it came to a BP/W or for assistance in getting to the point of diving neutrally weighted. This is what we all want as divers right? To perfect our trim and buoyancy control? To be fair, the local shop was very helpfull in many other areas (and continue to be helpfull) but I got tired of them pushing the jacket style BC on me. That says to me that Joe Salesman was just interested in selling me an expensive $600 - $800 overpriced retail BC and could care less about the fact I WAS diving overweighted. I had what I considered a very good instructor in OW and AOW classes but the Peak Perf. Buoyancy dive was a waste as I was head high and feet dragging with 28# of lead on my belt. I understand I was a very new diver at that point buy why try to teach me advanced buoyancy control while my trim was so far off and I was constantly pumping air in my BC to counter my overweighting? I was told a BP/W would push my face forward in the water and practically drown me and I would need to dive double steels to stay upright. That was total BS. I just dove this rig in Cayman and on my first dive I was straight as an arrow at the surface. Having the 11# plate and STA's on my back helped my trim bigtime and I was diving 3# on my belt. As I got trimmed out and weighted to about neutral my air consumption improved drastically. To be fair I'm sure I could have trimmed out one of the better quality BC's with weight integration but I was never taught this. The basic weight check for OW and AOW dives is ok but I don't recall much on the subject of trim and neutral weighting being discussed or taught in detail. The best move I made was to purchase a BP/W setup from FredT here on the board. He even sends you spreadsheets and word docs breaking out all the weighting of gear as well a VERY good article he wrote on obtaining neutral buoyancy and how to dive throughout the water columbn neutral.
I seriousy doubt I could have learned this without this board or without finally figuring it out from other divers or on my own through MUCH trail and error. Does this explain why a majority of recreational divers dive overweighted? Some folks are not as technically minded as others and take longer (or may never) grasp some of these concepts. Seems to me that the industry needs to refine training in this area somewhere between OW and AOW training (PADI) Anyway, building my own rig worked for me and got me where I want to be as a diver in about 20 dives. I don't mean to rant and beat this to death but I get really upset when I hear the BS and totally false info from dive shops and industry pros about "how" you should start out diving. Shouldn't we all start out with the best possible configuration that works for US so that we can dive SAFELY (overweighted in NOT safe) and understand these concepts from the beginning? In any event do your research and buy what works for YOU.
Not all that long ago (over the past summer) I had the same questions. Unfortunately the local dive shops, the very same people that want my money were of no help when it came to a BP/W or for assistance in getting to the point of diving neutrally weighted. This is what we all want as divers right? To perfect our trim and buoyancy control? To be fair, the local shop was very helpfull in many other areas (and continue to be helpfull) but I got tired of them pushing the jacket style BC on me. That says to me that Joe Salesman was just interested in selling me an expensive $600 - $800 overpriced retail BC and could care less about the fact I WAS diving overweighted. I had what I considered a very good instructor in OW and AOW classes but the Peak Perf. Buoyancy dive was a waste as I was head high and feet dragging with 28# of lead on my belt. I understand I was a very new diver at that point buy why try to teach me advanced buoyancy control while my trim was so far off and I was constantly pumping air in my BC to counter my overweighting? I was told a BP/W would push my face forward in the water and practically drown me and I would need to dive double steels to stay upright. That was total BS. I just dove this rig in Cayman and on my first dive I was straight as an arrow at the surface. Having the 11# plate and STA's on my back helped my trim bigtime and I was diving 3# on my belt. As I got trimmed out and weighted to about neutral my air consumption improved drastically. To be fair I'm sure I could have trimmed out one of the better quality BC's with weight integration but I was never taught this. The basic weight check for OW and AOW dives is ok but I don't recall much on the subject of trim and neutral weighting being discussed or taught in detail. The best move I made was to purchase a BP/W setup from FredT here on the board. He even sends you spreadsheets and word docs breaking out all the weighting of gear as well a VERY good article he wrote on obtaining neutral buoyancy and how to dive throughout the water columbn neutral.
I seriousy doubt I could have learned this without this board or without finally figuring it out from other divers or on my own through MUCH trail and error. Does this explain why a majority of recreational divers dive overweighted? Some folks are not as technically minded as others and take longer (or may never) grasp some of these concepts. Seems to me that the industry needs to refine training in this area somewhere between OW and AOW training (PADI) Anyway, building my own rig worked for me and got me where I want to be as a diver in about 20 dives. I don't mean to rant and beat this to death but I get really upset when I hear the BS and totally false info from dive shops and industry pros about "how" you should start out diving. Shouldn't we all start out with the best possible configuration that works for US so that we can dive SAFELY (overweighted in NOT safe) and understand these concepts from the beginning? In any event do your research and buy what works for YOU.
OP
karmstrong
Registered
Im loving this board! I have wanted to dive for several years and this past summer I finally got certified. I love it as much as I thought I would!! I am still trying to get the neutral bouyancy down though and am really just getting all my gear purchased in the last few months. We have a pool to practice bouyancy in but its only 15 ft. deep but its better then nthing and I think Its good practice, plus getting me more familar and comfortable with all my new gear.
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