Back Plates

[Firediver]

I was wondering if your using a BC with your dry suit is it necessary to have an aluminum or steel back plate??
I have a Dacor navigator BCD and I don't want to change anything if I don't have too.. is the metal back plate for less weight on your belt and or for double tank set ups??

 

[Scubaroo]

I was wondering if your using a BC with your dry suit is it necessary to have an aluminum or steel back plate??
I have a Dacor navigator BCD and I don't want to change anything if I don't have too.. is the metal back plate for less weight on your belt and or for double tank set ups??

The backplate would replace your Dacor BC, unless that model of BC is designed to accept a backplate as an insert, as a couple of technical BCs can. You would use it with a harness and a wing. Both less weight on a weightbelt, and the ability to use double tanks if desired are two advantages of a backplate, but not the only two.

 

[scubasean]

I was wondering if your using a BC with your dry suit is it necessary to have an aluminum or steel back plate??

No, it is not. For example, I was using a Dive Rite Transpac II with a Rec wing, and used my drysuit....and the system worked just fine.

I have recently switched out my transpac for a stainless steel backplate, mainly to take 5-6 lbs off my waist, as you mention. The BP is also useful with doubles, but that isn't the only reason a backplate is useful.

I have a Dacor navigator BCD and I don't want to change anything if I don't have too.. is the metal back plate for less weight on your belt and or for double tank set ups??

When you move to your DS, it may be necessary to adjust your weighting, but it is not necessary to change out your B/C.

I wasn't aware that some B/C's accommodate BP's...Thanks Ben!

 

[Firediver]

Thanks.. I currently have 10lbs in my BC and 10 on my belt to sink in a 7mm semi dry without a vest. I am guessing an extra 10 should sink me fine in my first drysuit. I am only 144lbs.. What would I be looking at for cost of a BP?? Anyone ever make their own?

 

[LUBOLD8431]

If you are looking for a brand new SS 5 or 6 # BP, you will probably pay around $100, plus a harness for around $40.

For most people, making a BP is not feasible. Unless you cut one out of a stop sign...

 

[bridgediver]

Thanks.. I currently have 10lbs in my BC and 10 on my belt to sink in a 7mm semi dry without a vest. I am guessing an extra 10 should sink me fine in my first drysuit. I am only 144lbs.. What would I be looking at for cost of a BP?? Anyone ever make their own?

As far as weighting goes it will vary alot depending on the type of dry suit, neoprene being more bouyant than a shell type and the type of undergarment may be more bouyant than others. Generally speaking, if you're using a 7mm semi your weighting shouldn't be much more in a DS but start a bit heavier until you get used to it

 

[scubasean]

I currently have 10lbs in my BC and 10 on my belt to sink in a 7mm semi dry without a vest. I am guessing an extra 10 should sink me fine in my first drysuit.

I use approx. the same weight with my DS (trilam) as I do with my 7mm Htperstretch wetsuit (incl hooded vest). 26 lbs each...Since I now use a BP, I'd use 20 or 21 lbs add'l weight instead of 26. But, I need to ck my weighting. I suspect I'm a pound or two heavy.