Backpad or No?

[rhwestfall]

What are you using for sleeves? (pcis?)

I have Zeagle and ScubaPro shoulder pads on my plates. I got them on some sale/discount and I don't remember where. I would not pay the price they are advertised at... There might be other less expensive options. Some folks use old wetsuit pieces...

 

[Ben_3]

In regards to the BP pad with pockets; are there any here who actually store and deploy a DSMB from the pocket?

Sometimes but not often..

 

[Doc Harry]

Going to start diving with an OMS back plate that came with a back pad.

1. Friends don't let friends dive with OMS gear.

2. You don't need a back pad.

 

[Doc Harry]

In regards to the BP pad with pockets; are there any here who actually store and deploy a DSMB from the pocket?

I tried storing my 3 meter DSMB in a backplate pocket (not a pad) and the buldge back there was too uncomfortable. I trashed the pocket and now I hang my rolled-up 3 meter DSMB from the bottom of my backplate using bungee cord, I don't even know it's there but I can reach it easily.

 

[Ontwreckdiver]

I have a plate covering that came with my Sub-Gravity BP/W and like it. It's not neoprene, so it doesn't add any buoyancy and has a pocket for a SMB. Backplate Cover with Built in Buoy Pocket - SubGravity
They also make shoulder pads that aren't neoprene, so again no added buoyancy but I don't use any. Harness Shoulder Pads – Pair - SubGravity

 

[Johnoly]

When I had a pad, I kept a lift bag in the pocket...

Ditto,
I keep a 50lb yellow lift bag inside the back pad. I've picked up a few brand new large shiny anchors on the bottom and sold them on Ebay. That money received was more than I spent on the entire BP+Wing,,three times over. If you want free groceries, you're gonna need to bring your own bag,,,lift.

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

I always dive with a pad. It's called my undergarment.

I try to get rid of all buoyant material that doesn't serve a purpose. A pad on the BP has no purpose.

 

[Litefoot]

I have a plate covering that came with my Sub-Gravity BP/W and like it. It's not neoprene, so it doesn't add any buoyancy and has a pocket for a SMB. Backplate Cover with Built in Buoy Pocket - SubGravity
They also make shoulder pads that aren't neoprene, so again no added buoyancy but I don't use any. Harness Shoulder Pads – Pair - SubGravity

I have the Paragon too. I stuffed a 3 ft SMB into the BP pad pocket with the D-ring hanging out the bottom and attached to the rear D-ring with a double ender. Out of water I pulled it out to see how it would work. Seemed okay, but not sure how it would compare to other methods because I have no experience other than the little I did at certification.

 

[Scott]

In regards to the BP pad with pockets; are there any here who actually store and deploy a DSMB from the pocket?

My wifes BP has a fabric pocket that looks like a pad that she stores her DSMB in. She just has to reach back by the tail d-ring and give it a pull.
I have a mesh pocket that is attached to bottom of the BP. Reach back witht the right hand and and give it a pull.

 

[Bigbella]

I did things that you should never do to a human back, in a 2007 truck accident, when some mouth-breather, recklessly driving on a rainy day, jumped a median and hit us, head-on, at about 45 mph; and we were doing much the same, in terms of speed. Ninety mph impact = no so very good.

Plus-one on that BC lumbar pad . . .