Backplate advice?

[DiverG]

I'm going to be getting a backplate/wing setup very soon, and need some advice on whether I should go with a stainless steel or aluminum bp.

I'll mainly be diving freshwater with an al 80. I also take about two tropical trips a year, and ocassionally dive steel 95's.

This past weekend I was diving an AL80, and wearing a 3 mil in freshwater with about 9lbs. When I got to 500psi I took 3lbs off and I seemed to be neutrally bouyant. I was so shocked because I used to need 9lbs freshwater w/o a wetsuit, and at times I've worn 14lbs+.

In saltwater w/o a wetsuit the lowest amount of lead I've used is about 12-14lbs with a steel 95's, and about 16 or 18lbs with AL80's.

Right now I've lost about 25lbs and I'm still losing weight and adding lean muscle. So I'm not sure how much more that may effect how much lead I need ina given situation.

Ok hope I've given enough information, and not to much.

 

[RICHinNC]

DG....I went with the Stainless Steel plate. It is heavier...and to me that is a plus as it helps keep add on weights down. Not that much tougher to transport.

Where are you getting your gear from>> check out www.northeastscubasupply.com
let me know how it turns out
rich

 

[ocpaul]

The SS BP should be OK as it weighs about 6#. You should still have some ditchable weight.

Having the weight in the BP helps to maintain good trim.

Good luck!

 

[HammerNoMore]

When I switch from a Ranger to a BP/Wing I lost about 4# saltwater total just because of the extra bouyancy characteristics of the BC. In freshwater with my 3/2 shorty and my SS BP I'm slightly overweighted, but not enough to be concerned about. I with a steel tank I'd be very heavy.

I want the SS plate putting the weight where it is. If I wanted to use a steel tank in warm water I'd get an AL plate for that.

 

[Boogie711]

Something to consider may be an AL plate with two STA's - a heavy and a light. My heavy STA weighs 5 pounds. Then, you have the same harness configuration, but you can vary the amount of weight on your plate according to need.

 

[will_tekkie]

Something to consider may be an AL plate with two STA's - a heavy and a light. My heavy STA weighs 5 pounds. Then, you have the same harness configuration, but you can vary the amount of weight on your plate according to need.

I agree with boogie...the best idea...

well..in case you have to get just one backplate and one sta..i would choose aluminum with a weight bell instead a heavier BP...SS have better features..but it´s too heavy for handling if you are traveling compared with a alum one...i like light and small rings and using a weight bell is not so bad...if you are properly weighted it won´t be a problem....i hate the SS weight for handling...but is great with aluminum tanks...but for single steel and doubles a alum BP is a better choice for me...if you need a dry suit...SS BP is THE BEST way to go...

 

[DiverG]

Well, I finally decided to buy my setup. I bought the Halcyon SS back plate with 30lb Eclipse wing. Over the next few months I'll probably be adding to the setup. At least I hope I can spread out the cost over several months.

I'll be diving it the first time tomorrow, and I'm looking forward to tweaking it till I get the way I want it. I'll diving tomorrow, and the following two weekends. I hope to have it tweked just right before my Cozumel trip July 10.