Backplate and wing for a new diver?

[scrane]

I initially bought a steel plate, found it too heavy to haul around, and traded it on SB Classifieds for an aluminum plate of equivalent quality with someone going the other way. Don't get hung up on which to buy. You can easily swap it out.

 

[RobPNW]

Good to know. DGX does look quality from what I've read so far.

Best support in the business too imo.

 

[RobPNW]

I have a SS BP and I'm not gonna lie, it's close on the check in bag limit at times. But a little creative moving of stuff around always makes it work. I like how I only need to add 4lbs of weight in warm water, and I'm fat. If I ever get my butt in shape, I'd like to see if I can get to just the BP for weight

 

[rongoodman]

My trip tomorrow to the BVI will be the first time I've ever left my SS plate at home because the water temps look to be too warm to even bring my 3mm suit. I got a 2mm shorty to wear over a rash guard in case I need it.

 

[RobPNW]

For any new diver that feels intimidated by the idea of transitioning to a BP/W setup, get over it. I had about 30 dives total and I setup my rig at home without going in the water. Then I took it on a warm water dive trip. It took me about 10 minutes on the first dive to realize it was a non issue and I preferred the setup and never used a traditional BC again.

 

[Green Frog]

It seems the only disadvantages of the BP/W are weight, and these being noticed most during transport and perhaps getting into or out of the water, either from boat or shore. I was fortunate enough to obtain a Dive-Rite aluminum backplate used, and setting it up to suit myself has been aided by the whole modularity concept. I think I’ll have it just right to travel for the Spring 2025 season and plan to use it for a trip to Nassau in June.
Froggie

 

[Lorenzoid]

It seems the only disadvantages of the BP/W are weight, and these being noticed most during transport and perhaps getting into or out of the water, either from boat or shore. I was fortunate enough to obtain a Dive-Rite aluminum backplate used, and setting it up to suit myself has been aided by the whole modularity concept. I think I’ll have it just right to travel for the Spring 2025 season and plan to use it for a trip to Nassau in June.
Froggie

Weight can be an advantage or disadvantage. It depends how much weight you need to achieve proper buoyancy with the exposure suit and tanks you’re using. If you’re diving a drysuit or thick wetsuit, there are thick steel plates available. There are even weighted single-tank adapters to attach to a plate. If you are diving with only a thin wetsuit or rashguard, then sure, weight is not needed. Go with an aluminum or carbon fiber plate.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

Get a stainless plate with a 30# wing for Monterey, and get an Aluminum plate with and 18# wing for warm water.
I have 7 backplates.