Backplate for OxyCheq Mach V Wing

[swordfish66]

Hi there,

I'm thinking about buying an Oxycheq Mach V Wing, but I'm not so sure about the right backplate for this wing. I mainly dive in tropical waters (Red Sea or south-east Asia) but I live in central Europe. So, weight is an argument.

Because of this, I'm thinking about the Oxycheq Travel SS-BP (for 139 Euro = 188 US-$) or a DiveRite AL-BP (for 86 € = 116 US-$).

What do you think? Is it just a question of "design", or are there any substantial reasons to prefer the one or the other?

 

[halocline]

Why not get a freedom plate? Those work great with the oxycheq wing.

 

[swordfish66]

Why not get a freedom plate? Those work great with the oxycheq wing.

Yes, the freedom plate would be very interesting, too. IMHO not only a BP but a piece of art. But, as far as I know, it's not available in Europe. And if I would buy it in the US, I'd have to pay to much money for shipping and customs.

 

[cmburch]

I use a DR SS BP with Oxycheq Mach V Extreme. Almost any BP will work. Used BP's are also good. Check SCUBAToys rates to Germany. Something so light should not cost too much. When you buy from the US, you are charged tariffs? I think this is true of electronics and clothing. An Al plate is about $80 US depending on store.

 

[TN Traveler]

If you are going to use it for travel - why not get the Oxycheq Ultra-Lite Plate. Works perfectly with Oxycheq wings, weighs only 9 oz (.3 kg) and is super comfortable. Plus it is less expensive than the others.

 

[Peter_C]

Can you buy the Mach V in Europe? Otherwise combined shipping with a Freedom Plate, from Scubatoys, might not be a bad way to go. If only used in the tropics I would personally purchase the 18lb wing, so I listed it below. I have a Freedom Plate and my gal will own one shortly when she gets certified. I have an aluminum plate but it only gets used for double tanks, when wearing a drysuit. It is not comfortable against my bare skin, which my Freedom Plate is.

Freedom Plate
Oxycheq 18lb wing
Mach V

 

[Akimbo]

If you are going to use it for travel - why not get the Oxycheq Ultra-Lite Plate. Works perfectly with Oxycheq wings, weighs only 9 oz (.3 kg) and is super comfortable. Plus it is less expensive than the others.

Agreed. The Ultra-lite for warm water/travel is comfortable and compact. The Freedom Plate is a good choice if you need the extra weight, are wearing a buoyant suit, and over-weight baggage fees aren't an issue. They both have similar ergonomics. You can also get Oxycheq wings in 18 and 30 Lb for dedicated rigs.

 

[swordfish66]

Thanks a lot for your answers:cool2:!

Well, I could buy the Mach V here in Germany. There is one shop that sells it for about 370 $. They even sell the Ultra Lite Travel Plate. It looks nice, but I would like some kind of a compromise: some weight, but not too much, so I could leave some weight off the rig.

The Freedom Plate would be 150 $ at ScubaToys, shipping to Germany would add another 67 $ (total: 217 $). And I'm quite sure that the customs would ask for more money. I've asked some guys in a german diving forum who have already bought gear in the US. We calculated it for the Mach V + Travel Plate (or Ultra Lite Plate) + OxyCheq Harness. In the end it would be cheaper to buy here in Germany.

 

[TN Traveler]

Add a couple of XS Scuba Weight Pockets to the cambands on an Ultra-Lite Plate and it is easy to add weight on your back and have it behave just like an AL or lightweight SS plate - and it still weighs (much) less for travel.

I have both the Ultra-Lite Plate and a Freedom Plate and I do feel the Freedom Plate is slightly more stable - but when I fly to a dive site, it is the Ultra-Lite Plate that goes in my bag. I also have both the 18# and 30# Oxycheq Mach V wings - if I am using a 3 mil or less wetsuit, then I take the 18# wing (maximum total lead needed - 14 lbs) - if I need more wetsuit/lead, then I use the 30# wing.

With 2 XS Scuba Weight Pockets on the waist strap and 2 on the cambands, I can handle 20# of lead without a weight belt and be perfectly balanced.

 

[swordfish66]

Add a couple of XS Scuba Weight Pockets to the cambands on an Ultra-Lite Plate and it is easy to add weight on your back and have it behave just like an AL or lightweight SS plate - and it still weighs (much) less for travel.

I have both the Ultra-Lite Plate and a Freedom Plate and I do feel the Freedom Plate is slightly more stable - but when I fly to a dive site, it is the Ultra-Lite Plate that goes in my bag. I also have both the 18# and 30# Oxycheq Mach V wings - if I am using a 3 mil or less wetsuit, then I take the 18# wing (maximum total lead needed - 14 lbs) - if I need more wetsuit/lead, then I use the 30# wing.

With 2 XS Scuba Weight Pockets on the waist strap and 2 on the cambands, I can handle 20# of lead without a weight belt and be perfectly balanced.

... that sounds good - thanks for the advice!