backplate for Pioneer 27lb wing?

[bketchel]

Hey everyone, I'm new to scuba and getting my first rig set up. I couldn't find this information stated clearly anywhere (searched the forums), so before I spend money, I want to be sure.

Do I have to buy a Halcyon backplate for my newly purchased (ebay) pioneer 27 wing, or can I buy a less expensive generic ss backplate elsewhere on the internet?

The pioneer has the integrated STA, so I don't think it's necessary to buy a backplate with tankband slots (I could be wrong). Seems like the backplates without the slots for tank bands are bit cheaper and more available.

The Pioneer wing will just bolt onto the backplate, correct?

This is a great board...thanks for your feedback.

 

[JeffG]

The pioneer has the integrated STA, so I don't think it's necessary to buy a backplate with tankband slots (I could be wrong). Seems like the backplates without the slots for tank bands are bit cheaper and more available.

If the wing has the integrated STA you NEED a BP with the cam slots cut in to it.

Any plate with the slots will work.

The Pioneer wing will just bolt onto the backplate, correct?

Yes

 

[Uncle Pug]

bketchel:
There are two versions of the 27# wing... one with slots and bolt holes and one with only bolt holes.

The wing with only bolt holes needs a single tank adapter with bands for the tank and bolts for the plate... the wing is sandwiched between STA and BP.

The wing with slots and bolt holes can be used with an STA as above or it can be used without an STA. Used without an STA you need to be able to thread cam bands not only through the slots in the wing but also through slots in the BP so that the tank can be held securely to the plate. Just securing the tank to the wing and bolting the wing to the PB will not working.

btw: I use a 27# Pioneer wing without an additional STA. I use this with lp steel 104s with any slippage but I have the Halcyon octogrip cam bands (2) and SS cam buckles.

 

[jonnythan]

Hey everyone, I'm new to scuba and getting my first rig set up. I couldn't find this information stated clearly anywhere (searched the forums), so before I spend money, I want to be sure.

Do I have to buy a Halcyon backplate for my newly purchased (ebay) pioneer 27 wing, or can I buy a less expensive generic ss backplate elsewhere on the internet?

The pioneer has the integrated STA, so I don't think it's necessary to buy a backplate with tankband slots (I could be wrong). Seems like the backplates without the slots for tank bands are bit cheaper and more available.

The Pioneer wing will just bolt onto the backplate, correct?

This is a great board...thanks for your feedback.

You ONLY need a plate with camband slots if you're using a Pioneer with integrated STA.

http://www.yachtdiver.com/images/halc/sta2000.jpg

That's a regular STA. It bolts to the backplate and the camband slots are in the STA. The Pioneer's cambands go through the backplate to hold it together.

And yes, the Pioneer *can* bolt to the backplate. You don't need to, since when you cinch everything down the wing is squeezed between the tank and the backplate, but it's a good idea.

You'll need to find some bolts that sit *recessed* into the wing grommets though. Since the tank sits flat against the backplate, anything that has a round head or sticks out gets in the way of the tank. The recessed bolts that come with the Halcyon MC Pack work, but they're too short. I'm not sure where you'd buy some that actually work.

 

[FredT]

Do I have to buy a Halcyon backplate for my newly purchased (ebay) pioneer 27 wing, or can I buy a less expensive generic ss backplate elsewhere on the internet?

A generic plate will work fine, but there are limits and choices to be made.

The pioneer has the integrated STA, so I don't think it's necessary to buy a backplate with tankband slots (I could be wrong). Seems like the backplates without the slots for tank bands are bit cheaper and more available.

The integrated STA needs slots in the plate in the right places to work well. My generic and a couple other generics will fit fine. A few other name brand plates can be made to fit with a file and elbow grease.

If you get a plate without the slots you'll need to use a STA, and probably remove the rods from the wing.

The Pioneer wing will just bolt onto the backplate, correct?

Yes, provided the plate has the standard 11 bolt center holes. A couple of the other branded systems do not. Once again the "make it different so it only works with our stuff" marketing insanity has struck. I don't expect those brands to be in the game long.

If you need more info you can e-mail me at the address below or shoot me an e-mail address in a PM.

FT

 

[hantzu701]

A big problem for a newbie like yourself isn't buying the equipment. It's getting the harness to fit correctly. If you know or have people who can help you customize your harness, this isn't an issue. But, if you don't, you may want to go with a LDS, who will help you fit it correctly.

If you're comfortable with fitting the harness yourself, I can recommend the FredT bp. I don't have a FredT backplate, but my buddy does. My buddy uses it with a 36lb Pioneer, and v-weight (FredT). The bp seems well made and my buddy has been very happy with it. FredT also makes custom sized plates for those who are tall or short. I'm not sure if it makes a difference, but it seems nice to have. Most firms just offer ss or al in one size.

I have a Halcyon ss backplate and a Koplin travel backplate. I've had to sand the edges of the Halcyon because the harness started fraying after only four dives. No problems with the Koplin travel backplate. The Koplin is nice but it is often sold out. The Halcyon is nice because everything is pre-rigged. The bicycle tire loops, bungie cord, etc, are already installed. You just need to fit the harness around the shoulders, adjust the d-rings, and cut the harness to size.

 

[Snowbear]

And yes, the Pioneer *can* bolt to the backplate. You don't need to, since when you cinch everything down the wing is squeezed between the tank and the backplate, but it's a good idea.

Why is it a good idea?

 

[jonnythan]

Why is it a good idea?

Because without it, the wing kinda flops around on the backplate when it's not all cinched down with a tank. Can make getting a tank on somewhat of a challenge on occasion. Having the wing bolted on to begin with makes it easy.

 

[zimm]

I'm using FredT's backplate, I highly recommend it. I personally didn't like the rings stamped from SS plate (They are square edged), but the plate is very nice and his super-stiff nylon webbing is great too.

 

[IzzyTahil]

Because without it, the wing kinda flops around on the backplate when it's not all cinched down with a tank. Can make getting a tank on somewhat of a challenge on occasion. Having the wing bolted on to begin with makes it easy.

Thats the same reason why I bolt mine.

My Halcyon #36 fits very well with FredT plate/STA combo. I also got Freds complete harness kit and recommend his.