backplate/harness query ....

[Blargh]

'lo all

I wonder if anyone can provide an opinion regarding backplate choice - steel vs aluminum ?

FWIW, I've heard that here in the UK the vast majority of tanks are steel. Assuming that I wont be jumping into dual tanks anywhere soon (hehe), and a DIR-ish setup with a dry suit, what kind of plate/wing would be the 'recommended' one ?

On a separate note (sorry) - would it be a good idea to use two TX50 second stages, or a TX50 + TX40 ? why ?

Tia...
Blargh - a really worn out by kit planning newbie

 

[Green_Manelishi]

Hi "Blargh",

the key to "al .vs. steel" is a balanced rig and you really
do need to examine ALL of your "kit" in order to determine
what is best.

generally, if you are diving dry a steel plate will be
fine. then again, if adding a steel plate to your tanks,
etc results in too much negative bouyancy an Al plate
might be best. a good friend of mine uses Al plate with
a single steel tank and loves it.

beware of ABS though, it IS breakable.

 

[JoelW]

On the TX50/TX40 part of the question, when I bought the backup for my TX100 I bought a TX50 second stage. The TX100 and TX50 second stage are the just about the same except for faceplate and for some reason the store could not order the TX100 second. I did it so that I would be breathing off of the same piece of equipment if I needed to at some point. The TX50 second stage can also be "detuned" with the knob so that it does not freeflow as easily. I have never taken a scooter ride, so I can't verify that it won't in that situation.



JoelW

 

[Blargh]

That's part of my problem .... I have no kit....

Which, on hand, is good - plenty of choice
And on the other is bad - too much choice :/

 

[detroit diver]

Here's my experience.

I'm a newly certified diver. My equipment consists of a Halcyon SS backplate, pioneer wings, Apeks TX50/40.

When diving in warm water w/ a 3 mil shorty & AL80, I have found the SS backplate to be too heavy. I was using 6 lb as a keel weight, and it left only 2lbs to ditch (which I felt wasnt enough). I have recently purchased an Aluminum BP from FredT in order to put the extra 5 lb or so in my belt.

I'll use the SS backplate when I go drysuit diving (which is common in Michigan).

No experience w/ steel tanks yet.

Hope this helps.

BTW, the Apeks regs are wonderful.

 

[bwollard]

detroit diver

How do you like Fred's plate? I have recieved my SS and am very happy with it. I will be purchasing an AL plate for warm water diving for the same reason as you.

 

[detroit diver]

Actually, it should arrive today or tomorrow! I'll let you know what it looks like when I get it, if that means anything.