backplate HURTS!

[Furner]

I put a tank on my BP for the first time, and the plate is digging into the back of my hipbone really badly! I already have it adjusted so the plate is pretty high up, should I just stay hunched over when out of the water, or do I need a shorter plate? I am using a standard dive-rite AL plate right now.

 

[jonnythan]

How tall are you? Sounds like you could try a shorter plate.. I know FredT makes them.

Make sure the shoulder straps are adjusted correctly too.

 

[MSilvia]

Where does the top of the plate line up on your spine?

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

I put a tank on my BP for the first time, and the plate is digging into the back of my hipbone really badly! I already have it adjusted so the plate is pretty high up, should I just stay hunched over when out of the water, or do I need a shorter plate? I am using a standard dive-rite AL plate right now.

Poor choice of plate for you ... the Dive Rite standard-length plate is about an inch longer than many others. Also, the corners are less rounded than others, making them dig into the hips of people with certain body types.

See if you can trade your plate in for something like a Koplin (Oxycheq), Deep Sea Supply, or Halcyon plate. They are all more standardized in terms of length and corner shape (very rounded).

The FredT is shorter, but has the same type of corners ... so it probably wouldn't be a good choice if you already know this is a problem.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[Furner]

I wish I knew what size plate I needed, but there are no dealers around here that sell that type of thing. Depending on how this rig works in the water, I may or may not dump the rig after my dive trip and get a DSS rig from cool_hardware52.
I am 5'11", the plate already goes much higher up than how i read that it should be adjusted.
Will I be ok in the water with this rig, or do I need to figure out another solution quickly? (i leave on monday)

 

[MSilvia]

If it doesn't fit, I wouldn't use it. You say it's much higher than it should be, but how high is it? The top of the plate should be just below the pronounced vertebrae at the base of your neck.

 

[ScottZeagle]

Have you tried a back inflation BC?? They won't hurt you at all, and you can store stuff in the pockets!!!



Scott

sorry BP/W folks - I couldn't resists the opportunity...

 

[Furner]

its a little late for that Scott. And, I have a pocket, and I really dont need to store lots of stuff with me when I dive.

 

[divad]

Are you trying it on without a wetsuit? That kind of hurts.

 

[Furner]

Are you trying it on without a wetsuit? That kind of hurts.

im trying it on in street clothes, but im only diving a 3mm suit, so there is not much difference.