Backplate on a Zeagle Tech

[darkstar]

Has anyone used a backplate to mount twins on a Zeagle Tech?

As a transition to diving twins, I want to mount twinned AL80s to my Tech. Since I will most likely be transitioning to a full backplate system and steel tanks, I opted to buy the plate instead of the smaller mounting plates.

The Zeagle owners manual says that the backplate can be mounted directly to the existing Tech harness, but "may require modification of the lumbar pad". This is because the lumbar pad blocks the lower mounting hole on the Tech harness. No detail is given, but I assume this means melting a bolt hole :11: through the lumbar pad, and not removal of the entire pad. Has anybody made this mod before?

 

[ScottZeagle]

I have never heard of anyone "melting a bolt hole through the lumbar pad" and I'm honestly not sure it can be done...

To mount the backplate, you will probably need to remove the lumbar pad, which can be done by cutting the stiches. (carefully)

 

[darkstar]

Thanks for the advice Scott. I guess you would know.

After messing around with it, I think I can mount the backplate by pushing the pad up and out of the way. Cutting the pad out of my Tech is a little too much like circumcising my own child.

I also own a Ranger that doesn't have the lumbar pad. Is there any reason why I couldn't use the lower end of the Ranger harness with the Tech upper and bladder?

 

[ScottZeagle]

I also own a Ranger that doesn't have the lumbar pad. Is there any reason why I couldn't use the lower end of the Ranger harness with the Tech upper and bladder?

If the plastic buckles are the same size and everything (they SHOULD be if it isn't a very old Ranger or Tech) you should be able to swap out the components with no problem!

Scott

 

[rescuediver009]

I don't know why you are worried about taking off the pad that would be rendered useless with a plate on top of it anyhow? Also what about mounting the plate behind the harness in essence creating an OMS comfort harness?

 

[darkstar]

Scope creep. This started as a quick and dirty way to mount doubles for a few months until I moved on to a backplate rig. Since I will likely sell the Tech later or keep it for diving singles, I don't want to do anything that can't easily be undone.

I played around to see if there was any way to mount the plate on the back of the BC, but the bolts stick out and would probably chew up my suite. The Tech harness isn't really designed to mount onto a backplate other than by using the bolt holes and so I opted for the solution in the Zeagle manual and just shoved the pad up above the lower bolt. It's simple, rigid and seems to work OK. Hopefully I get in the water with it this week.

If it doesn't work out I may have to go shopping sooner than I wanted. At least I'll have a Tech to sell that's in good condition, with the lumbar pad intact.

Are you diving the OMS comfort harness? If so, any opinions?

 

[rescuediver009]

I played around to see if there was any way to mount the plate on the back of the BC, but the bolts stick out and would probably chew up my suite.

That is what the lumbar pad is there for. Otherwise you can loosen the bolts and move them further back into thetank so they are sticking out the back instead.