dsater
Contributor
I am upgrading to a BP/Wing system. What's better to go with, a SS BP or Aluminum?
Backplate - SS vs Aluminum
- Thread starter dsater
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cool_hardware52
Contributor
dsater:
If you need the ballast of a SS plate use it. If a SS plate will overweight you use a lightweight plate.
It's really not possible to answer your question without knowing:
What exposure suit you use.
What tank(s) you use.
Is travel weight important.
Tobin
H2Andy
Contributor
think of your plate as a part of your weight system
if you need less weight, go with aluminum
if you need more, go with steel
if you need less weight, go with aluminum
if you need more, go with steel
Im partial to SS. The six lbs is great spread across your back. I would say it is more of a personal decision though. Just remeber to take the LBS off your waist.
PacChill
PacChill
Think about traveling and expense. Aluminum is lighter and around $80 cheaper.
I've been wondering this question myself.
When I dive in different environments, I need a range between 2-18lbs of weight to get me down depending on the dive while wearing my stripped Transpac. 2lbs being fresh water with swim suit, 18lbs being salt water with a 3mm. I dive AL80s and I do travel a bit.
If I were going BP/W would a SS or AL BP make more sense?
When I dive in different environments, I need a range between 2-18lbs of weight to get me down depending on the dive while wearing my stripped Transpac. 2lbs being fresh water with swim suit, 18lbs being salt water with a 3mm. I dive AL80s and I do travel a bit.
If I were going BP/W would a SS or AL BP make more sense?
OP
dsater
Contributor
Most of you had the same point... the extra weight of the SS. I was leaning toward SS for that very reason and to the diving I do, I think it makes sense. I think I may be upgrading to a OMS IQ so I can just take the BP out of the IQ for travel. Or, if I decide to go with just a regular harness system, I'll use my current Zeagle Ranger for travel.
Score
SS - 1
AL - 0
Score
SS - 1
AL - 0
I would say an AL one. The SS plate is around 6 lbs., whereas the Transpac is actually slightly positive, so you'll be at least 4 lbs overweighted. For traveling an AL plate will keep your weight down, did I mention you could probably buy 3 AL plates for one SS?Jarrett:
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