Backplate systems: Advantages & disadvantages?

[CIBDiving]

I have to disagree with you both. but then, I feel that weight integration on BCs in general needs a lot of work.

The Halcyons SUCK - not big enough and too much releastate on the belt, also hard to load standing up with the rig on.
The old OMS's need a strap up to the shouder ring on the OMS harness to work properly, but at least they address the accessory pocket problem. the new models is a halcyon copy and as such SUCKS.
I use the DiveRites - best of all the stuff I'v seen yet, but not perfect, they like to flop around a little more than I'd like. The newest ones are both better and worse than the old models.

I haven't had a chance to see the oxycheq's yet. They look interesting (at least the biggest one).

There is very little to be said for XS Scuba - kinda like the walmart of diving.

 

[LAJim]

Thanks H2Andy - New Avi. This is a cool thread. I think students should be taught on B/PW. I bet that dive shops are more interested in selling them a BC, and that's part of what's driving it. Also I wonder to what extent BCs contribute to newbie panic because of the confining of the chest?

I always wanted to post with the Green Manelishi - and I thought my old avitar was scary!
Jim

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

I have to disagree with you both. but then, I feel that weight integration on BCs in general needs a lot of work.

That's fine ... we're all entitled to our opinions.

I don't, personally, see feel that weight integration is an advantage. It means all of your weight is located on your rig, which can make changing tanks and/or lifting the rig difficult ... or else you have to remove/replace the weights every time you want to move the rig. Furthermore, since you are wearing weight to essentially offset the buoyancy of your exposure suit, it always made sense to me to have the weight and exposure suit in the same place (i.e. on your body, not your rig). Also, many traditional BCDs don't have weight pockets sufficient to carry all the weight you will use ... so you need a belt anyway.

Sure, some belts are more effective than others ... and then there are those hipless folk who just can't wear a belt.

Personally, I think the DUI weight'n'trim system is just about optimal ... other than the fact that it's bloody expensive.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[GreenDiverDown]

I have to disagree with you both. but then, I feel that weight integration on BCs in general needs a lot of work.

The Halcyons SUCK - not big enough and too much releastate on the belt, also hard to load standing up with the rig on.
The old OMS's need a strap up to the shouder ring on the OMS harness to work properly, but at least they address the accessory pocket problem. the new models is a halcyon copy and as such SUCKS.
I use the DiveRites - best of all the stuff I'v seen yet, but not perfect, they like to flop around a little more than I'd like. The newest ones are both better and worse than the old models.

I haven't had a chance to see the oxycheq's yet. They look interesting (at least the biggest one).

There is very little to be said for XS Scuba - kinda like the walmart of diving.

My Halcyon pockets are older... I don't know about the new ones. These hold plenty of weight and are easy to load. They do take up room on the belt but that is a sacrifice one accepts for ditchable weight pockets... there's no getting around that whether one is using a BP/wing or a standard BC. I wouldn't call it a "BP/wing disadvantage."

http://www.scubaboard.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=21736&d=1125412844

Personally, I don't use mine... I prefer a weight belt. But they would work just fine for anyone that wants that kinda thing.

XS Scuba... Walmart? Ya... I'll give ya that.

 

[CIBDiving]

It means all of your weight is located on your rig, which can make changing tanks and/or lifting the rig difficult ... or else you have to remove/replace the weights every time you want to move the rig.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

I do remove the weight each time - and reload it before each dive. Don't you take your weight belt off each time you get out of the water and put it back on just before you get back in? or do you wear it the entire surface interval and to/from the dive site? That's the main problem with the halcyon style pockets (or any of the 'front' load pockets) hard to load just before getting in the water, at least if close the max capacity.

I agree that idealy the weight should be on what is needing to be weighed down but as it is that isn't an option for many. The DUI vest is a step in the right direction.

The thing is, what is a BC? it's a 'bouyancy control device' - Lead is a 'bouyancy control device' , shouldn't they be One unit?

 

[cool_hardware52]

The thing is, what is a BC? it's a 'bouyancy control device' - Lead is a 'bouyancy control device' , shouldn't they be One unit?

A BC is a Buoyancy Compensator,

Lead is ballast, primarily used to offset the positive buoyancy of the exposure suit.

What dictates the compensator and the ballast be one unit?


Tobin

 

[Damselfish]

Furthermore, since you are wearing weight to essentially offset the buoyancy of your exposure suit,

Lead is ballast, primarily used to offset the positive buoyancy of the exposure suit.

and the rest is offsetting the bouyancy of your tank as it empties - and most of it is for that purpose, if you're one of us www who isn't wearing enough exposure suit to matter ... had to say this for any newbies who aren't aware of the context ...

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

and the rest is offsetting the bouyancy of your tank as it empties - and most of it is for that purpose, if you're one of us www who isn't wearing enough exposure suit to matter ... had to say this for any newbies who aren't aware of the context ...

Good point ... I find that most differences of opinion on this board stem from the perspectives of people who dive in different conditions.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[CIBDiving]

A BC is a Buoyancy Compensator,

Lead is ballast, primarily used to offset the positive buoyancy of the exposure suit.

What dictates the compensator and the ballast be one unit?

Tobin

chop logic doesn't become you, call it what you like - they both do a similar but opposite job.

Nothing 'dictates' anything. They should be one unit because they do the same job - As a unit, They control the total bouyancy of the diver.

I'm curious what is the 'compensator' compensating? in your opinion of course.

 

[cool_hardware52]

and the rest is offsetting the bouyancy of your tank as it empties - and most of it is for that purpose, if you're one of us www who isn't wearing enough exposure suit to matter ... had to say this for any newbies who aren't aware of the context ...

Different conditions in different areas can result in differing solutions.

Having said that, this thread is supposedly about BackPlates and wings.

Lets assume no exposure suit, warm water and a buoyant AL80. Would you need more weight than the 5-6 lbs of a SS Backplate to offset your tank? Seems unlikely.

If you add some neoprene, you will need more ballast, to offset the buoyancy of your exposure suit.


Tobin