Backplate systems: Advantages & disadvantages?

[MXGratefulDiver]

I use 25# in the pockets, that with the Plate and STA weighs more than I care to grunt around to change out a bottle - for that matter I don't want to lift 25 more pounds over what the rig weights to don and dof it either. In warmer water That wouldn't be a big problem but the lead in the pockets also interfere with putting the belt on, it likes to get twisted and is much harder to straighten out with the pockets full.

Sounds complicated. Weightbelts are much simpler ... and they don't put my belt in a twist ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

I'm not sure about Alaska, but southern BC you can see water temps from 48-55ish F. I wear 400gm undies...add in salt water. Equals a pile of weight.

You should try coming out in the winter ... the water's a bit cooler, but the vis is much better ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[lenscraft]

I want a titanium back-plate, but that is a different story.

Does anyone make these?

 

[cool_hardware52]

Does anyone make these?

What solution does Titanium Offer?

The reason Stainless Backplates are Stainless, is not for strenght, but for weight. Stainless Steel is ~495 lbs / cuft.

Titanium is about 284 lbs / cu ft.

This means a Ti backplate will be 57% of the weight of a SS Backplate.

This means you pay a great deal more for a lighter plate.

This Lighter Ti Plate is no where near as light as a Aluminum or Kydex plate.

If you need light weight go for a Al or Kydex.

If you need weight go for a SS Plate

Tobin

 

[vladimir]

Does anyone make these?

Zeagle does:

http://www.zeagle.com/index.php?sub...cs&link=backplate_std&category=Heavy Duty BCs

 

[Tom Winters]

Quote:
Originally Posted by LAJim
I want a titanium back-plate, but that is a different story.

Does anyone make these?

http://www.zeagle.com/index.php?submenu=HeavyDutyBC&src=gendocs&link=backplate_dlx

 

[H2Andy]

What solution does Titanium Offer?

well, if you have to take off your plate to whack a large insect with it,
it might as well be titanium

 

[PerroneFord]

Kydex isn't bulletproof either...

 

[*Floater*]

why would one not use a stainless steel bp in warm waters? I have read several posts now by more than 1 individual stating that same thing. Is it mainly to reduce luggage weight or am I missing something here?

Steel plates are about 5-6 lbs which is too much weight for some warm water divers, especially if they are using heavy steel doubles and other heavy equipment. Others just want the weight to be ditchable. I use a steel plate in warm waters though.

 

[BILLB]

Ditching weights is way overblown. Many divers I dive with place lead in the "V" of the back plate. But, you should be wearing some form of back up inflation such as a lift bag or SMB. This lead is usually poured hot and form fits into the "V".

Double tank users are usually are always overweighted with no additional weight needed. Especially with LP tanks. I use HP tanks and place a Dive Rite four pound weight on the BP posts to keep me slightly negative when the PSI is down to 200.

For travel, I have found a way to secure the Dive Rite weight pouches to the bottom of the back plate on each side. With a 3 mm I need a total of eight pounds with a SS BP. I have even seen divers tie wrap lead to the BP unused holes so to avoid the belt or weight intergration problems.

Again, to go this route requires back up inflation at all times.