Backplate Systems

[Wijbrandus]

I use a Halcyon Eclipse rig with a 40# wing (cold water diver), but I use the same rig in the Caribbean as well. All stainless steel with STA. I've had no problems at all. The footprint between the 30# and the 40# are nearly identical, and you can't tell them apart without a close comparison. Some people dis the blue "H"s on the strap, but I find them convenient for resizing from Colorado diving to Aruba diving. It's a lot easier to count "H"s than it is to guesstimate strap length.

If you need 8 pounds or more even in warm salt water, there is no reason to get an aluminum plate. The more weight you have on your back instead of in a pouch, the better off you are.

Of course, that's all just my own internet opinion.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

If you need 8 pounds or more even in warm salt water, there is no reason to get an aluminum plate. The more weight you have on your back instead of in a pouch, the better off you are.

... except, of course, when baggage weight becomes a concern ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[Wijbrandus]

The OP lives in Florida, so I didn't worry about that part.

For me, excess baggage charges is just a part of the travel plan. Though sometimes I do get lucky...

 

[FSUDive]

I'm looking at halcyon a lot now just because one of my LDS carries it. I had looked at the posiedon too, but I haven't gotten more postiive than negative answers on it or other threads so I nixed it.

Anybody know if the Zeagle ripcord weight pockets will attach to a halcyon plate? or a halcyon donut wing to a zeagle plate?

I'm looking at the Halcyon donut wing, a STA, dual tank straps, zeagle ripcord weight integration and probably either the apeks or zeagle straps. I like the padded straps just for out of the water at least. I also like having the d rings where they are on the apeks for hanging my octopus.

Any comments on the setup?

 

[jonnythan]

As long as you're using an STA the Halcyon wings will attach to any backplate, including Zeagle's. I'd recommend putting your backup reg on a necklace around your neck instead of a D-ring, and using a slightly longer (40" is a nice length if you don't want to go with a 5 or 7 foot, which is really ideal) hose on your primary reg. There are lots of arguments for this, but the main one is that it's a really good idea to donate your primary reg to someone who is OOA. They're likely to take it anyway, plus they're guaranteed a working reg.

I'm not a fan of adding complicated weight pockets to a BC system, probably because I like real simplicity... when I was diving a single tank with my Halcyon wing, I poured an 8-lb removeable channel weight into the backplate (see my page) and only needed 5-6 pounds on a weight belt, which was easy and simple. I'm not sure if the Zeagle stuff is compatible or not.

Also, try the rig without the padded straps before you purchase them! I think you'll find you don't need them.

 

[kidspot]

Sorry to jump in so late, but if it might help here's a chart of BP/Wings I'm working on - http://www.kidspot.org/personal/scuba/bpwing.html

Lots of choices out there...

Aloha, Tim

 

[FSUDive]

I'm not a fan of adding complicated weight pockets to a BC system, probably because I like real simplicity

I like simplicity too, but I just hate a weightbelt. It always moves on me and I find myself listing to one side.

I'd recommend putting your backup reg on a necklace around your neck instead of a D-ring

Do you put both regs around your neck? I have seen guys using a necklace for the main reg so it stays in or can be found with your teeth if you can't move your arms, but two around the neck seems like clutter. Which is what I'm trying to eliminate in the first place.

 

[kidspot]

Lots of us use XS Scuba weight pockets on the waist strap - very comfortable and let you put 6lbs in each pocket (plus they are inexpensive) about $10/each

With a backup reg on a necklace it's easily accesible to you (you know where it's at, and are used to finding it in the same place from practice) Still it hangs just out of the way below your chin - I don't notice it unless I try to remove my gear while still wearing it lol. Your primary (no matter if it's a 40" or 7' hose) is in your mouth and ready to donate should it be needed.

 

[Chad Carney]

Here's the link showing the Zeagle weight systems for back plates.

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

One is ripcord style, the other zip touch release.

They attach with two bolts, and the waist strap also runs through it, so they could mount to any plate with holes around the perimeter. Easy to drill if not already in the right places.

Chad

 

[jonnythan]

I like simplicity too, but I just hate a weightbelt. It always moves on me and I find myself listing to one side.

I agree, I really hate heavy weightbelts. I hate weight around my waist period, which is where weight belts and weight pockets put it. I was recommending putting weight into the backplate through use of a channel weight or similar so that you could get it off your waist.

Do you put both regs around your neck? I have seen guys using a necklace for the main reg so it stays in or can be found with your teeth if you can't move your arms, but two around the neck seems like clutter. Which is what I'm trying to eliminate in the first place.

No.

I keep my backup regulator on a necklace under my chin, and my primary regulator is on a 7' hose that wraps around my body.

This is a terrible picture (it's old), and my primary hose is too short for what I was trying to do, but it's bright yellow so you can sorta see what the setup is like.
http://www.jonnythan.com/pictures/big_blue_10-05-03/picture (19).html

The idea is that if my buddy needs a regulator, he's not going to get some cheapo "octo" backup that was hanging off a D-ring somewhere. He's going to get my primary regulator, which both of us absolutely know is working, and *my* backup reg is right there under my chin where he needs it.. furthermore, he's going to get 7 feet of hose to work with, which makes handling out of air situations much easier.