Backplate thickness and weighting

[WQFTruckster]

After a lot of reading on this board I am leaning towards a backplate/wing setup for my first BC. I really like the simplicity and ruggedness of the BP/W setup along with being streamlined and modular. I am also a "tinkerer" (mechanical engineering student) so the aspect of setting up and tweaking my own gear to my liking really appeals to me. I have read from more than one person that switched from a jacket BC to BP/W say that they wished they had just started with the BP/W to begin with. So here I am. I have been looking into FredT backplates as they seem to be of excellent quality and value and are highly recommended by many on this board. My main question concerns weighting. I notice that FredT offers several different thicknesses of material from .119" thick up to 3/8" in SS. Also, the STA is available in a heavy as well as a light "two-piece" model. So with all of these combinations along with p weights, v weights, channel weights (not really sure of the difference?) in addition to a weight belt, thats quite a lot of combinations. So, is it better to have more weight on your back? Thicker plate? Dumpable weight? If more on your back, than is it better in a thicker plate, heavier STA, or channel type weight? I realize that a lot of this is trial and error as far as what works for me, but I do not know anybody who has a similar setup or even a local shop that rents/sells this type of equipment. So trying before buying is going to be rather difficult. I am looking for a combination that will be a good basic setup and as adaptable as possible.

Just for some background, I am still a very new diver, About 6ft 180lbs, dive mostly fresh water quarries and lakes most often with a 5mm suit and single AL80. I do plan on doing some warm/salt water diving, maybe a few times a year. EVENTUALLY I see myself doing some more "technical" diving, possibly wreck, dual tank, dry suit, etc. but that is still a ways off. Thanks in advance.

 

[jonnythan]

A V-weight is for diving doubles. A P-weight is the same thing as a channel weight.

It depends on what you want and what helps your diving the most. Whichever route you go, make sure that you can either swim up your rig from depth with a totally empty bladder or have enough ditchable weight so that you can whem you dump some. With a thick wetsuit and a full tank of gas, assuming you're perfectly weighted, you can be a good 15 pounds negative at 100 feet or so.

 

[MechDiver]

Just for some background, I am still a very new diver, About 6ft 180lbs, dive mostly fresh water quarries and lakes most often with a 5mm suit and single AL80. I do plan on doing some warm/salt water diving, maybe a few times a year. EVENTUALLY I see myself doing some more "technical" diving, possibly wreck, dual tank, dry suit, etc. but that is still a ways off. Thanks in advance.

Good choice of suppliers, FredT does indeed have good stuff. For where you are currently, as well as a base for the future, I would suggest a 1/8" SS plate and lightweight STA. That should still give you some ditchable weight in freshwater with a 5mm. That may change as your experience grows, but so will the need for ditchable weight

If you should choose to expand your diving range in the future, the 1/8" plate will serve well as a base to build from. If you get into drysuits, you might want to swap the lightweight STA for a weighted one. I dive a 1/8 SS bp, weighted STA, steel single with no added weight with a drysuit in freshwater. I add a 6lb weight belt for saltwater.

One of the great advantages of a bp is the versatility.

Good luck,

MD

 

[WQFTruckster]

I would suggest a 1/8" SS plate and lightweight STA.

Thanks for the replies. This is kind of the direction I was leaning in as the 1/8" SS plates are labeled as "standard" and the 1/4"+ are "heavy", but I was just wanting to get some oppinions for my particular situation.

 

[MechDiver]

Thanks for the replies. This is kind of the direction I was leaning in as the 1/8" SS plates are labeled as "standard" and the 1/4"+ are "heavy", but I was just wanting to get some oppinions for my particular situation.

Heavy plates are useful for drysuits and alum tanks, or small alum doubles that are fairly positive when near empty. Its easier to add weight than to remove it

And in answer to one of your original questions, I prefer to have weight over my lungs, but you have to take into account trim.

MD