Backplate/wing: set-up questions concerning buckle and weights.

[Roger Hobden]

Consider the standard recommended minimalist bp/w configuration with stainless steel plate and single webbing with 3 D-rings and a crotch-strap with 2 more D-rings, and a donut-shaped wing.

When using a backplate/wing, is it better to have the buckle on left or right side of crotch-strap, and why ?
Or is it simply a matter of personal preference ?

Concerning the discardable weights, is it better to have a "horizontal" pouch with the long axis following the webbing of the belt at the waist, a "vertical" pouch, with the long axis perpendicular to the belt, or a "square" pouch ?
The inconvenience of the horizontal pouch would be that you would probably have no space left on the belt to attach a canister, but I have no plans of buying a canister light in the short or medium term anyway.

Another question: do divers who use backplates sometimes attach supplementary trim weights elsewhere then on their belt, or is that a clear sign of an unbalanced rig in the first place ?

EDIT: Just to make it super-clear: Absolutely no weight belt involved. All weights to be attached to the BP/W itself.

 

[runsongas]

assuming you are right handed, crotch strap to the right without the buckle passed through the crotch strap loop means you can undo the harness faster/easier.

 

[Roger Hobden]

assuming you are right handed, crotch strap to the right without the buckle passed through the crotch strap loop means you can undo the harness faster/easier.

Hmm ... I am slightly confused here. The crotch strap should be exactly aligned with the midline of my body, correct ?

So, should the buckle be towards my right side, or towards my left side ?

 

[lowviz]

When using a backplate/wing, is it better to have the buckle on left or right side of crotch-strap, and why ?
Or is it simply a matter of personal preference ?

Right hand, weights.
Left hand, waist strap.

Don't sweat it. A real rescue is hot and fast. Buckle could be on either side.

...//... Concerning the discardable weights, is it better to have a "horizontal" pouch with the long axis following the webbing of the belt at the waist, a "vertical" pouch, with the long axis perpendicular to the belt, or a "square" pouch ?

Rescuers look for your W/B tail. One yank drops it. If it doesn't then your config is crap. Make it easy on them.

 

[rhwestfall]

I don't use a weight belt....Buckle left of center axis, crotch strap on center axis, pulll paddle (tail - short) open with right....

(Left hand for inflation efforts)


YMMV

 

[Magnus Lundstedt]

I have the BP/W buckle "left hand open" in contrast to weight belt buckle that is "right hand open" .
I Prefer to have my BP/W buckle to the right of center, then i don't have to thread the buckle trough the crouch strap. I know others recommend to thread the buckle trough the crouch strap.

I usualy put other stuff in my pockets (small OMS square weight pockets), and if i need weights i put them on a belt.

 

[Roger Hobden]

I don't use a weight belt....

Just to make it super-clear about the initial questions of this thread: Absolutely no weight belt involved. All weights to be attached to the BP/W itself.

 

[rhwestfall]

Which is what I do... Others keep mentioning a weight belt....

I have (depending on the rig and exposure requirements) the XS Scuba weight pockets on the waist belt....

 

[Roger Hobden]

Which is what I do... Others keep mentioning a weight belt....

Great ! Glad we agree.

I have (depending on the rig and exposure requirements) the XS Scuba weight pockets on the waist belt....

I looked them up on the internet. They seem to have a "square" configuration, which would possibly leave more place to add equipment/tools on the BP/W waist belt, so probably a desirable feature.

 

[runsongas]

Hmm ... I am slightly confused here. The crotch strap should be exactly aligned with the midline of my body, correct ?

So, should the buckle be towards my right side, or towards my left side ?

crotch strap to the right of the buckle, buckle is on left side of waist