Backplates for new diver

[parheric]

I've recently got OW certified and have been reading up on BP/W configs, and everyone who has them (that i've read/spoken to atleast) swears by them and says they'll never go back. From my research i'm sold

I was looking at a local supplier who is very helpful and friendly and I'll end up going with them in the end but I'd thought I'd ask if anyone had used a similar backplate system.

http://blackart.com.au/Backplates.htm (hope i'm allowed to post non-sponser links? sorry if not) is the site, but the difference is these backplates do not require an STA, hence cheaper, easier and less weight when out of the water.

Anyone have any experience using them?

Thanks

- Leon

 

[Packhorse]

I have the ali one which I dived for the first time today with double Mares S100.
I cant compare it with any other but I have no complaints with it except the edges are sharp and may cut thru the webbing in time. Im glad I got the ali one as I ended up diving with no weight belt in a 6.5mm wet suit. A SS one would have added too much weight. Although it may be suitable for ali tanks or a single.

I brought a 30lb wing at the same time and use it with a transpac harness.
It is one of the cheaper wings on the market but quality seems fine and its a huge improvement over jacket BC.

Jeremy Laun at black art is very helpfull.

 

[Packhorse]

Oh and not to mention you can set up a blackart bp/w for less than a decent jacket BC.

 

[kidspot]

I've not seen that brand before - thanks for the info.

Personally I started using a bp/wing in the middle of my OW class and have been happy with it ever since.

Aloha, Tim

 

[parheric]

Thanks heaps for info, i'm not overly worried about sharpness, if it gets serious I wonder if putting some surfboard wax on the edges to dull them will help (or be bad?).

 

[TSandM]

I don't know if wax would do much, but some people use a dremel tool to get rid of the sharp edges or burrs on the slots in backplates.

This is an interesting approach to the STA issue -- thanks for posting the link.

 

[*Floater*]

Interesting design. Are there any issues with having an STA incorporated into the backplate like this?

 

[midnite135]

I wonder how it effects going to doubles.

I am using a deep sea supply rig and am pretty happy with it.

 

[kidspot]

a strip of fine sandpaper will also help "debur" the edges.

 

[Chad Carney]

Zeagles are built this way too.
http://www.zeagle.com/index.php?sub...cs&link=backplate_dlx&category=Heavy Duty BCs

It works fine for single bands.

Doubles mount like they always do, with 11" centered bolts.

Chad