Beginner questions about Backplates and Wings

[Uncle Pug]

For your tropical diving you will probably want an aluminum plate and when you start diving dry you will want a SS plate.

For a bouyancy wing I would recommend the 27# Halcyon Pioneer since it will work for either tropical or cold water.

You can also check out the 30# Oxycheq wing.. new on the market and so it might be too early to tell but reports so far are positive.

 

[detroit diver]

Jim,

I don't have a source to point you to, but hopefully I can help answer some of your questions.

1. As to modularity, just about any backplate will work with most wings. There are a couple of models though that are propriatary, I believe. Just about any harness will fit any backplate. If you're using a single piece on continuous webbing, it doesn't get any more basic than that.

2. The choice of material for the BP has a lot to do with what you're wearing and how you wish to weight yourself for trimming. For instance, I use a SS BP when I dive singes with a wetsuit, and I use an AL BP with my double 104's and a drusuit because I have more than enough weight already with that setup.

3. Wing sizing is also dependent on the type of diving that you do. Most singles rigs don't require a wing any large than 27 or 36 lbs. Doubles rigs require a wing in the 50-60 lb range. Too large of a wing and you will create some serious drag and have trouble dumping air-too small and you're putting yourself at risk of not being able to ascend.

There are a lot of BP/wings divers on this board. Fire away your questions and we'll try to help.

 

[jpsmith]

quick question to show more of my naivite... it appears that dump valves are typically face the backplate on bp/wing setups. doesn't seem to make sense...wouldn't they be more effective facing the tank (i.e., oriented to the surface?)....

maybe i'm just not picturing these setups properly.

jim

 

[Dryglove]

jpsmith once bubbled...
quick question to show more of my naivite... it appears that dump valves are typically face the backplate on bp/wing setups. doesn't seem to make sense...wouldn't they be more effective facing the tank (i.e., oriented to the surface?)....

maybe i'm just not picturing these setups properly.

jim

Take a look at this picture and notice where the lower exhaust valve is http://www.baue.org/images/galleries/view_photo.php?set_albumName=album07&id=P2160022 Its in the perfect position to dump air when you raise your rear a bit as the air flows to that valve. The air in the wing causes the wing to wrap around the tank making it streamlined and positioning the lower dump valve in the proper place for dumping as it is no longer against your butt. Hope this helps.

 

[blackice]

First do spend sometime searching the board, you will find heaps of good information and advice regarding the use of BP and wings.

When planing a purchase of a BP for the first time, I would advise that you hire one, maybe on a trip to a more BP friendly place? that way you can get a feel for the elements that make up the rig.

This also allows you to inspect the components and understand what adjustments you will be able to make. The choice between the AL or SS as mention above depends on the type of diving you will be doing and the equipment that you carry. As this system allows you to change each element one at a time you can swap your AL or a SS should you need to with out changing or having to buy any new gear.

Good luck with your BP/Wings adventure, it sure made diving more fun and way more streamlined for me.

 

[Doc Intrepid]

There is a place at least in the same state which might offer you a bit of input. Contact Rheas Dive Shop outside of Knoxville. They can set you up with the entire bp/wing continuum, and have a pool onsite in which you can try before you buy. Give them a phonecall. They're good people.

Doc