Delrin cam buckles?

[HenrikBP]

If you are talking about the OxyCheq Ultra-Lite Travel Plate (and I think you are), of course is seems floppy. It IS floppy.

The question is, does it matter?

I wasn't referring to any "soft" travel plate in particular - I'm only aware of the Oxycheq and Zeagle versions.

I've never actually tried one of these travel plates, so it's pure speculation on my part with no basis in hard fact. That said ...

My first experience with BCs (loaners and rentals) were terribly floppy with the tank shifting side-to-side, up-down and every which way. So when I started shopping for my own gear I went with BP/wing for the very solid tank support and "connection" to the diver.

With that in mind, a softer plate with a smaller "footprint" would seem - to me - to make for less stability. Whether the difference in stability indeed exists and if so is enough to make a difference in "real life" .... I've no way of knowing.

I do appreciate the end user feedback though.

Henrik

 

[rstofer]

The crotch strap is what keeps the bottom of the tank in place. Many divers don't like the crotch strap and would rather just allow the tank to shift around. I'm not one of them.

Even with the Travel Plate, with a crotch strap in place, the only real 'floppiness' is the tank rolling along its axis - side to side. This just isn't a big deal. It's no worse than those BCs that don't have a solid backplate.

If a plate that weighs just over 1/2# is important, the Ultra-Lite Travel Plate will do the job. Next in line would be any of the dog-bone shaped aluminum plates. The Freedom plate comes to mind but so does the OxyCheq SS Travel Backplate at 2.2#. Any of the other aluminum plates are about the same. Or the Kydex backplate from Deep Sea Supply - I don't know the weight of this one.

Richard

 

[DA Aquamaster]

I've seen probably 50 instances where the plastic cam bands are too loose (maybe people are trying not to break them) or for whatever reason they pop open. As a divemaster, I've had to re-close a plastic cam band on other divers tank while underwater dozens of times, literally. Normally just an inconvience, but if it occured at the wrong time, it could compromise someone's safety.

My experience over the last 20 years has been very similar - with numerous "saves" where the tank was attempting to depart a loose cam band.

As noted previously I will use plastic cam bands, but only in recreational situations and only when I can use two bands. If I am limited to one band, it will be metal.

In terms of weight, the scubapro style metal cam band is not much heavier than a plastic cam band.

 

[cool_hardware52]

My experience over the last 20 years has been very similar - with numerous "saves" where the tank was attempting to depart a loose cam band.

I've seen quite a few poorly secured tanks and saved one or two myself, but none of these problems were due to plastic cambuckles.

They were all due to improper application of the camband. Most frequently I see cambands that are not square with the cylinder, instead of forming essentially a circle perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder they droop and form sort of an ellipse.

When the tank inevitably shifts this produces slack.

Tell me when you "saved" a diver with plastic buckles did you swim over and sew on a Stainless Cambuckle or did you simply correctly apply their plastic buckles?

Tobin

 

[diver 85]

No problems here.......have them on my Zeagle Scout, almost 3 years now. In fact, I put the same exact kind on my DR BP/W last spring when I got one.....I think they're great.......

 

[diver 85]

I've seen quite a few poorly secured tanks and saved one or two myself, but none of these problems were due to plastic cambuckles.

They were all due to improper application of the camband. Most frequently I see cambands that are not square with the cylinder, instead of forming essentially a circle perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder they droop and form sort of an ellipse.

When the tank inevitably shifts this produces slack.

Tell me when you "saved" a diver with plastic buckles did you swim over and sew on a Stainless Cambuckle or did you simply correctly apply their plastic buckles?

Tobin

lol, remember the kind Dacor used to use in the 70's & 80's??.....Several times had someone come up to me & tap me on my back & proceed to give me the 'something's wrong' signal------one time @ 130 feet over a wall, dang tank was 'floatin' away(almost).......lol, just made a better diver out of me--------------

 

[dumpsterDiver]

I've seen quite a few poorly secured tanks and saved one or two myself, but none of these problems were due to plastic cambuckles.

They were all due to improper application of the camband. Most frequently I see cambands that are not square with the cylinder, instead of forming essentially a circle perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder they droop and form sort of an ellipse.

When the tank inevitably shifts this produces slack.

Tell me when you "saved" a diver with plastic buckles did you swim over and sew on a Stainless Cambuckle or did you simply correctly apply their plastic buckles?

Tobin

It is my contention that the plastic parts you seem to be promoting are inferior. When problems develop, it makes little difference if it was user error or defective or poorly designed product. The goal should be to have a product that is simple strong and basically idiot proof if at all possible. Saving $11 on the item is not high on my priority list

 

[Kern]

It is my contention that the plastic parts you seem to be promoting are inferior. When problems develop, it makes little difference if it was user error or defective or poorly designed product. The goal should be to have a product that is simple strong and basically idiot proof if at all possible. Saving $11 on the item is not high on my priority list

It's my contention that you just talk crap a lot of the time, & especially when it is in response to anything Tobin has to say.

 

[HenrikBP]

Gentlemen; No need to get in anyone's face here. I specifically did not mention or ask for brand names. I simply asked about Delrin/plastic/fiberglass reinforced cam buckles. So please let's keep it civil and not let personal animosity get in the way.

Thanks for all the on-topic replies,

Henrik

 

[HenrikBP]

The crotch strap is what keeps the bottom of the tank in place.

Even with the Travel Plate, with a crotch strap in place, the only real 'floppiness' is the tank rolling along its axis - side to side. This just isn't a big deal. It's no worse than those BCs that don't have a solid backplate.

Thanks Richard,

I use a crotch strap on my Freedom plate and my other BPs as well. It really helps tighten up the entire harness.

My first rental BC did the tank side-to-side roll as you described it and I really didn't like it. While there probably wasn't that much movement it just didn't feel right to me.

I'm thinking the Freedom plate is the way to go for me.

Thanks again,

Henrik