crazyc
Contributor
Basically I found I had to choose the right system for the environment and type of diving I am doing. I am fortunate enough that I have enough body mass (5 foot 11 inches 155-160 pounds) that with the variety of wetsuits I wear, at the moment I only need 1 backplate. However I change out systems and weight myself accordingly.
I was fortunate enough to be able to consult with those experienced in these systems before I ever made a purchase, so I didn't have to go back and buy something else later on. I found it easy to guestimate the range before I ever got in the water based on how much weight I required for my single tank setup. I knew I had more than enough range to play with to go with a SS BP instead of AL to start with.
I dive open ocean, 65-85F water temps, with a variety of wetsuits depending on water temp and dive duration. So a SS BP and double AL63's work for me and are easy to balance out with v-weight and ditchable weight. Of course I had to go through the initial weighting phase as with any new equipment. I also dive the Halcyon RB80 rebreather which is larger and heavier than my wonderful little 63's, but once again through checking my weighting and adjusting accordingly to the system I avoid being overweighted. With the RB I may have to eventually go to an aluminum BP in the warmer water months, but the jury is still out on that one.
So take a look at where you are diving, what exposure protection you are wearing, how much weight you currently use for singles, and you can start to draw a plan of attack.
At least that's what I did.
CrazyC
I was fortunate enough to be able to consult with those experienced in these systems before I ever made a purchase, so I didn't have to go back and buy something else later on. I found it easy to guestimate the range before I ever got in the water based on how much weight I required for my single tank setup. I knew I had more than enough range to play with to go with a SS BP instead of AL to start with.
I dive open ocean, 65-85F water temps, with a variety of wetsuits depending on water temp and dive duration. So a SS BP and double AL63's work for me and are easy to balance out with v-weight and ditchable weight. Of course I had to go through the initial weighting phase as with any new equipment. I also dive the Halcyon RB80 rebreather which is larger and heavier than my wonderful little 63's, but once again through checking my weighting and adjusting accordingly to the system I avoid being overweighted. With the RB I may have to eventually go to an aluminum BP in the warmer water months, but the jury is still out on that one.
So take a look at where you are diving, what exposure protection you are wearing, how much weight you currently use for singles, and you can start to draw a plan of attack.
At least that's what I did.
CrazyC
