dss vs oxycheq backplate lengths and other questions

[Dakine2]

Hi! This is my first post here so I'll try not to embarrass myself. I'm in the market for a new bc and a bp/wing seems to be the way to go. I'm a photographer on a charter vessel and need something that can take a beating and won't get in the way when handling camera gear.

My questions:

My dimensions are 6'7'' by 215# and I guess a longer then normal plate will do me justice. I already know DSS makes plates for tall guys but I wonder how long it really has to be and if the large plate that oxycheq sells would also work. Should I measure my back?

I know both companies are great and I could go with a kit from either one but the mach v wing looks really nice and I'd like to have it as an option.
I'm concerned that it would be cheaper/easier to buy a complete set vs a dss plate and an oxy wing.

Also how hard/time consuming is it to get in and out of a hog harness vs a regular jacket bc?

Thanks in advance for your insight!

 

[cool_hardware52]

Hi! This is my first post here so I'll try not to embarrass myself. I'm in the market for a new bc and a bp/wing seems to be the way to go. I'm a photographer on a charter vessel and need something that can take a beating and won't get in the way when handeling camera gear.

My questions:

My dimensions are 6'7'' by 215# and I guess a longer then normal plate will do me justice. I already know DSS makes plates for tall guys but I wonder how long it really has to be and if the large plate that oxycheq sells would also work. Should I measure my back?

I know both companies are great and I could go with a kit from either one but the mach v wing looks really nice and I'd like to have it as an option.
I'm concerned that it would be cheaper/easier to buy a complete set vs a dss plate and an oxy wing.

Also how hard/time consuming is it to get in and out of a hog harness vs a regular jacket bc?

Thanks in advance for your insight!

Dakine,

The population of divers more than 6'6" tall is quite small. So far I have only a few data points, but the current users of our Long Pattern plates are happy. When I have more "in the wild" I'll have better information about the range of divers best served by this plate.

As far as plate size is concerned: Our medium plate is 15" over all, the large is 16", an the Long Pattern plate is 17.5"

By comparison most "one size fits all" plates are just under 16", (in part because this allows cutting 3 plates from material 48" wide)

In addition the Long Pattern Plate has the lower strap locations moved down 1/2" relative to the Large plate. That means in terms of strap location the Long Pattern plate has the straps effectively 2" further apart than our "Large" Plate.

If the back plate is too short for the diver the waist strap will ride on the lower part of your rib cage. If the plate is too long it will bear on your pelvis, and can make arching your back difficult.

We do offer substantial discounts on complete rigs, i.e. a plate, harness and wing.

A single piece harness requires a bit of practice, but is not really difficult to use.

You may also want to inquire with Fred Tagge (FredT on this board) he produces plates in combinations of sizes and weights that we do not.


Let me know if you have other questions.


Tobin

 

[Dakine2]

Thanks Tobin I appreciate the help.

 

[Adobo]

Hi! This is my first post here so I'll try not to embarrass myself. I'm in the market for a new bc and a bp/wing seems to be the way to go. I'm a photographer on a charter vessel and need something that can take a beating and won't get in the way when handling camera gear.

My questions:

My dimensions are 6'7'' by 215# and I guess a longer then normal plate will do me justice. I already know DSS makes plates for tall guys but I wonder how long it really has to be and if the large plate that oxycheq sells would also work. Should I measure my back?

I know both companies are great and I could go with a kit from either one but the mach v wing looks really nice and I'd like to have it as an option.
I'm concerned that it would be cheaper/easier to buy a complete set vs a dss plate and an oxy wing.

Also how hard/time consuming is it to get in and out of a hog harness vs a regular jacket bc?

Thanks in advance for your insight!

I don't think I can share anything that will help you arrive at the answer you are looking for. But what I can do is share my impressions with each backplate (I own one of each) and share impressions of each company (I've spent time talking with both).

Let me start by saying that if Tobin didn't come across as jacka55 the first couple of times I talked with him on the phone, I would own all DSS plates and wings. To be fair, when you answer 50 phone calls a day from knucklehead customers, its only a matter of time before you might come across as losing patience.

Since those initial phone calls, I've had a chance to chat with Tobin on several more occasions. Well, let's say that maybe my first impressions of him were wrong. As you can see in this forum, Tobin is very active at trying to provide answers. I think he really does want to do a good job. He's even talked me out of making purchases on two different occasions. Imagine that.

Patrick (Oxycheq) is a good guy too. He'll spend hours on the phone with you if you really need information. I think from the customer service end, you'll do well either way.

DSS steel plate vs. Oxycheq aluminum plate

Oxycheq plates are excellent. They have everything your classical back plate should have. However, the DSS plates (newb spouting off his opinon here) are really well thought out. The angle of the bend of the plate makes it more comfortable IMO. Also, the way the slots for the webbing are cut were thought through (i.e. no need to burn a hole in the webbing for the STA/doubles bolts to pass through.) And the grommets on the slots are just an outstanding feature. It really keeps the webbing from getting ripped to shreds.

I can't speak for DSS wings vs. Oxycheq wings. I only own a halcyon wing and an oxycheq wing. I would say that if you really gotta have the oxycheq wing, then go for it. But fork out the extra dough for the DSS plate. they really are worth whatever extra money you might wind up spending.

 

[Dakine2]

Yeah I'm pretty much sold on the dss plate. Still trying to make a decision on a wing.

I understand that a hog harness is not hard to use but I'm still wondering how long it actually takes to take to get in and out of one since I usually have a very limited amount of time to get on and off the boat.

 

[giles45shop]

I'm realtively new the the BP&W usage, but I've got about 5 dives on mine and I don't see much donning time difference between that and my back-inflate Recon. I have an Oxycheq(Koplin) plate and Oxycheq Mach V wing. Basically works the same way. Slide arms through loops, lean forward slightly and shrug up onto shoulders, reach between legs for crotch strap, thread waist belt through crotch strap loop and buckle. I can do it faster than I can type it. Basically same number of steps and straps, difference being is that you have a crotch strap instead of a chest strap.

John

 

[Blacthorn]

Personally I have found the hog harness to be easier and faster to put on than my old jacket style scubapro. the only part that seems to add any time is the crotch strap which with a little practice becomes not a factor. Taking off the rig is A LOT easier and faster.

 

[*Floater*]

Yeah I'm pretty much sold on the dss plate. Still trying to make a decision on a wing.

I understand that a hog harness is not hard to use but I'm still wondering how long it actually takes to take to get in and out of one since I usually have a very limited amount of time to get on and off the boat.

Dakaine, donning and doffing the hog harness is a little trickier initially than the typical BCD's with fast releases, but once you learn to do it (overhead method) it only takes a few seconds. And if you still have a problem then just cut the webbing and add a quick-release or buckle to on one of the shoulder straps (one side is enough).

To see the overhead method of doffing and how quick it is take a look at these mov files:

http://www.scu.edu.au/schools/esm/staff/pages/shartley/projects/gear/harness_doff_surface.mov

http://www.scu.edu.au/schools/esm/staff/pages/shartley/projects/gear/harness_doff_uw.mov

They are from this thread with more advice on the topic: http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=164680

 

[Dakine2]

Thanks all! That looks and sounds easy. That was the only thing I was stil wondering about and I can't wait to try it out now.

 

[Dakine2]

OK sorry to drag this thread out but I'm still having trouble deciding on a plate length. My back is about 23'' long (measured from my pants to where my neck starts)

Any thoughts?