CrazyMike
Registered
Hello,
Based on some advice on this thread: http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=186801 I'm likely going to change my setup and go to a more rigid backplate setup than is offered by my Transpac. I'm a little torn between going Transplate or a straight up hog setup - there is lots of debate on that on SB so I don't need to bring that discussion into this thread.
My quandry here is choosing a proper backplate. Last year, I dove with my Transpac/Rec Wing setup and needed 12# when wearing my 2 3-mil wetsuites (Long sleeve shorty with farmer john) and diving in the gulf. That configuration was the most weight I ever needed. I dove AL80's last year.
Since then, I've purchased a set of steel HP119's. The empty boyancy difference between the aluminums and the steels is about 6.4#'s. I also bought an Oxycheq Mach V wing since a STA was required I also bought Oxycheq's lightweight STA which weighs about 1#. So before the backplate I'll still need about 5.5# weight. (I have a gut feeling that I'll need even less since I've lost a decent amount of body fat since last year.)
Obviously, If I dive only a 3-mil, skin, t-shirt, etc I'll require even less weight.
My question now is which backplate will work best for my situation? I am pretty well sold on the DSS backplates, but am not sure between the Kydex and the SS versions. I plan on mostly diving NW florida waters (including fresh springs) as well as locations such as the Keys.
Is it better to:
1: get the SS steel backplate?
- PRO: Very little or no weight needed when wearing both wetsuits
- CON: When diving with little/no thermal protection I'll be a bit overweighted (~4-6#) with no ditchable weight even when my tank is empty.
- CON: I'll be even further overweighted by ~9# considering the full weight of a HP119. That could be pretty tough to swim up in an emergency situation.
- A solution to these cons could be carrying a SMB, lift bag, etc - but again, I have to assume that I'll have an air supply if I get in that type of situation
OR
2: get the Kydex backplate and use my small Diverite weight pockets?
- PRO: Lighter setup to carry around/travel
- PRO: Will likely closer to neutrally boyant when diving with little/no thermal protection
- CON: Will have to carry weight in pockets (~6#) with thicker thermal protection
- I could alleviate the last con a bit by adding an Oxycheq weight sausage for ~$20 (cheaper than the SS plate option)
So yeah, the real big question here is: How heavy is too heavy to be diving without any ditchable weight?
After a bit more reading, I think option #2 is the better and safer option. If I start getting too much weight (>6#) in my pockets, I can put some in a weight sausage. Either way I won't really know until I try one out, but I want to try to make the better purchase the first time.
Am I missing anything here? Please let me know your thoughts.
Thanks!
Mike
Based on some advice on this thread: http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=186801 I'm likely going to change my setup and go to a more rigid backplate setup than is offered by my Transpac. I'm a little torn between going Transplate or a straight up hog setup - there is lots of debate on that on SB so I don't need to bring that discussion into this thread.
My quandry here is choosing a proper backplate. Last year, I dove with my Transpac/Rec Wing setup and needed 12# when wearing my 2 3-mil wetsuites (Long sleeve shorty with farmer john) and diving in the gulf. That configuration was the most weight I ever needed. I dove AL80's last year.
Since then, I've purchased a set of steel HP119's. The empty boyancy difference between the aluminums and the steels is about 6.4#'s. I also bought an Oxycheq Mach V wing since a STA was required I also bought Oxycheq's lightweight STA which weighs about 1#. So before the backplate I'll still need about 5.5# weight. (I have a gut feeling that I'll need even less since I've lost a decent amount of body fat since last year.)
Obviously, If I dive only a 3-mil, skin, t-shirt, etc I'll require even less weight.
My question now is which backplate will work best for my situation? I am pretty well sold on the DSS backplates, but am not sure between the Kydex and the SS versions. I plan on mostly diving NW florida waters (including fresh springs) as well as locations such as the Keys.
Is it better to:
1: get the SS steel backplate?
- PRO: Very little or no weight needed when wearing both wetsuits
- CON: When diving with little/no thermal protection I'll be a bit overweighted (~4-6#) with no ditchable weight even when my tank is empty.
- CON: I'll be even further overweighted by ~9# considering the full weight of a HP119. That could be pretty tough to swim up in an emergency situation.
- A solution to these cons could be carrying a SMB, lift bag, etc - but again, I have to assume that I'll have an air supply if I get in that type of situation
OR
2: get the Kydex backplate and use my small Diverite weight pockets?
- PRO: Lighter setup to carry around/travel
- PRO: Will likely closer to neutrally boyant when diving with little/no thermal protection
- CON: Will have to carry weight in pockets (~6#) with thicker thermal protection
- I could alleviate the last con a bit by adding an Oxycheq weight sausage for ~$20 (cheaper than the SS plate option)
So yeah, the real big question here is: How heavy is too heavy to be diving without any ditchable weight?
After a bit more reading, I think option #2 is the better and safer option. If I start getting too much weight (>6#) in my pockets, I can put some in a weight sausage. Either way I won't really know until I try one out, but I want to try to make the better purchase the first time.
Am I missing anything here? Please let me know your thoughts.
Thanks!
Mike
