Now I know why some tech divers/DIR devotees sometimes have an attitude and are so gung-ho about back plates and wings.
After spending two days putting together my first BP/wings, threading and re-threading the webbing to adjust it, un-threading it..again...because I forgot to put the D-rings on the shoulder, working that inner tube strip into the slot to protect the webbing from wear, trying to think ahead of where things will go so I don't have to do it all over again....and we're not even talking about the months of research to decide what size/brand of everything to use! After all that, it can really piss you off to think about the diver who just walked into a dive shop, paid their money and walked away with a BC ready to attached to a tank and go dive!
Seriously, this venture into simplicity has certainly been an adventure! I have a FredT SS BP/2 pc. STA and Dive Rite Rec wings, Dive Rite Deluxe Harness, and Scuba Pro tank bands. I added a Halcyon BP pad for a place to store and deploy my SMB. Halcyon ACB pockets but they are a bit more than I need so Beast will use them this winter and I'll get the ACB+ version. I also added my Zeagle Octo+ to the existing corrugated hose. (I can hear the gasps from here but I like it.) A true Mutt system!
For local summer diving with my HP65 tank, I won't need to add any weights. However, I do need to make some adjustments for the tank. The BP is the same height as my small tank! I need to raise the bottom STA in order to have room for both bands. With HP80 tanks it's fine just as is.
Another problem I have to work out is the bottom of the plate digs into the top of my hips with the tank attached. In the water this won't be a problem but I won't be able to walk very far in full gear. The bend in the lower corners is almost non-detectable so I'm considering having them bent out just a tad...will consult with FredT before doing so, though.
I've done all I can do without getting it wet so this Sunday will be spent in water somewhere, probably Blue Lagoon. I'm sure there will be more adjustments made afterward.
Building your own BC from various components is very rewarding. Thanks to da Beast for leaving me the hell alone and letting me make my own mistakes and discoveries while putting this system together...and for polishing the SS BP to a mirror finish! Thanks, Darlin'
After spending two days putting together my first BP/wings, threading and re-threading the webbing to adjust it, un-threading it..again...because I forgot to put the D-rings on the shoulder, working that inner tube strip into the slot to protect the webbing from wear, trying to think ahead of where things will go so I don't have to do it all over again....and we're not even talking about the months of research to decide what size/brand of everything to use! After all that, it can really piss you off to think about the diver who just walked into a dive shop, paid their money and walked away with a BC ready to attached to a tank and go dive!
Seriously, this venture into simplicity has certainly been an adventure! I have a FredT SS BP/2 pc. STA and Dive Rite Rec wings, Dive Rite Deluxe Harness, and Scuba Pro tank bands. I added a Halcyon BP pad for a place to store and deploy my SMB. Halcyon ACB pockets but they are a bit more than I need so Beast will use them this winter and I'll get the ACB+ version. I also added my Zeagle Octo+ to the existing corrugated hose. (I can hear the gasps from here but I like it.) A true Mutt system!
For local summer diving with my HP65 tank, I won't need to add any weights. However, I do need to make some adjustments for the tank. The BP is the same height as my small tank! I need to raise the bottom STA in order to have room for both bands. With HP80 tanks it's fine just as is.
Another problem I have to work out is the bottom of the plate digs into the top of my hips with the tank attached. In the water this won't be a problem but I won't be able to walk very far in full gear. The bend in the lower corners is almost non-detectable so I'm considering having them bent out just a tad...will consult with FredT before doing so, though.
I've done all I can do without getting it wet so this Sunday will be spent in water somewhere, probably Blue Lagoon. I'm sure there will be more adjustments made afterward.
Building your own BC from various components is very rewarding. Thanks to da Beast for leaving me the hell alone and letting me make my own mistakes and discoveries while putting this system together...and for polishing the SS BP to a mirror finish! Thanks, Darlin'
and/or 2) your BP is sitting too low. Perhaps a combination of both? When you're wearing you BP alone, you should be able to reach back and touch the top of the plate. If you can't , it's too low.
