Ideal BP&W for short/small divers

[JLRO22]

Hey there I was looking for some suggestions for BP&W setups for divers on the smaller side. I'm 5'2 and a woman and after doing some digging, most backplates are standardized for divers 5'4 and above.

I dive cold water usually with a xs sized jacket but even the jacket is just a tad too large for me. I need the modularity of a backplate style BC since I dive scientific. I am a walking tool rack with a jacket so the lack of material up front is appealing to me. Stainless steel is most preferable as well.

I've looked into HOG, Halcyon and Hollis. HOG is the most appeal price point wise because they've got this killer package for their entire setup plus their regs. But I'm worried about spending a buttload of money on a set that is not built for me.

Any divers that could chip in about this would be great!
Many thanks.

 

[souladdikt]

I know Dive Rite, Oxycheq, and Halcyon all make stainless steel short plates. The length of the Dive Rite is 13.5", Halcyon is 14" and the Oxycheq is 13". You can also try to find a small Freedom Plate--probably an impossible task.

 

[JLRO22]

I know Dive Rite, Oxycheq, and Halcyon all make stainless steel short plates. The length of the Dive Rite is 13.5", Halcyon is 14" and the Oxycheq is 13". You can also try to find a small Freedom Plate--probably an impossible task.

I see that the freedom plate is commonly mentioned in forums. What's the selling points on those plates?

 

[souladdikt]

The Freedom Plate is made by @Eric Sedletzky in various lengths and is a super comfortable plate because of its contoured design. It also routes the shoulder straps more naturally over the shoulders--especially those with narrower shoulders. My wife is about your height and dives a small Freedom Plate and loves it. But, like I said, finding one is going the a nearly impossible task. But here's a picture of the top of the Freedom Plate so you get an idea of what I'm talking about:

There was DSS short plate for sale in the classifieds. That would be a very nice plate if still available.

 

[runsongas]

subgravity is the cheapest option for a short plate but its close to 14"

the oxycheq is shorter but has the drawback it only has one cam band slot if you don't use a sta

Stainless Steel Backplate - SubGravity

Stainless-steel backplate, 3 mm or 6mm, made of salt water resistant 316 stainless-steel. Edges bevelled on a NC cutter, manually polished for perfect flattening of sharp edges, which could prematurely wear the strap.

sub-gravity.com

 

[JLRO22]

They're on backorder unfortunately and looks like they're not heavy enough for what I'm took for in the back. Thanks so much for the suggestion!

 

[JLRO22]

The Freedom Plate is made by @Eric Sedletzky in various lengths and is a super comfortable plate because of its contoured design. It also routes the shoulder straps more naturally over the shoulders--especially those with narrower shoulders. My wife is about your height and dives a small Freedom Plate and loves it. But, like I said, finding one is going the a nearly impossible task. But here's a picture of the top of the Freedom Plate so you get an idea of what I'm talking about: View attachment 888896

There was DSS short plate for sale in the classifieds. That would be a very nice plate if still available.

Looking more into them and they sure are nice. I'll keep an eye out for one. And thanks for the suggestion in classifieds

 

[Zef]

I recommend Sub-Gravity. My wife is 5'2" and my oldest daughter is 5'0", they both have Sub-Gravity short stainless steel plates and love them. They fit their shorter stature much better compared to the standard size plates they dived with prior to purchasing the short plates.

-Z

 

[souladdikt]

They're on backorder unfortunately and looks like they're not heavy enough for what I'm took for in the back. Thanks so much for the suggestion!

The heaviest plate looks to be the Dive Rite. Add an STA and you're at 6.5 lbs.

 

[JLRO22]

What is the appeal of running an STA other than additional weight? I thought most BP setups don't need an STA unless you dive doubles (which I don't plan to for quite awhile).