It is official, I am a Golem Gal, a Back Plate Babe if you will!

[dkktsunami]

Leah, I dive the same rig with aluminum plate and dive rite transplate harness and am delighted with the set-up. For your lights (assuming these are small back-up lights such as PC Lite) you will probably want to remove the nylon cord that comes with it. I replaced this with a circular key ring (don't know the name for this thing) to which I attached the single end dog clip. I attach the light to the right shoulder strap using rubber bands made from a bike tire inner tube (cut sections from inner tube large enough to fit over webbing). Then hook clip to D-ring for extra security. Good luck.

 

[BigTuna]

Thanks for sharing with me in my joy over my new toy. I added a couple of bent d-rings to the standard set up. I am headed to the hardware store tonight to pick up a couple of double and single enders.

I do have a question about the single and double ender clips. Because of the style of my lights, I was thinking of using single enders with a loop on the other end and attaching the loop end to the cord on the handle—not a big enough hole for the hook to fit through. Upon deployment, the single ender would remain with the light while in use. Anyone see any functional issue with this thought?

They also sell brass and stainless single and double enders. Is one better than the other? It looks to me like the spring inside is made from the same type of material on both. The brass is much more attractive from a cost standpoint.

I prefer stainless. It won't develop "splinters" over time. I check the snaps as part of the pre-dive routine to make sure they haven't frozen, and I lube the springs inside from time to time with marine store waterproof lubricant.

Be sure to get the right size. Here is a link to one of many on-line sources: http://www.diveriteexpress.com/hardware/sssnaps.shtml. The medium size is the right one.

I recommend using single enders and tying them onto the hardware (not the wrist strap). For things like lights and reels, I replace the original strap (if there is one) with one I make from elastic shock cord. Then I rig a way to keep the cord from floating when the item isn't being used. A slice of the right size inner tube often makes a useful large rubber band for this purpose. Altho some would suggest ditching the wrist straps altoghether, I favor them, since I tend to drop stuff at moments when I have to juggle gear.

The first two books on this page will lead you through tying bolt snaps onto your hardware: https://secure.gue.com/catalog/order. Altho the site and source is GUE, I'm not intending a subliminal advertisement with the link. I found the books extremely helpful when I was educating myself on my new bp/wing and better diving in general. Sounds like about where you are.

BTW, thanks for your "scenario" thread, Leah. My streamer and dye pack arrived yesterday--permanent additions to my ocean kit.

 

[UnderSeaBumbleBee]

Thanks for the info on the single and double enders. Jakub sent me several pieces of bike tire type rings already cut to help tie stuff down so I should be good to go there.

I am so happy. I spent all summer feeling and touching other peoples gear (they said I could touch!), folks were very kind to me to let me check out what they have, looking both online and in shops, and then talking with people here on SB. I heard over and over that folks wished that had done what I was doing--talking and waiting. Folks shared what the liked and didn’t like. That was very helpful. I would not have waited without the sage advice of those here on SB. Thanks to all on Scuba Board who helped to hold me back so that I would not waste my diving dollars.

I can see myself diving this rig for years to come! It is part of my plan to stay out of the bingo halls when I get old! You need a plan or you could end up somewhere you don't want to be! I also don't want to end up gluing macaroni on anything. With a little more advice and encouragement on here, I am sure to avoid that fate!!

Thanks for the compliment on my writing. I would love to write some articles at some point. However at this point, I am better at asking questions, as I am so green in the world of scuba. Maybe one day I will mature enough to be of help to others.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Everyone!!

 

[tonka97]

https://golemgear.com/pc-164-18-golem-55-lbs-ss-combo.aspx

Bought mine 10 minutes ago.

Thanks for heads up!

 

[divad]

I have a bag of hardware store SS double-enders that I will send you so you won't have to waste any money. The springs don't work, but you won't be out any money so, in a sense, you'll be ahead of the game.

 

[CompuDude]

I always get my stainless steel snaps and double-enders from TechDivingLimited. They have sales from time to time for like $4-5, so stock up on a variety of sizes and pat yourself on the back next time you see them selling for $15 at your LDS!