Kraken compatible BC / BP&W?

[Couv]

A Freedom Plate and thin profile wing like the VDH or Oxycheq work very well. Yes the VDH plate is more optimized for DH, and I have one, but I prefer the comfort and fit of the FP.

@rhwestfall I think @herman uses something similar to that-but slightly modified.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

The SMS100 is a pig for any type of diving without some serious modifications. Don't. Unless it's free. Maybe then.

 

[herman]

That is a Zeagle Express Tech, the original one, not the later one with more stuff on it. It has been modified to make it ride lower on the body and a crotch strap added to keep it in place. The bladder is the smallest one I could get...think it's a 15 lb one.

You can dive an AK or any DH reg for that matter with any BC, it will work. HOWEVER, unless the BC places the reg where it needs to be (see above) the reg will not work as well as it could. Reguardless of the BC, it needs to keep the reg close to the body and low. If you have 2 tank bands on a BC, you can place the tank low (out of the top band) and on most BC's you can add a crotch strap if you get creative.

 

[Scuba-Lad]

Whoa thanks for the excellent advice guys, brilliant community here

Not Kraken specific, but I use a flat plate that I cut out of a plastic cutting board and I get good double hose can placement. Cutting board cost me $5 and I used a dremel and skillsaw to cut it.
The concern with "traditional" BPW is the center channel raising the cans off your back.
View attachment 655975View attachment 655976
The pics above are version 1 of my DIY BPW (wing is scratch built as well), but there's no reason a "Factory" wing wouldn't work on it as well. Attached is the most recent version of the cutting board layout.

Respectfully,

James

Thanks James, I may look into this as I live in Indonesia and only certain back plate brands are supplied here so my choice is very limited. Although trying to find a decent local engineering shop might also be tricky

 

[rhwestfall]

Road sign, a hack saw or angle grinder, a drill, a file......

 

[herman]

Road sign, a hack saw or angle grinder, a drill, a file......

And spray paint to cover up the "borrowed" road sign.

 

[scrane]

LOL - I'm sure @Bryan@Vintage Double Hose appreciates your decision making for his situation and business....

Just a recommendation. As has been said, you can dive double hose with just about any plate. But that doesn't mean just any plate will facilitate optimal performance.

 

[Couv]

Road sign, a hack saw or angle grinder, a drill, a file......

And spray paint to cover up the "borrowed" road sign.

 

[Scuba-Lad]

On the assumption I can find a machine shop to fabricate James's plate design, what wing would you guys recommend? Looking for something with low drag if possible, I'm around 80KG, 6ft2.

 

[runsongas]

the oxycheq style wings are a good option, several brands have moved to the long/slim design.