My new fredt plate came in today

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Dryglove

Dryglove

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I received my new fredt heavy plate 2 pc STA and one of his custom molded channel weights.I ordered my stuff in the ufinished version and was surprised that it took very little finishing. The heavy plate and 2 piece STA are very heavy duty and well built.

The part i really like is the channel weight he made for my plate.He used my plate as a mold to make the weight so it fits perfect.The channel weight weighs right at about 8lbs.He molded the wing nuts into the channel weight so the two piece STA bolts right into it.He also molded slots for the cam straps if i dont use the STA.

I cant wait to give it a try.Its gonna be nice not carrying all that weight on my belt now.I should be right around 8lbs on my belt now instead of 21.That should hopefully solve my trim problem of being feet heavy and allow me to lower my tank so the valve doesnt smack me in the back of my melon.

Anyways i just wanted to let you know that if your a cold water diver and thinking of ordering a fredt plate that you might want to think of getting a channel weight while your at it especially if your like me and dont have the place or resources to make your own weight.Your weightbelt will thankyou.I never knew fred made channel weights,good thing i asked.Thanks Fred!! :D
 
boomx5 once bubbled...
I was wondering if you are using the channel weight with a single tank or with doubles? Also, if you are using it with a single tank, will your rig float all that weight?
Scott
Click to expand...

I am using with a single tank.I have a halcyon 36lb pioneer wing.Without a tank im sitting at 19lbs negative(bp,STA,channel weight).I dive a Faber LP 95 that is probably about 5-6lbs negative full according to a chart i just looked at.I wear my weights on a belt so the is no integrated weights.That puts me at 25lbs negative on the bc so I think it will still float.Ill find out for sure next week when i try it out.
 
Walter once bubbled...
lal7176,

"That puts me at 25lbs negative"

Why? Shouldn't you be aiming for neutral buoyancy?
Click to expand...

That means that the rig is 25lbs negative without me in it.With me in my drysuit and the bc donned it puts me neutral at the end of my dive with an almost empty tank.Sorry for the confusion.

He was asking if the rig would still float without me in it which is where the 25lb negative figure came.
 
We've got the same rig now: FredT w/ Halcyon 36. With a Zeagle I was carrying 18 pounds of weight diving a 7mil full body. I am betting I'll be down to around 10#s with this set-up. Can't wait to dive it on Sunday. I'll be in the pool tomorrow to make sure the weight is right before heading out Sunday. Now, if I can just remember how much weight to add for salt water ...
 
lal7176 once bubbled...
That puts me at 25lbs negative on the bc so I think it will still float.Ill find out for sure next week when i try it out.
Click to expand...
Be doubly sure to check it... I don't think it will.

I just switched to the AUL heavy (apparently it is Fred's), but I was using a Halcyon copy... 6 pounds with STA. I added 10 pounds of keel weight. Add a PST HP120 (about -9) and it was BARELY neutral with a Pioneer 45. It would NOT float with my Spectrum 12 canister attached.

The new plate is only 12, compared to the previous 6+10(keel), so it is now okay with the canister... but this is with the Pioneer 45... not the 36, and you've got a total of 20 plus the tank.

Attach a line and tie it to the boat before you drop it in.
 
I’m going to be getting a FredT heavy, but I have to ask why so many get the STA with the Pioneer wing? I thought you did not need a STA with the Pioneer wing.
 
I have the FredT plate with the channel weight, Halcyon 36 Pioneer, and no STA. Everything is tight and secure. The bands fit perfect into the channel weight.
 
ScubaDan once bubbled...
I’m going to be getting a FredT heavy, but I have to ask why so many get the STA with the Pioneer wing? I thought you did not need a STA with the Pioneer wing.
Click to expand...
#1 - I need the weight
#2 - I have an older Pioneer that does not have the rods or slots
 
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