My opinion of the Back Plate

[DomaNitrogen]

Just arrived from a 3 day diving trip in Sharm. I was eager to try out my new Halcyon Pioneer.

I did read a lot about the freedom of the back plate and wings, After long hours of adjusting the harness and hating my life it was done so my first try out was in the pool the condition was bad 57.2 degrees Fahrenheit and I only had my 3 mm suit so it lasted for 10 min before I froze my @ss. I had 1 weight pocket so it was placed on the righttank strap and that kept me turning on my right.

My next dive was in Um Seed and I decided to remove the pocket weight and did not feel that difference between it and the jacket bcd I was quite disappointed.

Then next dive was in the Temple, it is at that dive I understod and FELT THE POWER OF THE BACKPLATE, I felt that I am gliding I can take any position under water or above I am in control not the BCD. And to those who think that wings will through you face done that is not true at all try it.

Concluding back plate are pain to adjust and no pockets but you will never get the perfect fit and the superb comfort from any other system.

One thing that is still a challenge is how to remove the weight belt and the system underwater. I use a wet suit so I wear the belt over the crotch strap system. So i will try it later next time. But if you have any pointers please tell me

 

[mwpowell]

You can easily add a pocket to the waist strap. OMS and DiveRite sell them.

I wear my weight belt underneath the crotch strap, which makes it easy to remove the scuba unit w/o having to remove the weight belt.

Mike

 

[Darnold9999]

If you use a weight harness rather than a belt the weight is ditchable without removing the harness and you can(have to) wear it under all the straps so the tank and harness are easily removed. I like this system for the amount of weight needed for a dry suit and enough undergarments to keep me warm. Wouldn't go with this system for less than about 20# however.

 

[CIBDiving]

One thing that is still a challenge is how to remove the weight belt and the system underwater. I use a wet suit so I wear the belt over the crotch strap system. So i will try it later next time. But if you have any pointers please tell me

That's easy to solve! Ignore the dimwited DIR suck B##$ ,Loose the belt and go with weight integration. There are NO Good reasons for a rec diver to wear a belt - and I can't think of any for anybody else either!

 

[TSandM]

CIB, I wear a belt because I prefer it. It's easier for me to carry my weight around my hips than to hang it from my shoulders.

DN, too bad Marsa al Alam is so far away -- you'd have some good sources for gear setup and adjustment there with Red Sea Explorers.

 

[*Floater*]

i added a xs scuba weight pocket to each side of my harness (waist area, next to plate). when i need extra weight i just use those. belts are a pain with bp/w.

 

[WaterDawg]

You guys GOTTA ck out the DSS weight plates (and thier bp's since they only work w/ them.)

 

[cnctina]

That's easy to solve! Ignore the dimwited DIR suck B##$ ,Loose the belt and go with weight integration. There are NO Good reasons for a rec diver to wear a belt - and I can't think of any for anybody else either!

There may not be any good reasons for you to wear a weight belt and that's cool but you can't speak for me and I prefer a weight belt.

 

[Don Burke]

I can't think

Hmmm

 

[DomaNitrogen]

Well i prefer belt gives me more controll on where to place the weights

DN, too bad Marsa al Alam is so far away -- you'd have some good sources for gear setup and adjustment there with Red Sea Explorers.

Well infact Andrew and fasel got me the Gear but i have not dived with them yet.

when i have time i will go but thats like 3 to 4 month. till then i will not take my back plate under water
Another thing i could not reach my tank valve do you guys have picture of a correct height to setup up the gear single tank.