New Rig...

[fjpatrum]

I just placed my order with Scubatoys for a Salvo SS plate with some Diverite "stabilizing plates", which I will use as a poor man's STA.

I'm building my own wing from an old horse collar and all told, I'll have a complete rig for about $150. I'm also making my own PVC plate, so one for warm water and one for cold. Should be good to go now.

Does anyone have specs for the Salvo SS plates? Scubatoys didn't list weight and I am unclear as to whether the slots are 1" or 2". I've already bought my 2" webbing so I'm hoping I didn't just make a major mistake, but it looks like the Salvo may have 2" for straps and a possible 1" slot for the crotch strap. If that's the case, I'll just sew a 1" loop on my 2" strap for the crotch strap.

 

[cheeko8080]

I don't own the Salvo, but yes the slots for the harness are for 2 inch webbing. I can't actually tell with the crotch strap because it looks to be in the middle (but I would guess it's a 2 inch slot also...though this doesn't necessarily stop you from using a 1 inch strap and having it slide a little bit or using a 2 inch to 1 inch strap adaptor...but I can't remember who makes those).

As for the PVC backplate...I've personally never heard of that...it must be very buoyant...is that what you're looking for. I understand wanting a lightweight and cheap one, but the buoyancy properties of PVC seem too high to me. One thing to make sure of is to smooth the edges of your slots on the PVC after you create them or you'll tear up your harness, even with PVC I would imagine.

 

[fjpatrum]

cheeko8080, thanks for the input. The PVC shouldn't be particularly buoyant. PVC does sink, if I recall correctly, in the right configuration (a plate should sink)-- haven't tried it in the tub yet to verify that. A search for DIY plates here on SB will show that I'm far from being the first to try it and many people have had a lot of success with them. They aren't very negative, but I don't think they're positive either. No worries... just a pound of adjustment either way.

I don't plan on buying any of the crotch strap "adapters". I'm not particularly concerned about that slot as I'll just make my own adapter if it's necessary. I bought 25 yards of 2" webbing off ebay for $9 so I'll have plenty to spare. I plan to make 2 harnesses, one for the SS and one for the PVC so I don't have to do anything except swap the wing, when it's finished.

 

[TSandM]

The biggest problem with PVC is that it breaks. It's not a great material to use around heavy tanks and weights. The Kydex that Deep Sea Supply uses is flexible and very durable. Not all plastics are the same.

From the illustration, it appears the Salvo plate has a 2" crotch strap slot. You may want to use polypropylene webbing for the crotch strap -- it's softer and doesn't wear your suit quite as much.

 

[fjpatrum]

Thanks, Lynn. I hadn't really considered the breaking issue except with respect to the idea "I can build another" but if it breaks during a dive, or before a dive with no spare I'm kinda screwed, I guess. Well, that's what duct tape is for, right? I guess I'll just have to see how durable it is and decide whether to buy an AL plate after that...

Good idea about the polypro webbing for the crotch as well. Amazing the little insights experience gives you.

 

[fjpatrum]

Received my Salvo plate yesterday. So far everything looks good. All the edges were deburred/beveled and smooth, and there are enough holes for additional gear without it looking like someone shot the thing with a machine gun. Spec weight is 7 pounds for the plate and the stabilizers are about a half pound total, I believe. I haven't weighed everything yet. I threaded my harness last night and now I just need to get out in the water and get some adjustments.

I do have a question about position of the plate on my back. I have the top of the plate just below centerline of my shoulder blades and that puts the bottom just above my waist line. So far this feels decent but I haven't put a tank on it yet so I'll try that tonight and see how everything feels then. Is this roughly where most people find is the "sweet spot" for a plate or am I likely to need further adjustment?