I felt there was a market for a no-nonsence semi rigid or soft plate design that utilized a "Hogarthian" harness. The O-Pac is the result of the desire to serve that market. For what it is worth, the "O" is short for OxyCheq.
It is the size of our medium back plate, has the same holes and slots that a plate would have, is rigged with a Hogarthian harness and crotch strap (with appropriate D-rings), has a soft pad, shoulder harness pads, and two cam straps. It was designed specfically for single tank diving, but does have side mount capabilities. It is very compact, very comfortable, very light weight, will be very reasonably priced and does not require a STA although one can be used with it. Due to the size, low profile and weight, it is a great travel system. The target market are those single tank divers that want more comfort than a plate, but want the advantages of a "Hogarthian" harness.
For those that want the weight of a plate, you can add two bullet weights on each side of the CAM straps for four pounds.
Chris at COVCI showed the O-Pac to a few people at the demo in Ohio. Chris had the prototype and was asked to get some feedback. So far, a typical reaction when someone sees it or puts it on is a "giggle" or "grin" (I did both and so did Chris) because the thing is so simple and slick. When I gave the designs to the mfg. (who has been mfg BCs and wings for over 25 years) he did not seem too excited and I think he thought I was missing a few marbles. When the prototype was completed, he called me and expressed nothing short of praise on the design. The best way to describe it is elegantly simple and it is the most comfortable thing I ever had on my back to secure a cylinder. Combined with our single tank wings, this will be a very nice system. The intergrated weight pockets are also in process and should be available around the same time ... sorry, nothing unique there.
Chris had some people try it on in Ohio with an AL80. I think I saw someone post something about it in one of the threads. We have made a couple of minor changes to the original prototype that Chris had ... or still has.
I don't have any good photos of it (black is a pain in the *^^ to shoot), but hope to have some good photos once the production units arrive. If you had it on and looked in a mirror, you would think you had on a hard plate.
There are also a number of other products in the works.
I do appreciate your interest in the O-Pac and for allowing me the bandwith to discuss it. If anyone thinks I am out of my mind, no need to tell me ... I knew that long ago. :wacko:
Best regards,
Patrick
OxyCheq
http://oxycheq.com
