Pads for backplate cost so much?

[Torontonian]

I saw some manufacturers selling pads for a backplate costing $40+. It's supposed to make you feel more comfortable and not touch the plate directly if wearing thin wetsuit, lycra or skin. I keep on thinking that's a lot of money for some pads, and why couldn't I just cut off some neoprene from an old 3mm wetsuit.

I just saw in another posting by DumpsterDiver, the same idea.

I also tie-wrapped a piece of old wetsuit over the plate, since I dive with a 2mm shorty sometimes.

Well, it takes a few more minutes with a needles and threads. And is very cheap to do.

Am I missing something here, or are the manufacturers selling lots of pads?

Thanks.

 

[Jasonmh]

The pads are not needed for comfort in most cases, I never really use one. Most of the people I know who use them do so for the pocket that is built in to the pad.

 

[Mo2vation]

I saw some manufacturers selling pads for a backplate costing $40+. It's supposed to make you feel more comfortable and not touch the plate directly if wearing thin wetsuit, lycra or skin. I keep on thinking that's a lot of money for some pads, and why couldn't I just cut off some neoprene from an old 3mm wetsuit.

I just saw in another posting by DumpsterDiver, the same idea.


Well, it takes a few more minutes with a needles and threads. And is very cheap to do.

Am I missing something here, or are the manufacturers selling lots of pads?

Thanks.

First off, they're not really pads. Maybe some are, but most are storage places. So you have 8 SS bolts, you have a the nylon, you have the pocket on the back (in the channel) and / or one in the front. They have no real padding.

If you're talking about a Halcyon, if you see one for $40... BUY IT. You won't find them that cheap, usually.

I dived my BP in Belize for a week with a t-shirt. No biggie. I don't get the need to "pad the plate".... if it fits you correctly, it won't "hurt your back"

The stiff nylon straps on your skin? That's another subject.

But if the plate doesn't fit, a thin piece of nylon masquerading as a "pad" won't make a difference.

---
Ken

 

[NorthernShrinkage]

My guess would be the pad is more to prevent the butterfly nuts from causing excessive wear on suits ?

 

[Scared Silly]

The one Zeagle makes for their BP is a pad and is not / can not be used for storgage. Sells for $25.

BTW If you are worried about the bolts poking you in the back you can always put some rubber thread protectors on them - eg. the little thingy-a-bobs that are on LP/and HP hoses ends that protected the threads.

 

[Sharky1948]

The OMS model really is a pad and has a pocket for an SMB. It's $47. I tried it and decided it really didn't add anything except bulk. I dive dry so the pad didn't make it more or less comfortable.

 

[Mo2vation]

If you're getting poked by the bolts, you need to adjus the rods or cut down the bolts.

A pad isn't the solution.

PS: the bolts have to be way, WAY too long to be poking you in the back.

---
Ken

 

[Ron Brandt]

As I've indicated in my emails to you....you do not have to worry about comfort or suit damage. I have never used one.

There was some companies years back that did sell some form of slip on neopreen....these were from a "mr. diver" type of company as I recall.

Ron

 

[H2Andy]

we don't need no pads

as stated, if bolts are the problem, then bolts are the problem. fix the bolts, don't add something else to the rig

i've never used pads and have never had a problem, either with discomfort or with damage to the suit

 

[cerich]

As I've indicated in my emails to you....you do not have to worry about comfort or suit damage. I have never used one.

There was some companies years back that did sell some form of slip on neopreen....these were from a "mr. diver" type of company as I recall.

Ron

Halcyon made them as well in 2000