Perimeter holes on a backplate??

[Ezh]

What is the primary use for them?
To attach additional equipment? If so, wouldn't it be very uncomfortable to clip/unclip it?
I know, that halcyon, for example, have a special MC Storage Pack... is it the only use for it or am I missing something?


khel

 

[Waterborne]

I think the original idea behind it was this. I have an SS Dive Rite plate with no perimeter holes. I also have an AL Hoadley plate with perimeter holes, not as many as the OMS plates, yet they don't line up very well the Halcyon MC Pack. While I beleive that the idea OMS had about attaching lights and argon bottles to backplates using all metal connections is unsafe, some still do it. I only use connections that can be removed or cut away if needed.

 

[Atticus]

Good reply from SCORE ResQ, but I'll try to add a few bits here.

The perimeter holes are very useful for securing a variety of items. The most common have to be the dive light cannister and the argon bottle. Note that there is great debate about the proper way to carry these items, with some dive leaders opting to fasten them to their weight belt, and others sticking to the backplate.

Personally I like to keep them on the back plate, but with severable links (ie: cave line) that I can cut or break in a pinch. It would make me sligtly nervous to use metal clips unless I could reach them easily.

 

[Waterborne]

Personally I like to keep them on the back plate, but with severable links (ie: cave line) that I can cut or break in a pinch. It would make me sligtly nervous to use metal clips unless I could reach them easily.

Atticus, I have never seen people attach things to the backplate with a severable connection. I would be interested in seeing how you do it. Not flaming, sincerely interested. Do you have a way to post some pics?

The way I do it is, attach the canister light to the right side of my waist strap and secure it with an SS buckle. Although I dive a properly balanced rig that I can swim up from depth, the light is a few pounds negative and considered ditchable weight, if necessary. I don't yet have an argon bottle but when I get one, it will be mounted on my tanks with argon bottle straps. But then again, I get accused of "walking in the lockstep of DIR" all the time. The reasons behind it make sense to me and I feel comfortable diving like that.

I think the only thing I would be worried about is bringing a knife or a pair shears near my wing, behind my back where I couldn't see exactly what I'm cutting. But, as long as it works for you, carry on and dive happy.

 

[mddolson]

I use mine for 2 items
1) my lift bag is in a sleeve
2) for cold diving my argon system

I made my own back plate and added several holes 2 inches apart on both sides. Flexibility was what I wanted, but after 3 years I find I only ever use 3.
The top , the bottom and middle holes are the only ones I have enver needed.

I have a slot for a crotch strap, but i don't use it either. A slot in the center at the top, for a D ring would be nice to hang it on , would free up one of the Bicycle hooks I hang it on,

Mike D

 

[mddolson]

SCORE ResQ bubbled:
quote:
_____________________________________
The way I do it is, attach the canister light to the right side of my waist strap and secure it with an SS buckle.
___________________________________

I've tried this configuration but I did not find it comfortable. I am now rigging my cannister similar to a small deco bottle on my right side. I have a bolt snap on on a nylon strap to my right chest D ring, and lower one to my right Rear Hip D ring. Two ss hose clamps retain the nylon strap.
This works well for me and is easy to mount and remove, My cannister is large, 16 lbs dry and 6 lbs negative wet. It's easy to unclip. and can be cut free if need be. I wear 6 lbs less weight on my right when diving with my cannister light.

Mike D

 

[Atticus]

SCORE ResQ once bubbled...

Atticus, I have never seen people attach things to the backplate with a severable connection. I would be interested in seeing how you do it. Not flaming, sincerely interested. Do you have a way to post some pics?

The following is a picture from dive tek that represents one way to carry an argon bottle using a severable and quickly disconnectable system: http://www.divetekadventures.com/armount/Image80.jpg

Additionally things can be connected using double ended dog clips (bolt snaps) and a snorkel keeper or somesuch that will break if considerable force is applied.

 

[Ezh]

Thanks a lot, that was interesting info. And as for comfortable or not, I just should try in myself, I guess

khel

p.s. I wonder what Dir folks have to say on the subject