We have six videos on plate and wings on our channel. Some other channels only have one. We did not think that just one covered the topic adequately.
Purchasing a BP/W
- Thread starter P1Diver
- Start date
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Here's an idea
Green Frog
Contributor
@divezonescuba, I posted a link to your Yiou Tube series way back on Post #9 of this thread. I felt like it startEd off a little slowly on the first installment, but then provided it me with detailed information about the various aspects of setting up and using a BP/W. I recommend the series to anyone considering getting a back plate rig. Thanks for making it available.
If you travel, I suggest a light weight backplate, either aluminum or plastic. I have owned a bunch of different backplates and wings, mostly Dive-Rite ones, but my second rebreather came with a special backplate harness that I've used since 2012. As suggested above, how you rig a wing/backplate will change over time.
Green Frog
Contributor
Apparently aluminum back plates to save weight (especially for travel) have not proven very popular. I inquired of Dive Rite about their aluminum BP and the person I talked to said they worked fine, but had been discontinued because they didn’t sell enough. I guess I need to just accept that metal back plates are heavier than BCDs. My aluminum Dive Rite BP with a 30# OxyCheq wing is nearly two pounds heavier than my Sherwood BCD, and seems like more during doffing and donning.
Tournesol2000
Contributor
I started am with Aluminum backplate to save weight for travel but ended buying a SS plate as it felt better and the extra weight was minimal.
scrane
Contributor
I started out with a steel backplate and soon found a guy to trade for aluminum. My current backplate from VDH probably weighs about a pound and a half. The VDH plate, 23# HOG wing, and harness sans cambands weighs in at 5#. Carrying around the extra weight in my luggage didn't make sense to me. But I really don't think the weight of the plate is an important factor underwater.
JohnE
Registered
quick comment - I regret buying a hybrid back-inflate jacket bcd when I first transitioned from a jacket bcd. Should have just went to the bpw. A great benefit of bpw is replacing components that wear out. Can’t do that with the hybrid or jacket. Good utility for busy science or commercial dives.
I purchased a Hollis ST aluminum backplate and I’m very happy with it. I thought I was going regret not getting a stainless steel unit but so far I have no complaints.
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