Questions about using a heavy back plate with a single tank PNW

[cascadeskyline89]

I am looking at purchasing my first wing setup and am considering using a 6mm sub gravity stainless steel back plate which is 10.1 lbs and then using two weighted hip pockets (not sure what size) was thinking 5lbs each. If I ditched my waist weight would I suddenly become head heavy during an emergency ascent with a 10lb back plate? This would be solely for diving in WA state. All salt water.

I am just hoping to get the best balance and not have to use a bunch of pocket weight. But if I should get a standard 4lb back plate I can. Just trying to create the most balanced tech bcd I can from the start.

This would be with a hog 32lb wing. Unless this isn't enough buoyancy. Then I'll have to figure out an alternative. Maybe a single tank 40 or the xdeep zeos 38? Any suggestions?

Also can I use this setup with my current standard single aluminum 80s? I don't plan on buying any new tanks for awhile. Am considering two steel hp 100s or 117s though. Not sure yet.

I use a Aqua Lung SOL AFX 8/7mm hooded wetsuit with 7mm boots and gloves.

 

[ChuckP]

You'll be fine - I use a regular SS plate and a couple weight pockets for diving aluminum tanks too. If you switch to big steel tanks, you might want to re evaluate as you'll need less weight overall.

I have a SS setup for aluminum and an Aluminum setup for steel tanks - works for me

 

[Marie13]

Standard steel plates are 5 or 6 lbs, nit 4.

 

[rhwestfall]

I know you said PNW.. Here in the Great Lakes, if I'm diving single tank (always steel) and my dry suit, I use a 16# backplate, and if needed, trim weights and waist weights. I use a 32# wing with tanks as big as a Worthington HP120.

Never an issue.

 

[lexvil]

I dive a 10lb freedom plate and Zeagle pouches on the waist strap, I use an H harness (not one piece set up. You should be fine.

 

[johndiver999]

The question seems to be.. will suit compression on a thick wetsuit and the (possible)
use of a heavy steel tank along with an extra heavy plate make it very difficult to ascend after a potential BC failure? If someone is using a dry suit, the parameters change a lot, I think.

The issue of weight distribution during an emergency ascent is NOT an issue, the total amount of unditchable ballast is.

I'm not sure I know the answer to your question, but you should make sure you are taking advice from similarly configured individuals.

 

[JohnN]

I dive in the PNW with a 6 lb SS backplate, two 5 lb weights in pockets on the upper cam band, and another 4-6 lbs of ditchable weight in quick release pockets on the waist belt. All this with a 32 lb HOG wing

I have used the steel BP and 32 lb wing in warm water with an AL 80 and find I need no extra weight

 

[inquis]

If I ditched my waist weight would I suddenly become head heavy during an emergency ascent

I don't think it would be an issue. I routinely take 6 lbs off my waist strap when going from salt to fresh water. No impact to my trim.

 

[crofrog]

You need to make sure you're rig will float itself with everything full, and you need to make sure you have enough ditch-able weight to be able to swim up the rig if your BC fails.

When you go to doubles you're going to need a second wing, the reality is switching to doubles changes so much that you'll likely end up with a different plate and wing to get things to balance out the way you want them.
The other thing is if you end up with a canister light which is really nice for the PNW you might need to re-evalulate how you're adding weight. I really like the halcyon weighted STA for single tank diving.

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

Dive a balanced rig, that way you can always kick up to the surface with a failed wing and ditch weight there.

I'd also look at trim pockets. Weight distribution is also very important when it comes to correct weighting. You may want to also consider P-weights.