Quick backplate question...

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csilkman

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I am going to Truk Lagoon in March and will be diving with single aluminum 80 tanks and a 3 mil wetsuit. Currently I use a stainless steel backplate that I use with my steel doubles and wondered if that would be okay for single aluminum 80 tanks or should I look into purchasing an aluminum backplate?

I never dive with single aluminum 80 tanks so I'm not sure if the stainless steel backplate would be too heavy?
 
csilkman:
I am going to Truk Lagoon in March and will be diving with single aluminum 80 tanks and a 3 mil wetsuit. Currently I use a stainless steel backplate that I use with my steel doubles and wondered if that would be okay for single aluminum 80 tanks or should I look into purchasing an aluminum backplate?

I never dive with single aluminum 80 tanks so I'm not sure if the stainless steel backplate would be too heavy?
Click to expand...
If you use a steel BP with doubles, then it will be fine for a single AL80 which is less negatively bouyant than a set of steel doubles. You will actually be adding weight not taking it off.
 
The SS plate will be perfect for AL80 singles. The weight is in the right place, and you can add tank trim weights if you need to.

I use a SS BP with a 3 mil shorty and an AL80, and no additional weight. Works great!
 
Good point, thanks. It's kinda crazy I haven't used a single tank configuration in a couple years. I can't remember the last time I used an aluminum tank.

I'll make sure to start off with a complete boyancy check to make sure all is good.
 
detroit diver:
The SS plate will be perfect for AL80 singles. The weight is in the right place, and you can add tank trim weights if you need to.

I use a SS BP with a 3 mil shorty and an AL80, and no additional weight. Works great!
Click to expand...


I have a similar question re SS BP, AL 80, and wetsuit; how much non-ditchable negative weight do you consider acceptable at the beginning of a dive and considering loss of bouyancy due to compression? I'm using 6lb.s with a 3 ml full.
 
evad:
I have a similar question re SS BP and wetsuit; how much non-ditchable negative weight do you consider acceptable at the beginning of a dive and considering loss of bouyancy due to compression? I'm using 6lb.s with a 3 ml full.
Click to expand...

You need to be able to swim your rig up with a complete wing failure. Anything more than about 10-12 lbs will be quite a chore.

But you also need enough to do a stop at 15 feet with a low tank.

Bottom line: Everyone is different, and you have to do some buoyancy tests-preferably in a confined setting.
 
Thanks for the replies. I'm atheletic and I think I'm only talking about 5lb.s here. On the other hand, I could just use the AL Diverite I just got for $30
and weight myself seperately from the tank or use the ditchable trim weights scavenged from my Zeagle Scout ('cause I aint goin' back). BTW, The BP and hardware weighs about the same as the Scout so I definatley am not going back even for lightweight travel. BP and wing is a beautiful thing.
 
csilkman:
I am going to Truk Lagoon in March and will be diving with single aluminum 80 tanks and a 3 mil wetsuit. Currently I use a stainless steel backplate that I use with my steel doubles and wondered if that would be okay for single aluminum 80 tanks or should I look into purchasing an aluminum backplate?

I never dive with single aluminum 80 tanks so I'm not sure if the stainless steel backplate would be too heavy?
Click to expand...

The SS BP will be fine...that's what I use for everything. There is only a 4lbs difference between a SS BP and an AL BP. 4lbs is not an issue. With the SS plate, you will not have to wear as much weight on your belt too.
 
csilkman:
I am going to Truk Lagoon in March and will be diving with single aluminum 80 tanks and a 3 mil wetsuit. Currently I use a stainless steel backplate that I use with my steel doubles and wondered if that would be okay for single aluminum 80 tanks or should I look into purchasing an aluminum backplate?

I never dive with single aluminum 80 tanks so I'm not sure if the stainless steel backplate would be too heavy?
Click to expand...

In tropical water, I dive in a full 3mil suit with a SS backplate and single AL80 tank. I find that I don't need any other weight and have actually been considering an AL backplate for travel myself so that I can wear some ditchable weight. Without my BC on I sink in the ocean, even in my suit. I would recommend at least trying your SS plate in the pool with a single tank and your 3mil, and seeing what kind of weight you need (if any). That should tell you if the SS will be ok in the ocean. Also gives you a chance to adjust the harness for the different configuration.

Truk... Definitely on my to-do list...
 
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