Smallest, Lightest BP/W System Possible

[Ian Fatzinger]

Hello all,

Not sure if I posted something along the lines of this before, but I thought I'd give it a shot once more. I've tried to do the most research I can before posting, but want to know if anyone knows any secrets that I was unable to uncover. I am looking to make the tiniest, lightest BP/W system I possibly can. I am 5'7", 140lb, but lean to the point where I need little to no weight in warm waters.

So far for BP, I've found the xDeep NX Ultralight (only con being that the waist strap seems kinda high, anyone with the plate can comment), the Freedom plate (not sure if it's super light, but the profile seems largely ideal), and the Helium-Dive Titanium Signature (they used to make a travel plate, but discontinued it ;( )

For wings, I've found that 18lbs of lift is the least. There are many options being Oxycheq, VDH, Apeks, and some that are 20lb that come close. I have also seen the xDeep Ghost's wing, which is super light, but has a lot of width and brings with it ~40lb of lift. If anyone has any info on a wing that is less than 18lb, PLEASE let me know. I would prefer a wing where I can get multiple color options, as I love customizing my gear.

Thank you!

 

[221b]

No personal experience but Halycon has a carbon fiber plate that is quoted to be 1.1 pounds. How much does the xDeep plate weigh?

 

[Ian Fatzinger]

No personal experience but Halycon has a carbon fiber plate that is quoted to be 1.1 pounds. How much does the xDeep plate weigh?

No idea to tell you the truth. Not able to find it online. Was thinking about the Halycon Carbon Fiber plate

 

[tursiops]

So far for BP, I've found the xDeep NX Ultralight (only con being that the waist strap seems kinda high, anyone with the plate can comment), the Freedom plate (not sure if it's super light, but the profile seems largely ideal), and the Helium-Dive Titanium Signature (they used to make a travel plate, but discontinued it ;( )

I don't think you can get much lighter than the OxyCheq UltraLite
Ultra Lite Travel Plate in almost every color

 

[bassplayer]

I have the helium dive plate and hardware. I'm pleased with the quality and the light weight for travel.

I live in phoenix and there is a shop in tucson that carries them, so was able to see it in person before purchase.

I did have to get some rubber pieces to keep the cam bands from scratching my tanks (see pic, they're kind of sharp)

 

[Ian Fatzinger]

I don't think you can get much lighter than the OxyCheq UltraLite
Ultra Lite Travel Plate in almost every color

I definitely prefer a rigid plate. Thanks though!

I have the helium dive plate and hardware. I'm pleased with the quality and the light weight for travel.

I live in phoenix and there is a shop in tucson that carries them, so was able to see it in person before purchase.

I did have to get some rubber pieces to keep the cam bands from scratching my tanks (see pic, they're kind of sharp)

Yes, paragon! Do you have the travel plate or the signature?

 

[tursiops]

I definitely prefer a rigid plate. Thanks though!

It is more rigid than you might think. Once you are wearing it, you don't notice any flexibility.

 

[Manatee Diver]

The lightest metal backplates are the Chinese knock offs of the XDeep Ghost, the weighs less than a pound and is the standard webbing pattern.

Titanium plates typically weigh the same as aluminum plates of the same thickness and design. They are of course stronger for the same weight.

 

[Ian Fatzinger]

The lightest metal backplates are the Chinese knock offs of the XDeep Ghost, the weighs less than a pound and is the standard webbing pattern.

Titanium plates typically weigh the same as aluminum plates of the same thickness and design. They are of course stronger for the same weight.

Where would I find these elusive Chinese knock off plates?

 

[inquis]

I don't think you can get much lighter than the OxyCheq UltraLite

I think the OP is primarily concerned about buoyancy. That UltraLite looks... puffy, so might be what they want. One could also add neoprene padding to most any harness or plate to improve a negatively buoyant situation.