SS or Al backplate for wing

[Marie13]

Hi all, new member here with a question. Please note that I do not have much experience of diving, although I have passed my AOW. So my question is regarding what backplate I should get. I plan on recreational diving only with a single cylinder in UK waters, so likely will be using a drysuit. Ive been looking at bc's and like the halcyon Infinity, but not sure if I need a steel or ali backplate. As you probably notice from my question im a complete novice. Could someone please explain to me the differences between the two, and why/where they are used ect.

From looking online im under the assumption I should get a steel backplate because it heavier, and the extra weight of a steel backplate will save my having the load up my belt with lead. Is this correct ? Thanks all

If you’re looking at the Halcyon (which is what I have) and you need a lot of lead, get the weighted STA. Makes a difference for me.

 

[Jn100]

If you’re looking at the Halcyon (which is what I have) and you need a lot of lead, get the weighted STA. Makes a difference for me.

Thanks Marie thats helpfull, whats the weighted STA ?

 

[Jn100]

Thanks Marie thats helpfull, whats the weighted STA ?

Its okay I just found it, yes good call thanks

 

[Marie13]

Thanks Marie thats helpfull, whats the weighted STA ?

The single tank adapter has a 5 lb weighed insert. With SS plate and weighted STA, that is 12lbs off your belt (STA alone is 1lb).

 

[MichaelMc]

Steel plate for cold, mostly, as you may need a lot of ballast, and sticking some in the plate is convenient. But I do not want all my ballast in the plate.

In tropics I like AL plate, as it gives me options. It leaves me with lead that I can move around. Some for trim, some in a weight belt so it is ditchable, as a just in case on the surface or for partial ditching from integrated weight pockets. If all, or most, of that is stuck in the plate I have no such options.

 

[rongoodman]

The lightest exposure protection I ever use is a 3mm full suit and all my dives these days are in salt water, so a SS plate with a few pounds extra is fine.

 

[hilljo88]

I also have Halcyon Infinity. Weighted STA seems to help distribute weight well. If you are diving drysuit you will like having SS plus STA centered on your back. If you are diving 3 mil or less wetsuit that could be too much ballast weight and the Alu plus STA would be a better option.