Thinking of making the switch to bp/w...

[rivers]

I am thinking of making the switch from a jacket style BC to a bp/w system. But I have some concerns. I'm debating if I should go for an aluminum or steel backplate. As of right now, I only need 6lbs of weight to sink with an AL 80 and a wetsuit (3mm). If I were to get a steel backplate, I effectively, would not need any weight when I'm diving in warm water, and would need less weight when I make the switch to cold water (and possibly steel tanks as well). My concern is that I will be a bit overweighted in warm water. So would an aluminum back plate be a better option (I can only afford one back plate right now)? Also, I'm on the small side (5'3, 125 lbs). How would I size the backplate? Any suggestions on where to look?

 

[rongoodman]

Given that many vest BCs are positively buoyant by themselves, you might not even need 6 pounds when you go to to the BP, so it sounds like aluminum is appropriate for now. If you start to dive in cold water later on, the cost of adding a SS plate won't be much in comparison to the drysuit and steel tanks.

 

[dumpsterDiver]

Do not get a steel plate if you will dive steel tank in warm water. Simple as that.

 

[TSandM]

Well, the basic principle is that it is always possible to add more weight. It sounds as though you might be very slightly overweighted with a steel plate, although being within one or two pounds of correct is really not a problem. But if you would prefer some weight to ditch, or if you have a weight distribution issue (floaty feet?) you might be happier with the aluminum plate, and the ability to place some weight where it will help your balance.

At 5'3", you're kind of right on the line between standard and small plate. If you are longer-torsoed, you'll probably be fine with a regular plate. (I'm 5'4", and that's what I use.) If you are long-legged and short in the body, you might be better with a small. At your height, the differences won't be enormous. The smalls are really critical for very short people, where a standard plate digs into their hips.

 

[Crush]

I am thinking of making the switch from a jacket style BC to a bp/w system. But I have some concerns. I'm debating if I should go for an aluminum or steel backplate. As of right now, I only need 6lbs of weight to sink with an AL 80 and a wetsuit (3mm). If I were to get a steel backplate, I effectively, would not need any weight when I'm diving in warm water, and would need less weight when I make the switch to cold water (and possibly steel tanks as well). My concern is that I will be a bit overweighted in warm water. So would an aluminum back plate be a better option (I can only afford one back plate right now)? Also, I'm on the small side (5'3, 125 lbs). How would I size the backplate? Any suggestions on where to look?

Your location is "various places." Presumably you fly to get to "various places." An AL plate will serve you better as you can rent lead at your destination for weight.

 

[Scared Silly]

Sounds like you are in a damned if you do and damned if you don't.

The buoyancy different between the two plates is 3-4 pounds.

Al - Sounds about right for warm water. If you need a couple of pounds you can get weight trim pouches that go on your cam bands. These typically hold 6 lbs max each. I have these for my rig and for warm water I add 2 lbs in each one. These do not provide ditchable weight.

Al will shave a few pounds off for traveling. But might need a weight belt for colder diving.

Steel - might be slightly over weighted for warm water but would probably be fine for a 5mm or thicker suit. Might even be able to utilize weight pouches only for cold water.

If the majority of your diving is warm water I would lean towards a Al plate is the lean is towards cooled water then a steel plate.

As for the sizing several mfg make small plates. I like what Deep Sea Supply offers in sizing and wings.

https://deepseasupply.com/index.php?product=4

This backplate is their light weight version.

 

[rivers]

deleted duplicate

 

[rivers]

Your location is "various places." Presumably you fly to get to "various places." An AL plate will serve you better as you can rent lead at your destination for weight.

Actually, I work on a cruise ship, but I am moving to the UK in 3 months.

 

[fnfalman]

Actually, I work on a cruise ship, but I am moving to the UK in 3 months.

Are you planning on diving around the UK? If so then go with the steel plate. You could use the additional weight to help sink your thicker exposure suit/dry suit.

 

[knowone]

Use what you have for a few more months.
Unless you do some more research and get a discount when you park your ship somewhere cheap.