Travel back plate users

[PharmDMark]

I know this question is a pretty difficult to answer without first hand experience, but I wonder how much additional weight might be needed for an average size person diving tropical water with a #3 travel plate and full 3mm exposure?

 

[NJdiver85]

With a 6lb SS plate and a full 3ml suit, I require 8 pounds when diving in Bermuda in an AL80, where the salinity is quite high.

 

[TheRedHead]

With a 4.5 lb SS backplate and an AL 80: 4 lbs with a 3mm plus hooded vest.

 

[GreenDiverDown]

So, Mark...

Are you just interested in some generalities or are you trying to figure out what YOU would need.

I'm not sure how individual setups will help much but I'm 6" 175 and in salt wearing a 3 mil and an AL80 I'm dead-on with a 3# AL plate, 2# STA and a 2# negative can light.

 

[kidspot]

If you are worried about travel weight, but don't want your trim to be thrown off by having all your weight around yoru waist, you could throw in a couple of XS scuba weight pouches and just leave them attached to your cam band, then if you find you need more "northerly" weight move some to one of those pockets, that "kinda" would simulate having a heavier plate.

Aloha, Tim

 

[PharmDMark]

So, Mark...

Are you just interested in some generalities or are you trying to figure out what YOU would need.

I'm in the process of purchasing a new BP/W setup. So I'm trying to get general ideas which allow the maximum flexibility.

I'm not sure how individual setups will help much but I'm 6" 175 and in salt wearing a 3 mil and an AL80 I'm dead-on with a 3# AL plate, 2# STA and a 2# negative can light.

We are pretty similar in size and your stats just reinforced my decision

After alot of reading and asking questions. I've decided to ditch my BULKY BCD jacket and start over with a Koplin SS travel plate(2.2lbs), light STA (0.9lbs) and Mach V wing. This leaves me just a shade light I THINK. So, I decided to get a couple 5# xs scuba pocket for the cam straps just in case. Also I usually dive with an Olympus C5060 in an Ikelite houseing. Between the weight pockets and camera I'm confident I should be good.

Thanks for all your time and helpful info. I can't wait to get in the water

Mark

 

[RICHinNC]

You need to do some testing of your own. Weighting is so personal. I just got back from Barbados and I dove with only 8 lbs (and a 13cuft pony) in a 3mm shorty while my son in law dove with 20 lbs in a swim suit and tee shirt. Actually, I think he should have had 25. I am very neg and he is very very very positive on buoyancy.