Using two steel backplates on one harness

[Eric Sedletzky]

By using two regular stainless plates you could get 12 lbs.
By separating them you could still have a 6 lb. and one for your friend.

 

[Diver-Drex]

How does one thread cam bands through the channel when the weight is in there?

If you’re using an STA, the cam bands go through the STA, not the plate. Without an STA it might be snug but I don’t think the XS scuba pouch or stick of lead would block the slots. Certainly nothing a dremmel couldn’t fix.

 

[rhwestfall]

#NOT-A-FAN-OF-STAs

 

[Diver-Drex]

#NOT-A-FAN-OF-STAs

Neither am I, I’m just trying to help this diver out. We all know the real solution is a Heiser 140.

I recently did a weight check with a 450g undergarment and I needed 22 pounds to sink. If I'm wearing normal undergarments I need 12 pounds.
I'm going to purchase a steel backplate and set up a harness for my cold water dives and it got me thinking, instead of buying one 6 pound backplate, why not buy two and use the harness to keep them together. This way I would only need to add 10 pounds of weight instead of 16 pounds. (My weight pockets were stuffed) Or is there a heavier steel backplate on the market?

Trying to get back to your question. What BCD/tank were you wearing when you needed 22lbs? Just going to BP/W could be 10 pounds negative compared to some jacket style BCDs. 3 pounders in trim pockets on the upper cam bands and 4s on each hip gives you 24 pounds. You can adjust the weights for trim, easy to use less weight when you’re wearing less insulation, easily adjust if you decide to sling a pony bottle, etc. A doubled up BP may add the weight you need but it is an expensive and inflexible solution.

 

[Tigerpaw]

Neither am I, I’m just trying to help this diver out. We all know the real solution is a Heiser 140.

Trying to get back to your question. What BCD/tank were you wearing when you needed 22lbs? Just going to BP/W could be 10 pounds negative compared to some jacket style BCDs. 3 pounders in trim pockets on the upper cam bands and 4s on each hip gives you 24 pounds. You can adjust the weights for trim, easy to use less weight when you’re wearing less insulation, easily adjust if you decide to sling a pony bottle, etc. A doubled up BP may add the weight you need but it is an expensive and inflexible solution.

I am using a Halcyon long Aluminum backplate and harness paired up with a HOG 32lb wing. For diving in waters that are between 35 to 45 degrees, I need to use a thicker undergarment. My undergarment is 450g, keeps me warm but it's floaty. With that set up, it takes 22 pounds to get me to sink, anything less and I float up.
In waters that are 45 to 55 degrees I can wear a thinner undergarment and it takes about 12 pounds for me to submerge. Oh all of this is back mount with an AL80. (When I dove with a HP80 in Lake Michigan, I believe I went down with 10 pounds)
So whenever I need to dive using my 450g undergarment, I need 22 pounds to submerge. This is why I am looking at setting up a cold water kit with a stainless BP. I originally got the Aluminum bp for travel to the warmer climates, where it works perfectly.

 

[Diver-Drex]

Just going to a single SS plate is a four pound difference. Steel tank, as you’ve seen, helps a lot. Just leave some weight as removable to be able to quickly make adjustments if needed.

For 35-45 degree water I would consider a redundant gas source. Either a slung 40 or doubles. This weight needs to factored in as well. Double 100s would add a lot of ballast and provide redundancy.