Which Aluminum Backplates are compatible with Oxycheq Mach V wings?

[Bob01]

Hello All,

I was thinking of going to ultralite back from oxycheq to pair with their oxycheq Mach V wings...however it seems from other posts that its not a good idea to use the ultralite back for Steel 100 or 120 tanks...

For folks using the Mach V with an aluminum backplate, can you tell me which backplate you are using for singles?

I know I could just get the Oxycheq Plate, but was curious to see what other options there are. I read there was a plate by another mfg. that has its corners slightly bent up, but these bents were found to rub the zippers on some wings...

I'm still a student, so price is somewhat a factor ;-) I was looking at this one:

Dive Rite - 59 bucks
Dive Rite Aluminum Backplate reviews and discounts, Dive Rite







On a side note, here is the E-mail conversation between me and Oxycheq in reference to their Ultralite back to Aluminum backplate

My E-mails to Oxy Cheq
"The travel plate wouldn't be "floppy" under the load of the Steel 100 or Steel 120? For the travel plate, do they have a plastic or kydex core to keep them rigid?"
"my question was in reference to your ultralite plate. I asked because I was thinking of getting an oxycheq rig with the ultralite plate for my dives in South Florida with a Steel 100 or 120, but read online posts that it may not be such a good idea?...

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/5405364-post13.html

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/5405368-post39.html
"


Their Responses

"In the one thread, the guy put weights on the cam straps instead of using weight pockets.

In the other thread, the guy mentions the larger cylinder moving around. Not sure how that is happening because the cam straps lock the tank to the plate and the harness locks in tighter than a Hog harness does."


"Hi Bob,


If the cam straps and harness is snug, I see no reason why it would not hold that size cylinder. Certainly, it will feel different on your back than a plate.


Advantages of an AL plate is that it will last forever. Adantages of the UL plate are ... lighter, less expensive and the harness system actually fits much better than a Hogarthian harness. It is also easier to get on and off and much easier to adjust going from one type of thermal protection to another. "

 

[pasc]

Hello All,


For folks using the Mach V with an aluminum backplate, can you tell me which backplate you are using for singles?

I know I could just get the Oxycheq Plate, but was curious to see what other options there are. I read there was a plate by another mfg. that has its corners slightly bent up, but these bents were found to rub the zippers on some wings...

I'm still a student, so price is somewhat a factor ;-) I was looking at this one:

Dive Rite - 59 bucks
Dive Rite Aluminum Backplate reviews and discounts, Dive Rite

I used to use that backplate on my Oxycheq Mach V. I probably did ~150 dives with that setup. It fits fine and can be used without a STA. I purchased the Mach V and the Dive Rite backplate from scubatoys at the same time, if you're doing the same, you can always check with them.

 

[RJP]

I've used my Mach V with an aluminum H backplate, no problem.

NB: I'm using an H STA with it.

 

[halocline]

Dive rite works, the freedom plate is terrific, but I think he's only making them out of steel now. The mach V wing has really long slots, so it works with lots of plates that have the cam strap slots in different spots.

You can't really compare diving with that ultralite "plate", which is really just a fabric patch with connections for the harness and wing, to a metal plate. The metal plate couples the tank to your back, it really does dive differently.

 

[Nemrod]

I have used both my early model Oxy Mach V 30 and my newer Mach V 18 with my Hammerhead aluminum plate. IMO this is a not a good travel combination as it is much heavier and bulkier, aluminum plates don't roll up!

The weight difference between stainless, aluminum and the fabric type plates is being under-estimated, I know this because I have all types and have played around with them. I would go down and take a couple of hours and actually assemble and weigh them for you but I cannot go downstairs because I have a broken freaking---------, blank, blank leg and everybody keeps telling me to ---------rest and I am not a resting person, I am a --------GO person and I don't want to rest.

Anyway, rant, temporarily over, you might consider one of the cut down style plates from Oxy as an alternative, I don't have one of those so I am not sure how it would travel or weigh but I am sure they dive great since it is a plate with a chunk cut out of either side.

You know, most divers usually wind up with a Pile-O-Gear so maybe if you want an aluminum plate and an Oxy 30 that is a great combo and then get yourself a fabric plate and a Oxy 18.

Good luck. N

 

[Bob01]

Thanks Nemrod!

I was thinking of getting the 30# over the 18# because it didn't look that much bigger and I wouldn't have to inflate it as much when doing long surface swims. Is this logic correct? Is the 18# significantly smaller/less obstrusive? (Note that I dive in 80+ degree water 75% of the time, and 70 degree water the other 25%)

I am looking for my first wing/harness setup that I'll use for all my diving in South Florida - dive trips that require airfare probably won't be a while for me (Me = poor student)

I'm pretty sure I don't need a SS plate for down here, unless I'm wearing a 5+mm wetsuit?, and even then it still might be too much?

The reasons I was looking at fabric plates was:
- Price (though looking at it more the AL plate is only 10 bucks more)
- More comfort?
- a DM using a wing/fabric plate mentioning to me that a metal plate is "Totally unecessary down here"
- like the thought of having more ditchable weight
- Not scare the gf away from bp/w setups (was originally getting her one, but getting mine first now ;-))

Can I ask - As a first wing setup - what would you recommend for my situation of:
- Warm water diving (70-85 degree water)
- Need flexibilty of using Al 80s to Steel 120s - using singles only
- Not traveling by air with it


Hope your leg heals up soon!,

Bob

I have used both my early model Oxy Mach V 30 and my newer Mach V 18 with my Hammerhead aluminum plate. IMO this is a not a good travel combination as it is much heavier and bulkier, aluminum plates don't roll up!

The weight difference between stainless, aluminum and the fabric type plates is being under-estimated, I know this because I have all types and have played around with them. I would go down and take a couple of hours and actually assemble and weigh them for you but I cannot go downstairs because I have a broken freaking---------, blank, blank leg and everybody keeps telling me to ---------rest and I am not a resting person, I am a --------GO person and I don't want to rest.

Anyway, rant, temporarily over, you might consider one of the cut down style plates from Oxy as an alternative, I don't have one of those so I am not sure how it would travel or weigh but I am sure they dive great since it is a plate with a chunk cut out of either side.

You know, most divers usually wind up with a Pile-O-Gear so maybe if you want an aluminum plate and an Oxy 30 that is a great combo and then get yourself a fabric plate and a Oxy 18.

Good luck. N

 

[SangP]

I just ordered the alu backplate, oxycheq wing package from cave adventurers and swap out the dive rite plate for an OMS.

I have an OMS plate already n really love the finishing, mounting holes and strap slots.

I'm pretty sure almost any plate will fit a oxycheq wing so long as it has standard 11" or 27.5cm spacing.

SangP

 

[GrumpyOldGuy]

One nice feature of an AL plate (or Kydex) is you can customize it by drilling some extra holes in it with ease. I have added bungy straps and holes to mine to hold my SMB, finger spool and a small emergency kit on my plate. As long as they are small, they tuck in nicely between wing and plate. I don't have to deal with them clipped on my front nor can I forget to bring them on a dive.

 

[Splitlip]

Thanks Nemrod!

I was thinking of getting the 30# over the 18# because it didn't look that much bigger and I wouldn't have to inflate it as much when doing long surface swims. Is this logic correct? Is the 18# significantly smaller/less obstrusive? (Note that I dive in 80+ degree water 75% of the time, and 70 degree water the other 25%)

I am looking for my first wing/harness setup that I'll use for all my diving in South Florida - dive trips that require airfare probably won't be a while for me (Me = poor student)

I'm pretty sure I don't need a SS plate for down here, unless I'm wearing a 5+mm wetsuit?, and even then it still might be too much?

The reasons I was looking at fabric plates was:
- Price (though looking at it more the AL plate is only 10 bucks more)
- More comfort?
- a DM using a wing/fabric plate mentioning to me that a metal plate is "Totally unecessary down here"
- like the thought of having more ditchable weight
- Not scare the gf away from bp/w setups (was originally getting her one, but getting mine first now ;-))

Can I ask - As a first wing setup - what would you recommend for my situation of:
- Warm water diving (70-85 degree water)
- Need flexibilty of using Al 80s to Steel 120s - using singles only
- Not traveling by air with it


Hope your leg heals up soon!,

Bob

I have both the 18 MV and the 30 MV with an al DiveRite plate. I dive single steel 100's most of the time. I use the 18 in the warmer months (1 mil suit or lighter) and the 30# in cooler months (3/2 mil suit or heavier).

For your first and only, go with the 30# wing. I have never dived with the ultra light fabric plate, but I understand they feel much different than a typical plate when dry.

You cannot go wrong with the 30# Mach V and Al diverite plate. ScubaToys was running a special and you get a 10% discount as a SB forum member. The aluminum plate weighs ~1.75 # and is ~1.25# negative if I recall.

I would also add a light weight STA. DiveRites and Oxycheq light weight stays are ~1/8 in thick and ~ 8 to 12 oz.

 

[Splitlip]

One nice feature of an AL plate (or Kydex) is you can customize it by drilling some extra holes in it with ease. I have added bungy straps and holes to mine to hold my SMB, finger spool and a small emergency kit on my plate. As long as they are small, they tuck in nicely between wing and plate. I don't have to deal with them clipped on my front nor can I forget to bring them on a dive.

Oh yeah. There is that too. I drilled my aluminum and plastic diverite plates to accommodate the Halcyon MC storage pac,