Question Who sells backplates optimized for single tanks?

[lowwall]

I'd like to put together a list of backplates specifically designed for single tank rigs. Obviously a standard (i.e. doubles) plate will work, but from personal experience a plate optimized for single tank is less bulky in a suitcase, more streamlined underwater, and less tippy with larger tanks. I'm not looking for fabric plates, but you can list them if you feel like it

Here's the ones I know of.

First for historical interest:

• DSS - gone but not forgotten- Deep Sea Supply Pro-Fit Stainless Steel BackPlate (from archive.org)
• Freedom Plate from @Eric Sedletzky - on hiatus - Freedom Plate Divers Roll Call: show us your rig! (Scubaboard thread)
• VDH backplate from @Bryan@Vintage Double Hose - no longer even listed on Store | Vintage Double Hose

DIY:

• @James79 - Vintage Double Hose Backplate (Scubaboard thread)
• @huwporter - Designing your Own SCUBA Backplate

New plates for sale today

• Golem Gear - Golem Stream Reverse Profile - Golem Stream Backplate
• @SubseaSports - Small Flat and Vintage SCUBA Backplates
• ???

 

[GF99/99]

Is there actually a difference?? A back plate is a back plate.

It is literally just that, where thing become different is wing sizes, and some will require a singe tank adapter. But once again all this has nothing to do with the back plate.

The only thing I can think of that would make a back plate not a single tank back plate is is if you wanted to run the cam bands through the back plate and not a STA and your back plate did not have cam band slots. But once again its still a back plate and you would just use a STA.

 

[rx7diver]

I'd like to put together a list of backplates specifically designed for single tank rigs. ... Here's the ones I know of. ...

For anyone interested in going old-school, pick up a used blow-molded plastic backpack from ebay or your local Play-It-Again-Sports. These continue to work just fine. Weave some new nylon webbing through it, if you want. I think there might be new-production versions of these backpacks available to public safety divers, etc.--but I'm not sure about this.

rx7diver

 

[lowwall]

Is there actually a difference?? A back plate is a back plate.

It is literally just that, where thing become different is wing sizes, and some will require a singe tank adapter. But once again all this has nothing to do with the back plate.

The only thing I can think of that would make a back plate not a single tank back plate is is if you wanted to run the cam bands through the back plate and not a STA and your back plate did not have cam band slots. But once again its still a back plate and you would just use a STA.

That's because you haven't dived a single tank backplate (with single tanks obviously). It gets the tank an inch closer to your back if you aren't using an STA on the doubles plate, closer to 2 inches if you are. It's not a big deal, but you can feel it: especially with larger tanks.

 

[lowwall]

For anyone interested in going old-school, pick up a used blow-molded plastic backpack from ebay or your local Play-It-Again-Sports. These continue to work just fine. Weave some new nylon webbing through it, if you want. I think there might be new-production versions of these backpacks available to public safety divers, etc.--but I'm not sure about this.

rx7diver

I thought about adding those, but the ones I remember looking at used 1" webbing. But I just did an actual search and you are correct. There are plenty of versions currently for sale that work with 2" webbing. Here's one for $11!

B.C.D. Single Tank Durable Plastic Backpack

BCD Backplate

jcscubainc.com

 

[rx7diver]

I thought about adding those, but the ones I remember looking at used 1" webbing. But I just did an actual search and you are correct. There are plenty of versions that work with 2" webbing.

Yes, I purchased one (a Seatec) from a local used sporting goods store, for my then preteenaged daughters to use with scuba in my parents' backyard pool ~12 years ago.

I repurposed the single-piece webbing from my old Dive Rite Al doubles plate to use with the backpack.

I still have the backpack. Trouble is, I eventually will be using my Dive Rite plate for my new baby doubles, but (of course) the webbing is too short now (because I cut it short for my daughters).

rx7diver

 

[lowwall]

I still have the backpack. Trouble is, I eventually will be using my Dive Rite plate for my new baby doubles, but (of course) the webbing is too short now (because I cut it short for my daughters).

Webbing: Tubular & Harness Piranha Dive Shop |

www.piranhadivemfg.com

So many colors

 

[runsongas]

oops missed it was already listed

 

[BoltSnap]

Check the "Aluminium Aero" and the "Aluminium Bone" backplates at the bottom of this page:

Backmount Wings | FINNSUB

www.finnsub.com

 

[Searcaigh]

I've been using a DiveRite SS backplate for years as a singles backplate with no issues, STA not required.