Why is Backplate preferred?
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teknitroxdiver
Contributor
Because it's compact, leaves your chest clear, and is quite comfortable. Also most 'technical' wings (wings=the bouyancy device on a backplate-syle setup, hence the name Backplate/wing or BP/W) are designed to bolt to an aluminum or steel backplate. Also by using a heavy steel backplate, steel tanks, and possibly a weighted STA (single tank adapter), a drysuit diver can reduce or eliminate the need for a weight belt.
Here's some links, you might also try a search here, this has been beat to death a few times:
Wings: http://oxycheq.com/Wings.html
Backplate: http://oxycheq.com/backplates.html
Assembled pic: http://halcyon.net/mc/eclipse.shtml
In use: http://capt-jt.com/assets/MVC-002G.jpg
http://capt-jt.com/assets/MVC-008G.jpg (these in-use images (c) Captain JT)
Notice how streamlined the divers look, and how there's nothing cluttering up the chest area.
Here's some links, you might also try a search here, this has been beat to death a few times:
Wings: http://oxycheq.com/Wings.html
Backplate: http://oxycheq.com/backplates.html
Assembled pic: http://halcyon.net/mc/eclipse.shtml
In use: http://capt-jt.com/assets/MVC-002G.jpg
http://capt-jt.com/assets/MVC-008G.jpg (these in-use images (c) Captain JT)
Notice how streamlined the divers look, and how there's nothing cluttering up the chest area.
The design is streamlined and efficient underwater. As indicated above it is uncluttered, compact and easy to transport.
It is also uses a modular systems approach and can be readily adapted to different condtions by changing wings, pockets, weight systems, travel bands, tank bands or single tank adapters, etc.
There is a thread on the site currently for an Aquatec wing BC. It is almost identical to the used late 70's Scubapro back inflate BC I started diving with in the mid-80's and is generally very similar to a BP/wing except for the weight of the metal plate and the potential for using peripheral mounting holes on the plate to attach items. In some ways the "modern" BP/wing brought things full circle with a return to an idea that started about 30 years ago.
It is also uses a modular systems approach and can be readily adapted to different condtions by changing wings, pockets, weight systems, travel bands, tank bands or single tank adapters, etc.
There is a thread on the site currently for an Aquatec wing BC. It is almost identical to the used late 70's Scubapro back inflate BC I started diving with in the mid-80's and is generally very similar to a BP/wing except for the weight of the metal plate and the potential for using peripheral mounting holes on the plate to attach items. In some ways the "modern" BP/wing brought things full circle with a return to an idea that started about 30 years ago.
I am not that experienced with the BP+Wing setup as I only started using it.
I certainly agree with the pervious posters regarding the benefits of BP+Wing setup. But as many would also say, try it out for yourself and you will know if it would be as right for you as it is for us.
I've just got my setup a few months ago (postings on this web makes me wanna try it). Dived with it a few times and used it for my Rescue Diver certification. I have to say I love it and enjoyed it greatly. My SeaQuest ProQD+, which I owned before getting the setup, is sitting as a spare since I start using the BP+Wing setup.
I certainly agree with the pervious posters regarding the benefits of BP+Wing setup. But as many would also say, try it out for yourself and you will know if it would be as right for you as it is for us.
I've just got my setup a few months ago (postings on this web makes me wanna try it). Dived with it a few times and used it for my Rescue Diver certification. I have to say I love it and enjoyed it greatly. My SeaQuest ProQD+, which I owned before getting the setup, is sitting as a spare since I start using the BP+Wing setup.
RICHinNC
Contributor
I had to check to make sure this wasnt posted in the DIR section....as those guys get pretty intense...and thats fine .....
But for me....I owned a vest style for a while and it was fine...but the bp and wing was so far superior in comfort.....and all the things noted above....that personally... I cannot recommend anything other than a bp and wing now.
But I do recognize and respect someones opinion to disagree and like a vest style better. Fine.....just not for me.
rich
But for me....I owned a vest style for a while and it was fine...but the bp and wing was so far superior in comfort.....and all the things noted above....that personally... I cannot recommend anything other than a bp and wing now.
But I do recognize and respect someones opinion to disagree and like a vest style better. Fine.....just not for me.
rich
I like mine because I don't have to wear a weightbelt and also for the stability. Tanks don't swing around if I turn over the way they do on a BC.
Some things just can't be explained; they have to be experienced to be understood. Find a dive shop that will let you use both styles of devices; you'll get what everyone is talking about soon enough.
Need a hug?
If so, most BCs will accommodate you.
I like the front-open feeling of my BP/W, which doesn't squeeze me, and the overall simplicity of the unit.
If so, most BCs will accommodate you.
I like the front-open feeling of my BP/W, which doesn't squeeze me, and the overall simplicity of the unit.
Fireboat57
Registered
I have been using a SeaQuest Raider BC and have felt that it was kind of like strapping a mattress to my back. On Saturday NWGrateful Diver was nice enough to let me try out his deepseasupply plate and wing, man is there ever a difference. The first couple of dives it was a little strange, but by the third dive I was getting pretty comfortable.
I can only explain the difference as riding inside of a car and riding a motorcycle. Even in my drysuit there was a sense of being more a part of the environment and less of a sense of being shielded from it.
I had much less weight on my body because the plate is where much of the weight is carried. You just don't notice the BP/Wing on you as much as you notice the BC surrounding you.
Could be just test drive lust, but I'm ordering my own plate and wing now.
Toby
I can only explain the difference as riding inside of a car and riding a motorcycle. Even in my drysuit there was a sense of being more a part of the environment and less of a sense of being shielded from it.
I had much less weight on my body because the plate is where much of the weight is carried. You just don't notice the BP/Wing on you as much as you notice the BC surrounding you.
Could be just test drive lust, but I'm ordering my own plate and wing now.
Toby
Great responses so far!
I like mine for all the same reasons listed above. It just seems more stable, the simple lines and attachment points mean less to fail. The stable feel of the tank position, more "centered" position of weight and the ability to take some weight off the belt are all pluses to me!
I like mine for all the same reasons listed above. It just seems more stable, the simple lines and attachment points mean less to fail. The stable feel of the tank position, more "centered" position of weight and the ability to take some weight off the belt are all pluses to me!
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