Women and backplates

[DrSteve]

I'm trying to find a BC for my wife. Zeagle Zena is one option for 290. LDS sells a backplate and wing for a decent price (3-450 depending on wing size, backplate weight etc.,). Any ladies dive with a backplate and wing and how did you find it versus say a Zena or any other BC. One big advantage is reducing her weight. Also are these designed to be weight integrated or used with a weight belt?

I dive a ranger and if I had known I could get a backplate design so reasonably I would have.

Thanks!

 

[chickdiver]

I've been using a bp/harness exclusively for years now. I find it the most comfortable and reasonably priced option available. A weightbelt can be used with one, but for a more "integrated" approach to weighting, look into a SS backplate and/or a heavy STA (Single Tank Adapter).

 

[littlemermaid]

I have been diving a backplate with both single and double wings for the last 2 years, and never would I even think of going back to a jacket syle or other BC. For singles I have a single tank adapter, plus a stainless steel plate (6lb negative), and I use small pockets for the extra weight I need (I hate weight belts). Once properly adjusted, the backplate is extremely comfortable, versatile, and very economical in the long run. I honestly do not know anyone who has ever wished they had gotten something else once in a backplate and wing....hope this helps!

E

 

[Bob3]

If your wife is short, like in the low 5s, FredT makes a BP in a "short pattern".
Keep in mind that not all backplates are created equal; if the plate is made out of thin material you'll have problems with the webbing slicing through in way of the slots.

Have you checked out the classifieds section here yet?

 

[DrSteve]

She's 5'6" and the zena and other BC's fitted her OK. More a case of what is comfortable. I love back inflate so I am pushing her to get a back inflate as well. Not checked out classifieds yet...last time I did there was nothing there to buy!

If your wife is short, like in the low 5s, FredT makes a BP in a "short pattern".
Keep in mind that not all backplates are created equal; if the plate is made out of thin material you'll have problems with the webbing slicing through in way of the slots.

Have you checked out the classifieds section here yet?

 

[littlemermaid]

If it helps....I am only 5'4" and my Halcyon backplate fits great...it is just really important to have someone knowledgable fit the harness correctly. If it is too tight, the D-rings are misplaced or if the crotch strap is an incorrect length it might feel a bit awkward. If you are still unsure, perhaps you can find a shop that will let you rent a backplate and wing...I know there is at least one here in San Diego. Best of luck!

 

[Snowbear]

Any ladies dive with a backplate and wing and how did you find it versus say a Zena or any other BC. One big advantage is reducing her weight. Also are these designed to be weight integrated or used with a weight belt?

I'm 5'6" and a standard BP fits just fine. Compared to a BC, I found it more comfortable, stable and getting weight off the belt got pressure off my low back. The 6# moved to the BC is not the only weight off the belt, BTW - most BC's also have positive buoyancy built in as foam.

I did however, have to re-learn how to trim, especially with doubles.

As for weight integrated v. a belt - you can go either way. With a single tank, I use 6# on a belt. With doubles, none. There are ways to weight-integrate including, but not limited to: pockets, trim weights, keel weights, V-weights, double or heavier BP's. My can light adds 4#.

 

[FredT]

The key so plate sizing is NOT height. It's the length of the diver's back.

I have a 6' buddy that has a 26-28" inseam depending on the brand of jeans he buys. he needs an extra-long plate.
My wife is 5' and a hair but has very short legs and a longish back. She takes a standard plate.
Short plates are for people with a short torso be they women, kids, or men. The magic number is 15.5" from the second vertabrae to the bottom of the belt on their jeans. Anyone with a back shorter than that will have difficulty diving a standard plate comfortably no matter who makes it.

FT

 

[FreeFloat]

Hm, I've never measured my back length. I'm 5'2" tall but in good proportion (my back or legs aren't obviously "too long" nor "too short". I dive a Halcyon 6# standard ss bp and have had no problems with it.

The jacket BCs I used to dive were never snug enough for my liking. For me, the real plus of switching was to finally have a harness that was customized for ME, and the feeling of security it gives is truly wonderful. Very very stable system - no more tank rolling or shifting, and with jacket BCs I found sometimes I'd have to stick my thumbs in the corners of the pockets and give it a hitch downwards as it would tend to ride up too high with no crotch strap to keep it in place.

 

[pitah]

Im short, (1.5 mts, about 5' ) and dive with halcyon ss bp. I think is an standard size.. dive with it is very confortable and as "Freefloat" says, the customization works great even for walkings with the gear on, and also for the integrated weight on the back... good luck.