Would a SS BP be the best for me?

[Furner]

I came to the conclusion that I think that a stainless BP would be the best for me. Please let me know if I am on base or not with this. My two types of diving will be warm salt water diving on cruises (GC, Coz, etc) with a 3mm shorty, and typical Michigan diving with a 7mm wet fullsuit. I figure that having a heavier plate down south will help offset the additional bouyancy of saltwater, and when back home, it will help offset the bouyancy of my 7mm fullsuit.

I have been going back and forth about a plate for a while now, and I appreciate your help.

 

[lragsac]

I came to the conclusion that I think that a stainless BP would be the best for me. Please let me know if I am on base or not with this. My two types of diving will be warm salt water diving on cruises (GC, Coz, etc) with a 3mm shorty, and typical Michigan diving with a 7mm wet fullsuit. I figure that having a heavier plate down south will help offset the additional bouyancy of saltwater, and when back home, it will help offset the bouyancy of my 7mm fullsuit.

I have been going back and forth about a plate for a while now, and I appreciate your help.

Given the circumstances you describe, you can't go wrong with a ss backplate.

 

[Wijbrandus]

How much weight do you need in a 3mm shorty? If it's over ten pounds, I'd say you are spot on.

I wear 8 pounds on top of my steel backplate. It works like a dream in the Carib.

 

[Brian Gilpin]

For warm water you could use a regular STA instead of a weighted one and be just fine.

 

[Furner]

im a scrawny little dude, in fresh water with a AL80, 7mm fullsuit, diving a Zeagle ranger, I take about 20lbs. I have not yet dived a BP/W rig, but seeing that others agree with me on the SS plate, Ill order one of those. Worse case, Ill find that it sinks me too much, and I can order a AL plate too. I also may need the AL plate if a SS plate puts me over my weight allowance on the flights.

Thanks divers!

 

[Furner]

For warm water you could use a regular STA instead of a weighted one and be just fine.

I was planning on just using tank straps threaded into the plate, at least for warm water anyways.

 

[Wijbrandus]

Creative packing pays.

I carry my BP and my regs in my carry-on. The wing gets packed. Saves dramatically on the weight allowance.

I do get a chuckle though when a stewardess tries to "help me with my bag".

 

[ShakaZulu]

Are you diving steel or aluminum???

 

[Furner]

Creative packing pays.

I carry my BP and my regs in my carry-on. The wing gets packed. Saves dramatically on the weight allowance.

I do get a chuckle though when a stewardess tries to "help me with my bag".

I plan on getting a Pelican case for my regs and computer. Maybe I can find a backpack that holds the plate and some other various stuff.

 

[Furner]

Are you diving steel or aluminum???

if you are talking about plates, I do not yet have one. If you are talking of tanks, AL.