Why You Should Dive On A Backplate
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ก.ย. 2024
- Why You Should Dive On A Backplate
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When you first learnt to dive I’ll bet you anything that you were given something that looks like this. You then did your course, you were a little bit wobbly at first but you got on with it and passed with flying colours, hopefully. But then you cast your eyes over at the more experienced divers over there and their kit looks very different to yours. It’s made from metal and webbing straps, well that can’t be comfortable. So why are the more experienced divers diving on that gear?
As you progress through your diving you find that most divers graduate toward wing style BCDs and when you take your diving seriously you stick with the wing style but swap out the soft cosy padded BCD for a metal backplate and 2” webbing harness. These setups can look harsh and uncompromising to the uninitiated but they do have some real benefits to your diving, and yes you can have some padding too if you like.
Let's look at the cold and scary looking world of backplates and see how warm and fuzzy they really can be and why more divers should be diving on a Backplate.
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Team
Presenter(s): Mark Newman
Writer(s): Mark Newman
Editor(s): Shaun Johnson
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#fridayfeature #backplate #backplatediving #scubadiving #simplyscuba
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I’ve been converted to the “HEAVY METAL” diving and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. No extra lead, much more liberating, and much more fun when you can barely feel what you’re wearing 🤘🏼
Could you show some of the stuff your talking about even badly edited photos would be fine.....still new and want to do my open water padi course
Thanks for the great videos, it would have been much better if you could show an actual wing set to back up your explanation.
Yes!!!
Spot on. Show dont tell ;-)
Yea, they have a lot of videos like this. 😒
I have been SCUBA diving for over 40 years now, starting out on horse collar BC's, and even moved to the Florida Keys in my 20's to dive more often and obtain an instructor rating. If you are a cave diving techie trying to get through tiny holes and your time on the surface is no issue then sure a horizontal trim and backplate is probably better. If you are properly weighted and trimmed though your BC usually has very little air in it while diving anyway, so the style of BC has little bearing while down. We are vertical creatures by design and I prefer a trim of 45 degrees up (when not moving) so I am not craning my head back all the way to my tank valve to observe innerspace and end up with a sore neck at the end of 2 dives. It is on the surface in open water that a jacket style BC really earns its keep. Not an issue for the cave/tech diver. But on a long snorkel back to the dive boat or beach is no fun on a back wing that is forcing your head down and your snorkel underwater (oh yeah, another thing cave/tech divers eschew as surface time on the open water does not happen for them so much). It is much more comfortable taking your fins off while hanging on a tag line waiting to get back in the boat in rough seas in a jacket any day of the week over a back wing. I bought a high end wing and tried it for 12 dives to give it a real go this summer and personally found it was awful compared to a jacket style for the above reasons. It seems all the cool kids now are pushing back wings to one day be cave divers. As far as switching tanks to accommodate doubles, it is easier to just use a bigger tank. On deep dives my jacket uses the 117 steel with a 19 cuft pony and then easily switches a half hour later to an 80 AL, still with the pony, for a shallow reef dive. No need to change out backplate bolts, just adjust the nylon band strap that holds the main tank. Now, the new innovation in BC's that I do really like, but I did not think I would, is the i3 inflation on the Aqualung Axiom i3. Best innovation in BC's in a long time.
Thank you for your opinion
Agree!! All the bad boys with tech material. For Instagram.
Absolutely! Took my diving course back in 1973, when NO kind of BCs whatsoever were in common (except military) use; dived WITHOUT any BC for years, then switched to an all-modern, next-generation horsecollar, then on to the '80s ultramodern "freedom"-style jackets....guess I've seen it all....tried this metal contraption once, and it REALLY doesn't deliver! Except, of course, for prolonged deep dives, when surface swimming/waiting isn't an issue; but for general, recreational dives, it's just a silly fad, cumbersome and wholly unnecessary. Just to show off on social media, nothing else.
Im still using my horse collar
@@mariagarciagarcia5391 or it’s just because people like a back wing. All personal preference
Thank you! I want to buy my first bcd or bp setup soon and first go try out a bp to see how I get along. 👍🏻 I hope I'll love it 😁
So glad I got to certify for open water on a BP! I dived the usual jacket style a few months later on vacation and was really missing the BP, it cemented it for me that my first BCD was a BP. Local dive shop swears by them for rentals as they are so much more durable and easy to repair
Mix'n'match: Mares steel and aluminum plate, Hollis single and double wings, Apeks heavy and Mares light single-piece webbings.
Luckily a tech diver put me on the path of BPW when I was looking to buy my first gear and feeling that none of the jackets matched what I wanted in terms of practicality and simplicity.
I have not moved to Back-plate yet, I dive lightweight travel wing. (Oceanic-Biolight) I try to get a Steel tank to reduce lead. It is on my list in the next couple of years to go Back-plate.
Owner of a Seahawk - a more conventional BCD but with a wing-style bladder for more horizontal posture.
1) I _LIKE_ the extra bagginess of the conventional BCD, it let's me do partial rolls to the side without rolling the cylinder and weights in the BCD with me (and needing to fight to stay sideways). If You're OK with the constant belly-lying position, that's fine, but I prefer to be able to look into those coral crevices or check on the group. I've seen the twin tank boys with tech BCDs doing a 180 turnaround. I can do that in 2 - 4 secs with a baggy Seahawk + mono, they end up taking >10s to turn around on the horizontal plane. Granted, that's mainly because of the win set but a snug tech BCD does not help either.
2) Relatedly, the tight tech BCD fit makes it rather hard to get in and get out of the BCD. That's both on the ground and in the water. Remember that PADI OWD exercise of taking the BCD off, adjusting the cylinder and restrapping? Yeah, I found it rather hard to do that with a tech style BCD. You can adjust the strap stoppers but they still tend to jam and it's fiddly. Typically they're adjusted for the person and never readjusted. Compare that to Seahawk's couple of buckles and/or strap stops that when lifted instantly lengthen the shoulder straps, giving You ample of space for manoeuvring in and out of the BCD.
3) The plain webbing straps are painful if You're carrying the BCD+cylinder on a t-shirt. Try picking up a tech BCD+cylinder from the ground without any wet-/drysuit and carry couple of meters. The webbing edge uncomfortably digs into the shoulder. I'm constantly helping my dad by carrying his tech BCD+cylinder 10m - 50m from the car to the lake every dive, so it's not an uncommon issue. Thank world, some manufacturers (xdeep) have started making tech BCDs with some basic webbing padding.
4) #flappysnaghazards Seriously, the ascetic design of the webbing strap, couple of D-rings and pretty much nothing else means that You're left to attaching all Your torches, cameras, anything else You have/need to the D-rings which end up dangling and interfering with the diving activities. Compare that to Seahawk's two massive pockets and a comfy kidney belt which You can jam Your backup torch in. If I forget to slide my main torch's battery on the weight belt before gearing all up, or if I don't use a weight belt, I can always just put the battery in one of the pockets (a large barrel-style Greenforce battery still fits in the pocket even when the quick release weights are next to the pocket. And it zips up too!).
5) Cutting the webbing to rescue someone from the BCD? Couple of buckles on a typical BCD are always more or less in the same position and everyone (including a novice diver) knows where they are. Not everyone is familiar with the tech BCDs and it might not be obvious to someone to cut the webbing; they might spend a considerable and expensive (in an emergency situation) amount of time trying to find buckles. Especially, when the tech BCD straps tend to be snug and hide away easily on the sides and to the back. And You can still cut the straps of a conventional BCD if there's a need.
6) The actual backplate is a great thing and I'd live to exchange my Seahawk's plastic backplate for a steel/aluminium one. However, a lightweight backplate (titanium/carbon fibre) kind of defeats the purpose of having the additional weight mass close to the body mass centre. You're still left with the "sturdy attachment point" argument, but at that point, I'd rather replace a cheap broken plastic backplate if it ever breaks than splash big dough for titanium/carbon fibre backplate.
7) On not getting a choice for D-ring position in a conventional BCD. Typically, you need some time with the BCD (clipping/unclipping stuff) until you get used to the position of the D-ring on it, irrespective if it's a BCD with fixed D-ring positions or one where one can adjust it. In the end, you'll need couple of dives for finding them by touching until you can get to them straight away. But if you get used to them whether they're fixed or placed where you think they'll have the best position, in the end it really doesn't matter. Besides, the positional adjustment will be minimal (±couple of cms, up to, say 5cms) from a typical shoulder BCD D-ring position. Haven't seen anyone having the D-rings on the belly or above the shoulder (either inconvenient or interferes with the rest of the gear). Might be a different story for a sidemount diver or event a twin set though.
So I'll stick with my Seahawk. Best of both worlds -- the wing bladder and the comfy BCD instead of the chaffing webbing. Sure, I'd love a backplate in it, the kidney belt more fixed to the BCD and not having its flaps getting out of the BCD holding holes, Also, that typical right shoulder gas dump valve string pulling head is way too big, but that's on my DIY modding bucket list. The only thing I'd love is a replaceable bladder. Can't have that, unfortunately.
8) 2:28 "customizability"? Really? I'm disappointed.
Great narration, great show, very very complete. Thank you!
Don't leave this video thinking a backplate and harness is so difficult to get out of you need a knife! In an emergency that may be the quickest way (and knives are incredibly easy to mount on your harness belt), but rest assured there is no problem loosening them off once you've learnt the right way :-)
Totally true. My wife and I did our Rescue Diver course in back plates and had to pull each other out of them while our partner was "unconscious". No problem! Realistically though, destroying the harness on a backplate means you need to spend another $30 on webbing. On a jacket BCD it means you just destroyed a $800 BCD. Might as well reach for the knife or the EMT shears - it's faster!
Great video! Just tried the Mares XR-REC Aluminium last weekend diving off the coast of Ireland, I felt totally in control of my bouyancy!
I've ordered the Stainless Steel version now which is the ICE version and cannot wait to configure it to suit me, I think I'll only need 2-4kg of integrated weights while diving in saltwater.
As a recently qualified SSI open water diver, I am very excited! ps Heavy Metal is the way forward! 🤘
We used our BP every dive so far this year. We like it a lot.
Love your reviews and talks. None better!
Another informative video and hopefully this will be followed up with one about sidemount!😉
Yes, don't even ask for a vote. Just do it
Great information! Thank you for sharing the wealth
Problem I found when sorting BP/w for twins was trying to get stuff to go together. I had an oms wing, wtx harness and back plate and the bolt holes didn't all match so then it meant I had to move my bands around but I couldn't move them too high because of the cylinder length and added complication of trolly. It was a major hassle of ordering stuff and then sending it back and then ordering stuff and then sending it back.
I fully understand why people do not want the hassle of sorting BP/w set up because of the hassle and added cost and people don't have the knowledge of what works and doesn't work.
And I'm still not fully happy with my twin set up but until I get the motivation to sort it I'll just put up with it.
Back plate and wing all the way!
Once you try BP, there is no way back. The most important thing is the way you swim and move. Since you have acctualy nothing on you part for the small metal on your back, you swim like a fish. Much more streamlined and easier to maneuver
Very good video, just plese make the same one for sidemount...
Some pictures will help people understand this better of what your trying to get across.
Would have been nice to see some of this equipment in the video.
I'm on a Zeagle Ranger now, which is sorta kinda bpw-ish in some ways. You can swap out various parts, but only for various other nearly identical parts in different sizes. Works pretty well though and makes for a good bridge between jackets and proper bpw setups.
Switching to an actual bpw is definitely next on my list. I'm usually in a 3mm full and with my recent weight loss I should be able to dive with maybe four pounds of ditchable weight if I go for one of those extra thick steel plates.
have the hydros pro by scubapro, i really like the wing frel of it. i eventually will get into bp when i move to Okinawa
Me too
I switched to back plate and I love it . Also dive with a twin set. 😎
I would add that one of the missing benefit are pockets and you see lots of divers with back plates wearing big pocket shorts... will switch from BCD to BP when it will fail if it happens... 😉
Just got the tecline peanut 21 comfort set. Really noticed the difference. Much less wiggle than my semi-wing.
Very stable, even with mono tank.
Got them with leadpockets, hate weightbelts, and I can dive double 7 without belt now.
Agree, good information and common sense, also I use backplate for twins and sometimes for single (same wing, i know, i know, is not designed for single but is work) but the PRICE is ....man, are very expensive, especially if you are a recreational diver and dive only in holiday.
Does the doughnut type air bladder on a back plate improve your buoyancy skills - does it make it easier to stay horizontal ?
Can you share a video or pics of your personal set up?
First one~~ Please dive sidemount!
Please dive how you want :)
Qiukai Pan yes sidemount them puppy’s!! Dive sidemount for two years and never going back.
Another huge perk is that the wing BP doesn’t feel like a straight jacket. It’s feels so light and doesn’t feel restraining.
Stoked that my DC told me to go straight to a BP/W :D I don’t see any comfort from being squeezed around the sides and awful bulky side pockets. Will never ever go back and wonder how jacket BCDs are still a thing
Actually, a good BCD won't squeeze you and isn't that bulky.
If you are being squeezed by a jacket BCD while underwater...you are carrying too much weight. Any air in your jacket should be concentrated on your back...unless you swim facing the surface. At the surface, if you inflate your BCD very full...you will get squeezed...the price one pays for floating high above the water.
I too want to see pictures of the steel plate bolted to your back. I guess if someone has metallic studs coming out of his back, that a steel backplate will fit well and not move.
I've done hundreds of dives with both a jacket BCD and a backplate and wing...using both steel and aluminum plates. Dove yesterday with my original jacket purchased almost 12 yrs ago. It's fine. The plastic backplate is in great condition after two hundred dives. I guess that's because I don't throw it in a pile where others throw their gear, and no one has felt the need to cut me out of it. So why am I not diving either of my backplate and wing setups?
1) Jacket BCD is easier to get in and out of.
2) Jacket BCD is easier to adjust once in it. Hugs my body tighter than the backplate and wing setups.
3) Jacket BCD is easier to dive in as it has more points to release air (yeah...more failure points...that haven't failed.)
4) Jacket BCD is more stable than backplate and wing. Sorry...it just is. Oh, and I have a different make and model Jacket BCD that I use in salt water...also more stable. Of course, I do dive single tank. I'm guessing many if not most backplate and wing divers have doubles...and that has convinced them that the wing is stable. No...it's the doubles that are stable. Wings with single tanks are not that stable...my guess is that is due to a lack of baffles inside the wing.
5) Wearing a 7mm wetsuit, hood, and boots...I use about 9 lbs of lead for freshwater. Of course, I'm using a steel tank which is rather negative when full. That said, I do like having releasable weight. Backplates are not very releasable.
I'm not a tech diver. I don't carry stage bottles. I'm not cave/wreck/deco diving. I have zero interest in deco/cave/wreck diving. For the recreational diving I do, the jacket BCD works just fine.
been diving a BP for a month now, it's great. I never want a jacket again.
Cas Vanommeslaeghe Try long swims to the shore or boat that are over 200 yards, jackets are better for long surface swims.
Lance Rexington I’m curious to know why mate? I remember the only draw back I was told about a wing was that it’s hard to lie on your back and swim... what a load of BS that was
I have been diving a back plate and wing for a couple years, but still struggling with best placement on 80 aluminum tank for trim. Any suggestions?
I dive on a backplate and wing when diving twins, but still dive with my old Mares BCD for single cylinder diving.
When that dies (and I don't see it happening soon), I'll definitely consider getting a single-cylinder wing - I have thought about it already, but mostly for the reduced weight (with an ally backplate) for travel, my BCD is pretty heavy.
I think the trim, etc issues are a bit overstated - Not untrue, but if you're a competent diver it's barely noticeable when you switch between the two.
I’ll stick with my HydrosPro which is modular and allows you to replace anything that breaks.
What are all the holes around the edge backplate for?
I started on BCDs, but quickly learned about BPW. Couldn't find one that was affordable to buy, so I used my manufacturing background and built my own, using designs from the internet. Cost me about 50% less than what the local shops wanted. It's been 3 years and I will never dive a BCD again.
I like my Zeagle Ranger just fine.
Hydros pro. In that middle ground I won't be diving deep or for extreme amounts of time. Need a 15 litre cylinder (got a 12) and a new drysuit.
Im about to swing over. However. Not sure whether to go with 45, 60 or 94lb lift. How to i decide???
I'm 5'10" 200lb and will dive twin steel hp120s. With a Drysuit In cold water.
I really want to get a backplated wing and a DIR system. On the other hand I dont want to have two different diving kits at home, one for education and one for "me". Im a Divemaster and soon gonna be an instructor.
Heyyyy... it's the video I voted for 4 or 5 times, but it never won. I was hoping you'd get around to it anyway as I'm at that point of transitioning into my own gear, at least for home dives. Thanks, guys.
I have never dived on a jacket style BCD. All my dives after my certification have been on doubles. And I took the course when I was 14.
i have a commando jacket with a steel backplate instead of the plastic one ,,, perfect rigged with a cd qd set up , same as my 8mm custom made backplate and wing , two sets of twins on sc qd mounts , a 12 x300 and a 7 x 300 all on cd qd brackets , so everything just clips to anything , all very very handy ,,, then a spare cd qd with a sta adaptor on it so anything odd can cam band onto the qd then clip int any bcd / bp I choose , a lot of effort to set up the first time , but boys its flexi.
I have just recently started watching your videos and find them informative. The only thing i would suggest it to show the product your are talking about instead of just standing in front of the camera showing off your pearly whites. in some of your videos you talk about things i know nothing or very little about and it would be nice if you were to show them being demonstrated instead of me having to do further searching to find out the required information.
UK divers are so obsessed with backplates and wings, twinsets etc when all they do is a 30min 18m lake dive.
Let people dive in what they want and don't put people down by say they aren't serious or experienced in diving for not wearing or wanting a BPW.
I have both and a properly fitted jacket BC doesn't move around and if you don't know how to unclip it you shouldn't be diving!
I dive mostly "30 mins 18m lake dives" when in the UK and switched from a jacket to a BPW and can't understand why I ever wore the jackets. Each to their own though!
Bet you have to dive a ton of lead in your BCD where I don’t dive any since my backplate is negative 6 or so lbs.
@@scotthalstead1563 but you still have the same amount of weight its either in the backplate or weight, its not like you need less weight its just on a different part of your equipment.
Leon Clark Rola not true. I dive my plate which is negative. Jacket style is MUCH more buoyant. You have to dive the lead to make it neutral PLUS lead to make you neutral... So you’re looking at 12-16lbs of lead.
@@scotthalstead1563 myself and many other divers I know dive 5mm with 6lbs of lead in a BC.
Would it be possible to add a few images of BP gear for those of us who are not pros but might like to try a BP? What does BP gear look like?
HEAVY METAL!!!! all the way!
How many plastic backplates have you actually seen broken?
Mine broke twice, but despite what they're saying that's not something that can't be fixed or replaced.
I switched to the backplate and wing not long ago best decision ever
So I just got a sidemount BCD, but I was really tempted to turn my backplate into a sidemount BC. Is there a radical difference? 🤔
Wait can you fit sidemount bladders and doughnuts on the same backplate?
I like the new set for vidéos but tbh you should add alot more visual to it
Simply scuba, what do you think about the Zeagle Ranger or LTD with a backplate added?
Im on a Hollis system with Atomic Regulators and two steel 50's. Yesterday I tried to dive with my rig for the first time. The buoyancy was totally off.The rig kept trying to invert itself with the top pointing down and bottom raising up. Also my hollis is an 80 pound lift double bladder for tech diving. Because the tanks are shorter there was a gap around the 1st stage to the tank What can I do to balance it out? Oh and i almost forgot, I have budgies that go around the bladder which can be adjusted
Given the pros v cons it make you wonder why so many shops and instructors give BCDs to customers/students.
I've never dived in one, but from the look of the thing it does seem it would be slightly harder to remain upright rather than horizontal compared with the standard jacket type? Just from the bladder being entirely behind you, rather than having some round the front/sides as in a jacket type.
When your "default" position is upright, I suppose being able to stay that way easily while you get used to being in the water might be a benefit. Of course you should get used to being horizontal soon enough, but for people new to it I can see why it would be helpful.
Maybe because you never worked in a diveshop and had to prepare gear for 3 different dives of 6 persons each group in one day. I DARE you to find time to refit a BP/W for all this people in time...
@@hshneo Simple solution, ask those who require equipment to turn up 30min earlier. Some shops achieve this so there's nothing preventing more doing so.
@@clarkeysam All people in this day required equipment. And some people arrived on the day when I worked there, they booked online and met at the dive spot.
But I'll think better how it would work since I'm "pro" (in favor of) BP/W... by the way, I worked in Okinawa, Japan. Never saw any BP/W for rent there, or I would rent myself to try it😁. Might be a good business. Just ordered mine one from DGX, waiting for it to arrive. Thanks for the healthy discussion ✌😊!
Dive a Zeagle Brigade. Kinda hybrid. Never dove BP. Maybe next.
yes!
There is notheing more relaxing and to be honest simpler than diving with a backplate and wing!
Unfortunately its super-expensive! " - -
I think a better question is, why do they make anything other than a backplate?
great video -- lets dive
I have a squishy wing bc...i like it..very simple and very light. No pockets. Im very well balanced. I don't see myself with twins or side mounts anytime soon.
If your doing tec, then a wings w/backplate is the only way
I am now convinced. I’ve had 2 different BCDs from Aqualung. The clips on the integrated weight pockets keep breaking. Two instances in 3 weeks. One happened on my daughter’s Soul BCD. I am now shopping to build my own backplate BCD and working to convince wife and daughter to move to a backplate.
They do love the wrapture Aqualung harness, both diving Soul BCDs. Selling them on function rather than comfort will be my life’s greatest accomplishment 🤣
Anyone know of who sells colorful webbing and accessories? If I can get to a full purple BCD, I may be able to convince them.
OMS has you covered mate
OMS has you covered mate
I think x deep can go completely one color, and dive rite has colored wings.
Wasted a pile of money when i started diving by buying a "jacket style BCD" and "big name regulator" combo...only to find out 50 dives in that a BP/W and technical regulators were 100000% better and no more expensive. So I replaced my BCD with a Backplate and took a loss, I wish people were taught this in the first place, because i see not a single advantage to using a jacket-style BCD > a backplate setup now.
Anyone try and 3d print a Titanium BP/W? Weight Savings for Travel
Imagine when scuba diving was in its early days, and you rocked up with a awesome modern day jacket style bcd,people would have done anything to have BCDs as comfortable and reliable as we have now... i think its a case of much wants more these days.. why do you need a back plate for recreational dives ? outside of tech diving i cant see it being worth the bother or cost.
Standard BCDs while comfortable are quite bulky. A backplate really fits well and is quite streamlined and is more comfortable than any jacket BCD I have ever used.
You can also put one together for not much money at all.
@@IDive2 I have two backplate and wing setups...and two jacket BCD's Sorry, but the Jackets are not all that bulky, but they are more comfortable. And more stable. And more fun to dive in.
I started out on a back plate and have never looked back.
Guess I’m spoiled. Doing my open water with a backplate/wing
I got one in aprill never going plastic again it make u feel much more free
Pictures?
Please add photos/examples of what you’re talking about. Thanks.
Trouble with a wing is that it can only put you in a face down position on the surface. Especially if you get in trouble. I see the underwater utility but want a USCG Type 1 vest on the surface.
And how much time do you spend on the surface? I have the SP HydrosPro. It’s not a BPW but it is a back inflate BC.
When I got it everyone said that I’d be face down on the surface and that’s completely false. On the surface I just inflate it a small amount and lean back.
You've convinced me to swap to a backplate system, I have been thinking about it for some time, now I just need to wait for your next 10% off sale😂😂
👍🏻
My flight undie water is better with a bpw ..
Your videos are good but I wish you would have shown some examples. You talk about the back plate and all the attachments but don’t show anything.
Backplate here. Couldn't get my daughter to like it.
It is better 1 time to SEE the plate.
It’s a shame that you don’t own any of the equipment that you are talking about. If you did, you could have pointed the camera at it instead of your face. That way we could see what you are talking about
Probably good information in this video, but just a talking head isn't enough for beginners. Actual pictures of the gear mentioned would have really helped.
All talk and no visuals of what you are even talking about......
Kept fast forwarding to see what your talking about as a person who has no idea what your talking about. Still don’t. 🤷
Might have been nice to actually have a metal backplate to demo this...
Whole time I was watching this video I was expecting at least one picture of a backplate. guess this video is only for divers that already know what a backplate is
Having gone through the phases of choosing the "squishy" BC, then to the steel BP/W, with single tank, then doubles, and now to sidemount. I'll say, I'm never going back, it's better than anything else. That being said: I left my early Open Water course and even AOW feeling somewhat intimidated by the BP/W setup. It wasn't really explained to me in detail at the time, like how it was almost absolutely necessary to my goals of Great Lakes wreck diving. Point is: Don't be intimidated by a BP/W setup ever. Consider your long term diving goals, and find someone willing to honestly talk with you about the BP/W setup and train you. A little more money up front could save you $$$ in the future from all the platform jumps I made.
IM SUPER METAL AND DIVE A BP/W
But really, I'm a relatively new diver and decided to go the backplate route when I bought my first BC and I have zero ragrets.
7هرر8ر. ع خير خلق 8رعر8عر8. هل. خ. لههل
No regrets huh? Not even one letter?
Nightmare220 get em
Please get the guy in the back a mic. I can never hear what he’s saying
How about captions for those of us in the US? ;)
This is a great video, but it would have been really helpful to have diagrams or examples of the products (i.e various backplates) described instead of just talking to the camera. Thank you for your content!
after dive 25 changed to BP/W and never looked back. love that is modular.
You need visual aids!! Watched three of your videos to learn something about re-breathers and I feel like I wasted most of my time.
I’m a little unsure of where you stand Mark........back plate or no? 🤣 I split the difference and went with the Hydros Pro and quite like it. 👍
Hydros pro unreal diving experience
It’s lightweight, packs small, drys quick, fit and feels great, and has lots of options to add or change.........really what’s not to like? 👍
@@paulwhite3637 Price :(
I started on a ScubaPro LadyHawk. It was the ONLY BCD that fit me because I'm so petite. 4 years later I'm getting into tec diving and this just won't do. I'm having trouble finding a sidemount kit to fit me - again because I'm so petite. Do they make a kit in child/fun sized?
With a back plate, the harness just comes as a single 12' long piece of webbing that you thread through the plate to create both the shoulder and waist straps. You can make the shoulder loops as small as you want and cut off excess length to make the waist strap as small as you want. You could fit a backplate harness onto a 4-year-old if you had to! No need to go looking for anything "fun-sized"!
If you can't find a sidemount BCD that fits you, you could always just get a sidemount wing that bolts onto a backplate. This would be more of a "Mexican-style" sidemount setup. They typically have less lift than an actual sidemount BCD and work better with lighter aluminium tanks but if you're having a hard time finding something that fits it might be an option.
I dive a soft and squishy xDeep sidemount harness. No tanks on the back so no backplate needed. Just some bungee cord and some d-rings on the hip. If I were still diving backmount I'd go for a bp+wing for sure though.
D I R (DO IT RIGHT)
As an older diver, 70 yrs old, I recently went to a winged vs a jacket BCD. I now am very uncomfortable (almost panic) on the surface, especially when the boat is far and a long surface swim is required. I think this is due to less strength and the effort needed to keep my face out of the water. Is there a way to compensate for the back-winged BCD like use a weight belt rather than the integrated weight system? I would like to avoid buying a new jacket style.
maybe deflate your bcd a little on the surface so you're lower in the water, that might help
I travel with an SS plate. I pack less and always buy disposable items if I stay long at a destination. I prefer to throw/donate. help the local economy and charity organizations. I guess you can call me minimalist. I only have to check in what I have to check in and buy what I need while I'm there. Trim it once and only add dump weight depending on what I wear. rule of three so easy to do. I started off with Scuba tek.. graduated to Hlcyon but I found that I prefer xdeep because I like the uniqueness it offers .. "pimp my dive" but back to my point .. Back plate and wing is like you said .. so many points of goodness and safety along with trim management.
You can repair most of BCD failures if You have some technical skills. Actually, I can't think of a any different failure disqualifying my BCD from use apart from damaging the threads on built-in sockets for the dump valves. And I think even that could be fixable using for example some epoxy resin - there are no super strong forces working on those threads.
Your plastic backplate is broken? Weld it an reinforce with metal. A hole? It can be patched easily if You know what You're doing. Abrasion of the material can happen also on a wing, so I'm not counting that. Tear? Using a needle, a thread and some good, heavy-duty glue You can repair even that, just do it well.
Sorry, I don't dive with anything which forcefully floats me face-down......