Explain what a back plate is

[Trey9123]

I have been shopping for BC's. Several people have told me that I would be better off buying a Backplate. Can someone please explain to me what this is. I've only dove with BC's... and I like them so what advantages do I gain by going the other rout?
Thanks,
Trey

[terrillja]

Originally Posted by Trey9123

I have been shopping for BC's. Several people have told me that I would be better off buying a Backplate. Can someone please explain to me what this is. I've only dove with BC's... and I like them so what advantages do I gain by going the other rout?
Thanks,
Trey

A back plate is a bent plate of steel or aluminum. The advantage is that it is a very modular system; If you want to add a pocket, add one to the webbing. Need a bigger wing for doubles, switch the singles wing for a doubles one. The backplate is the base of the whole system.

[Trey9123]

What are all of the individual pieces a person needs to buy to created the equivalent of a BC? The back plate, and the wing (I don't know what that is), what else is needed?

[terrillja]

Originally Posted by Trey9123

What are all of the individual pieces a person needs to buy to created the equivalent of a BC? The back plate, and the wing (I don't know what that is), what else is needed?

Webbing, some d-rings, weight pouches if you want to go integrated, pockets for holding stuff.

This is a basic package:

BackPlate and Wing Package, DIR and Technical, OxyCheq, BackPlate and Wing Package

You can also have deluxe harnesses where there are quickreleases like a regular bc. It's all up to your imagination and your budget.

[Trey9123]

Is this system as comfortable and easy to use as a BC. It seems like a lot of parts to keep track of. It also seems like it is also a lot more expensive to set one of these up than it is just to buy a BC. So you are gaining flexibility, but it seems like you are sacrificing a lot.

[terrillja]

Originally Posted by Trey9123

Is this system as comfortable and easy to use as a BC. It seems like a lot of parts to keep track of. It also seems like it is also a lot more expensive to set one of these up than it is just to buy a BC. So you are gaining flexibility, but it seems like you are sacrificing a lot.

It can be a lot of parts, but do you want to have a travel bc and a home bc and a singles bc and a doubles bc or just one thing that can be changed. We are looking at getting BP/W for our scuba club because of the endless configuration possibilities and the ability to fit people of different sizes.

It's partly a matter of what will you be doing for diving, if you will be doing doubles at some point, you will either need a doubles capable BC or a bpw, so you have to plan out now or you may have to re-buy later on.

[Splitlip]

[Trey9123]

I guess, I'm just a poor college kid though. Money is definitely the biggest factor in my decision making process. I'll probably just end up going with a $200 BC and upgrade later when I have a real job if I need too. I really don't think that you can touch one of these systems for that price can you?
Thanks,
Trey

[RoyN]

You don't have to buy it all at once.

You can just buy it piece by piece until you finally have a complete BC.

[Trey9123]

Originally Posted by RoyN

You don't have to buy it all at once.

You can just buy it piece by piece until you finally have a complete BC.

Then every time I want to go diving, I have to throw away $30 renting gear. I've got mask, fins, snorkel, octo, and computer/gauge console. I just need a BC and a reg and I'll be good to go. So close and yet so far away.