Big Boy Bc

[fisheater]

My 330 lb. 6 foot something instructor dives (or at least teaches) with a Ranger.

If you need even more lift, you could order one from ST with a Tech bladder (65 lb. lift).

[MSilvia]

Originally Posted by DZorn00

I am not very familiar with the back plate/ wing set up would some one care to explain more on it?

Sure... I'll try to give you a quick rundown.

Basicly, you have a metal plate that you strap on using some sort of harness. It's designed to allow you to attach a tank (or double tanks) to it either by threading cam straps through the plate, or by bolting a STA (single tank adapter) or doubles manifold to it. It sounds uncomfortable, but the plate is contoured so that you don't wind up with screws poking you in the back, and most users (myself included) find it to be quite comfortable.

Your buoyancy bladder is in the form of a wing that gets sandwiched between the plate and the tank. Because the wing is behind you, instead of wrapped around you, there is much less tendancy for you to feel squeezed when it is inflated.

While there are elaborate harnesses with various quick disconnects and adjustment doodads available, it is also common for divers to use a single piece of weightbelt webbing as a harness. That's what I do, and it allows you not only to ensure a proper fit for almost any size diver, but also to put D-rings and accessories exactly where you want or need them.

Having the metal plate (and STA) reduces your overall buoyancy, so you can take some weight off your belt. Having the plate, STA, wing, and your lungs all in the same area makes it simple to get your trim (position in the water) exactly the way you want it.

It can be a bit tricky for someone unfamiliar with the system to get it set up properly, but when it's "dialed in" it dives like a dream, and is very reliable and easy to maintain. It was originally put together for use in underwater cave exploration (I understand the first one used a modified street sign as a backplate), but it's becoming increasingly popular with recreational divers.

[mwhities]

Originally Posted by MSilvia

Because the wing is behind you, instead of wrapped around you, there is much less tendancy for you to feel squeezed when it is inflated.

There is NO squeeze felt on your person from the wing. No squeeze at all, unless you consider the pressure from the water.

[MSilvia]

Originally Posted by mwhities

There is NO squeeze felt on your person from the wing. No squeeze at all, unless you consider the pressure from the water.

I only qualified the statement because I find it easier to take off my harness on the surface if the wing isn't fully inflated. I never feel constricted by it, but it is closer fitting when I inflate.

[DZorn00]

So with the BP/W there is no integrated weight system or is there a way to have one? I will definately check out the BP/W system when I make it to the LDS today. Thank you Msilvia for your definition. That helps a lot I have only seen them on line.

Thanks Foo, She has seen the Zeagles online to and likes them, the instructor that she is going to said the same thing so she will try that one out if they have one.

[NitroWill]

Originally Posted by DZorn00

So with the BP/W there is no integrated weight system or is there a way to have one?

You can add plates to the actual backplate to add weight or you can add weight pockets to the waist strap or the tank slots (or both) such as these: XS Scuba Weight Pocket, Weights, XS Scuba, XS Scuba Weight Pocket They even make a ditch-able model that would allow you to drop some of the weight if it was on your waist strap.

[cgvmer]

At 6'5" 330# I spent 2 years renting, until one day I rented a transpac. Althoug not a backplate, it does have a wing with harness. I found it to be the most comfortable BC I tried . I have since purchased a golem gear bp/w

[Puffer Fish]

Originally Posted by DZorn00

So with the BP/W there is no integrated weight system or is there a way to have one? I will definately check out the BP/W system when I make it to the LDS today. Thank you Msilvia for your definition. That helps a lot I have only seen them on line.

Thanks Foo, She has seen the Zeagles online to and likes them, the instructor that she is going to said the same thing so she will try that one out if they have one.

Zeagle does make an integratedweight system for their BP/W, but that is an exception for BP/W's. Myself and a lot of the people I dive with use that system... nice.

[MSilvia]

Originally Posted by DZorn00

So with the BP/W there is no integrated weight system or is there a way to have one?

Part of the beauty of a BP/W is that you can add pretty much whatever you want. So long as you have available space on your waist band, and I hope you'll forgive me for guessing you do, you can slide any pocket you like on it. There are a number of weight pockets on the market designed for the purpose, or you might find something suitable at an army surplus store. You know... whatever works for you.

Personally, With a stainless plate, STA, and steel tank, I'm more than happy to keep the remaining weight on my plain old weight belt. Having some weight NOT integrated keeps me from rocketing toward the surface if I ever have to remove my BC underwater... to remove an entanglement for example, and it dramaticly reduces the clutter on my harness. I prefer that to the "convenience" of having a BC that weighs a half a ton.

[marchand]

I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned this yet, but there is a guy on scubaboard that makes back plates. He has a heavy version that weighs like 15lbs. The Guy's user name is Fred T, if you decide to go the BP/W route I would suggest talking to him.