Most versatile backplates for warm and cold water?

[swinchen]

Hi all,

I am considering purchasing a backplate and hog harness even though I am a beginner, simply because it seems like they are fine for rec diving as well as tech.

I live in Maine with very cold water so a 7mm suit will not be uncommon, I can see a SS backplate being a real advantage here. Would a SS backplate be suitable for warm water (3mm - or maybe even a shorty) or would a AL backplate be a better option?

I really do not want both, but I also don't want to sink to the bottom of a beautiful reef like a rock

Thanks all!

Sam

[skdvr]

I normally would dive in a 7mm most of the year here and sometimes for shallow dives just a 3mm or shorts and a t-shirt and I have a SS backplate with a 2 piece (lighter) STA. In the 7mm with a steel tank I only need a few lbs of lead. In the 3mm or shorts I need no weight and I am probably just little heavy but since most of my diving is in cold water I decided to go with the SS plate. I too did not want to buy both plates. If I was going to be doing a lot of traveling to warmer locations and wanted to take my rig along I would buy a AL plate.

I have a HammerHead SS backplate. Great price and a great plate. I bought my harness from ST because it was a few $ cheaper than at HH.

Good luck.

Phil

[CompuDude]

I would start off with SS. It's what you'll be diving the majority of the time. When you go to warmer waters, you could possibly still use it and simply be a pound or two overweighted... not a really big deal, considering the benefits the rest of the year that the steel will bring you.

Eventually, add another plate (Kydex or Alum for warm water), or stick with the steel if you're happy with it.

[Chad]

I started with a SS plate. It is perfect with 3 mil and up and only a little heavy in just trunks. I will eventually get an aluminum plate for the tropics but IMO the SS plate is the most versatile if you don't live where it is warm.

[cummings66]

I think the SS will be useful in both conditions, you'll probably be heavy in warm water but not hugely. Most OW students are overweighted more than that so I think it'd be fine.

AL or Kydex from DSS would be better for warm waters but cost more. I'd do SS and later on add the light one.

[mm_dm]

It still sounds like the bulk of your diving will be with the 7mil and that would be easier with the SS plate. You'll appreciate the better balance that gives you by putting some of the weight over your lungs and off your waist. Like C-Dude said, you're not talking a big difference in weight unless you end up with a specialty plate like the ones Fred-T makes.

[swinchen]

Alright! Hammerhead SS backplate it is. The only real drawback to being a little overweighted is surface safety correct? No weights to drop.

[mm_dm]

You must be able to swim your rig to the surface and be buoyant enough at the surface to keep your head comfortably above the water. If you're diving a 7 mil, even with a SS plate you're probably going to need some additional (ditchable) weight on a belt. Are you planning on diving a steel or aluminum tank?

[skdvr]

Originally Posted by swinchen

Alright! Hammerhead SS backplate it is. The only real drawback to being a little overweighted is surface safety correct? No weights to drop.

Getting to the surface is the first concern, then being able to stay afloat is second (altough a big one as well, if you are in a panic situation you are going to want your head way out of the water). The difference between the two is only about 3 lbs and you will have plenty of buoyancy in your 7mm and I would think you should be fine with a 3mm (depends on how much weight you are using right now).

Phil

[swinchen]

Yeah, I am not too worried about the 7mm wetsuit. I am very worried about the 3mm short though. I will probably be diving whatever dive centers rent me for tanks. My guess is AL. The hammerhead AL plate would only be another 50 bucks. Maybe it would be worth it just to get both.