Original/Full BP or Streamlined BP ?

[kyfriedchipper]

Hi - I have been scanning this forum for weeks now and love all the opinions about equipment, locations to dive, tips, tricks, etc.

After reading up on everything, I am convinced that I'm going to go w/ a BP/W configuration for my first, and hopefully final rig (you can stop your laughing anytime now!).

My wife and I are warm water divers for now, but I'm a little more adventurous and could see myself really getting into colder water diving and/or technical diving, rebreathers, etc.

I like the streamline backplate design like this:
[IMG]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/bcjacobs/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg[/IMG][IMG]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/bcjacobs/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.jpg[/IMG]
from Golem Gear, I like this design because its lightweight and doesn't have an additional STA to mess with.

Is there a full size BP that doesn't require an STA?

Can I use the streamlined backplate above w/ doubles with an alternate bolting option? (I am aware that standard bolting configuration would painfully dig into my back)

Any opinions/info much appreciated!

[Venio]

You can get an STA-less wing as I did. Oxychq Mach V has the STA build in it and it works great. As for the other question I don't really know if you can use the backplate you've shown with twins. What does Golem web says?

[kyfriedchipper]

They said that I couldn't do doubles w/ this BP as the wing bolts would dig into my back. But wondering if there would be an alternate bolting option where I could use a flat end w/ bolting out by the tanks, rather than a traditional bolting setup in the channel w/ standard backplates.

I would love to have a BP that is streamlined like the picture, STA-less, and be able to dive doubles with.

I want it all!

[BobbyWombat]

You can get STA-less designs from both Deep Sea Supply www.deepseasupply.com and Oxycheq www.oxycheq.com OR www.scubatoys.com .


I'm no expert, and I'm sure someone with more experience will chime in after me, but:

The thing that makes a rig STA-less is both a function of the backplate and the wing. They need to be compatible with each other. Additionally, the STA-less setups that I've seen that actually work incorporate little "anti-wobble" rubber stoppers into the wing design to keep the tank from rocking around.

Many backplates have slots to allow for integration with a STA-less wing. You need to make sure, however, that the BP and wing slots line up.

I don't know if you can use the lightweight travel plate you have shown with doubles.

[fire diver]

One thing to keep in mind, One peice of gear can not do it all. The travel plate you linked to, is designed to take up little room and add very little weight to your luggage for traveling. It was intended to be used for single tank dives. You might be able to use a different bolting configuration for use with doubles, but why? If you plan on diving doubles, that means you are probably planning to stay down longer. Staying down means you need more exposure protection, which means you need to "weight" to keep you neutral. I just purchased a 10# backplate, and some people use 15, 18, 20 pound plates so they don't have to use so much lead on thier belt.

Think about what type of diving you want to do, then figure out what gear configuration will work best FOR THAT DIVING.

FD

[RonFrank]

Why are you convinced you need this type of Backplate?

Using a STA is not a function of most BP's, but rather the wing. Some singles wings require a STA, others do not. I personally like a STA. They are very stable, and they add weight. When diving dry I use a SS Backplate and STA (Hammerhead) and that takes 12lbs off my weightbelt. I'm going to put together some channel weights to remove all but a few lbs as I find the weight spread out over one's back is ideal.

If the BP has slots cut into it for the CAM bands (most all do these days) then it can handle a STA'less wing.

IMO skip the cool looking cut away BP, and go with the traditional BP. You said you want one that does it all, well, there you go.

Unfortunately I think you will find that most singles setups are not really ideal for doubles. IOW's if you want a doubles setup, and a singles setup, you need two wings at a minimum. Many prefer steel BP's for AL80 tanks, and Alum BP's for steel tanks or doubles. Most tech divers I dive with are the biggest gear freaks on this Blue Planet.

You also may find you need a different setup for tropical vs. cold water fresh. I use 10lbs or less weight when diving tropical in a 3mm fullsuit. My current BP setup is too heavy to travel well, and is too heavy to dive tropical. I need an Alum wing and STA if I want to use my BP/W on holiday.
If you plan on getting into technical diving, buying ONE BP is the least of your worries. You will need at LEAST three reg setups, multiple stage bottles, SPG's, and all the toys in the toy chest!

All that expense is nothing when compared to the cost of the classes, and the travel you will likely want to do to get to suitable tech training grounds (FL is common).

Good Luck!

[cgvmer]

I have a golem gear sta-less BP....Stainless, also available in Aluminum and the travel one you showed

[auburntiger1976]

I would go with BP/W from Deep Sea Supply...as others have said, no adapter necessary and extremely stable according to tech friends who own them. I just ordered a steel BP/hog harness/#30 LCD wing from them.

[RonFrank]

Originally Posted by auburntiger1976

I would go with BP/W from Deep Sea Supply...as others have said, no adapter necessary and extremely stable according to tech friends who own them. I just ordered a steel BP/hog harness/#30 LCD wing from them.

Tobin is a great guy, and I know a number of folks that are happy with the DSS products.

One thing to keep in mind, the STA is NOT a requirement of the plate, rather the wing. DSS is NOT the only manufacture on the market making STA'less wings, in fact most other manufactures make them.

If money was no object, THIS is what I'd be diving in a singles wing!

[auburntiger1976]

Originally Posted by RonFrank

Tobin is a great guy, and I know a number of folks that are happy with the DSS products.

One thing to keep in mind, the STA is NOT a requirement of the plate, rather the wing. DSS is NOT the only manufacture on the market making STA'less wings, in fact most other manufactures make them.

If money was no object, THIS is what I'd be diving in a singles wing!

That is a beautiful and practically bullet-proof wing. I want one too. However, my wife would probably kick me out of the house if I purchased that expensive of a wing. Oh well...