Back plate and wings, where to buy? + (Full Version)

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scott_nielsen -> Back plate and wings, where to buy? + (12/12/2006 5:34:05 AM)

after diving in coz, I realized that i like the back plates that we use at the aquarium better than my vest. We use Halcyon steel plates and wings. Our local dive people don't carry these, any ideas on where to purchase, how about in atlanta? do any of you guys use this brand, if so , why? thanks in advance...scott



LarryL -> RE: Back plate and wings, where to buy? + (12/12/2006 6:43:22 AM)

I'm extremely impressed that your aquarium folks use backplates.  It's a smart move on their part, as they are truly one-size-fits-all and very low maintenance.  Dive shops could really reduce their cost by switching all their rental equipment to backplates. 

You can always buy Halcyon stuff from Extreme Exposure or from Fifth Dimension. 

I've got plates from Halcyon, FredT, and G.U.T.S.  They are all the same.  The harness is just two-inch webbing and some stainless hardware you can get anywhere.  If you don't feel like messing with parts just buy a single-piece webbing from the same place you get your plate -- they all sell them. 

I like the Halcyon wings because they are tough. 



onetime -> RE: Back plate and wings, where to buy? + (12/12/2006 6:45:53 AM)

Hey Scott,

Backplates are basically generic. OMS, Halcyon, Dive Rite, Salvo, Deep Sea Supply, etc all sell them and the choice will more or less be stainless or aluminum (Deep Sea Supply has done some interesting things with different weights, composite inserts, etc). The next consideration is whether to buy a package that has the webbing already installed or do it yourself. Doing it yourself is easy and 20' of webbing will be more than enough. You can get 2" webbing and the stainless hardware you'll need at http://www.reefscuba.com. Then there's wing selection. That's going to be dependent on your diving. There are smallish wings in the 18lb to 30 lb lift range; middle range wings in the 30 to 45 lb lift range; then those that range from 45 to 60lbs of lift; and the monsters with >60lbs. You likely won't need the big ones. With singles the smallish wings will likely be plenty. If you plan to move on to doubles then the middle range, and then doubles with deco bottles the 45 to 60 are pretty common. There are also dual bladder wings that contain two inflation bladders. These are used for back up inflation usually when diving a wetsuit with heavy tanks.

On the wing side, I'm a big fan of the Dive Rite and more recently the Oxycheq brands. Halcyon is all well and good but I've had buddies with issues that took a bit of time to resolve with Halcyon (specifically small mystery holes in the bladder and the inflator issues that they've apparently straightened out).

--Paul



scott_nielsen -> thanks guys, i'm diving this weekend I will+ (12/12/2006 7:02:23 AM)

check to see what wings they use and come back and post to you about it...I appreciate your help with this. You know, I'm not to bright, so I think I may not be the do it yourself type...at the aquarium, if I'm safety diver , I don't use any weight with it but if I'm cleaning windows, I use 3 lbs.. do you guys where a weight belt with your's. ? just curious...also, if we are using the big scrubbers,we take our fins off and put on 25lbs....holy s%%t. !



fireflock -> RE: thanks guys, i'm diving this weekend I will+ (12/12/2006 7:17:13 AM)

If you feel comfortable setting something up yourself consider:

Inexpensive (Dive Rite or OMS) - http://northeastscubasupply.com/specials/

Mid-priced and well thought out (plus different sized plates if you are long, short, wide, etc..) - http://deepseasupply.com/

Expensive - Halcyon

A real deal/sale (golem and OxyCheq) - http://golemgear.com/c-18-blowout-gear-specials.aspx

If you would appreciate some help selecting a wing and rigging the harness, find a local shop with someone who can help. If there is no one local, DiveRiteExpress.com, DeepSeaSupply.com and problaby some others will take time with you via phone or email. It's easy the second time you do it - it can be a little confusing the first time.

The key to understanding what you need is knowing how much weight you will require. Once you get this figured out, it's easy to select the right plate material and wing size.

Rich



onetime -> RE: thanks guys, i'm diving this weekend I will+ (12/12/2006 7:49:10 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: scott_nielsen

check to see what wings they use and come back and post to you about it...I appreciate your help with this. You know, I'm not to bright, so I think I may not be the do it yourself type...at the aquarium, if I'm safety diver , I don't use any weight with it but if I'm cleaning windows, I use 3 lbs.. do you guys where a weight belt with your's. ? just curious...also, if we are using the big scrubbers,we take our fins off and put on 25lbs....holy s%%t. !


It depends on what I'm diving. When I was using LP steel doubles, a Dive Rite Classic wing, drysuit, and a stainless plate for NJ diving I didn't need any extra weight on a belt. Just had a canister light for really expensive ditchable weight.

When diving a single, with a small Oxycheq wing, 3MM suit, and stainless plate for local lake diving I put 5 to 7 pounds on my waist strap (where a canister light would normally go on the right side) locked in place by a separate stainless steel buckle.

When diving my rebreather I usually need a bit more lead maybe 10 lbs when diving dry. This gets put at the top of the rebreather to help with the typical feet down diving that tends to happen with RB's.



Corruptor -> RE: Back plate and wings, where to buy? + (12/12/2006 2:01:46 PM)

You can try these guys in Atlanta
http://underseaadventures.com/index.htm
I'm guessing that will take you 15-20 minutes from the Aquarium.

You can also try Divers Supply up in Doraville.  I think they carry Dive Rite products, but I don't know how much stock they have (especially in BP's & wings)

If you can take a trip over to High Springs (Just West of Gainesville), EE has all the Halcyon gear.

There's also another store right in Gainesville (Last Southbound exit on 75?) that's got good stock in techie gear.  I can't remember the name off the top of my head, but I can look for it if you want.



Sandy -> RE: Back plate and wings, where to buy? + (12/12/2006 4:20:00 PM)

Edd at Cave Adventurers in Marrianna, Fl has good prices on Dive Rite.  www.caveadverturers.com



scott_nielsen -> RE: Back plate and wings, where to buy? + (12/12/2006 4:34:32 PM)

thanks, i'll check them all out...appreciate the help....



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