A Back Plate And Wing Discussion

[@Mikemok1981]

I always appreciate you views on these subjects. Another great video.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Thanks Mr HiggsBoson

[@andrewhobbs1303]

That hydro drip is awesome. Definitely see this in the future for my backplate.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Thanks Andrew Hobbs, glad you liked it. Here is the video where we dipped Michael's plate. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWmlhWifj9Z9adE

[@SummersideDiver]

Awesome video as usual, Bryan. Thanks! The info you share is helping me on my journey to figure out my bpw system. Of course I’ll go talk with my LDS, but I’m the guy that likes to do my research before I go in to talk with them, so again, thanks for all the information and videos that you create.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Glad you liked the video @skirblah. The great thing about Back Plate and Wings, 99% of the time, all manufactures will work with others. So you can truly customize your rig to suit your needs.

[@forestdavid8329]

Thanks for the videos. I dive a 2.5 pound steel backplate, with a tank stabilizer plate, 30cf pony, single steel tank and obviously 2 regs, and knife. I do not need any additional weight, and in reality need less weight. I certainly have non ditchable weight but i am far from a balanced rig at the start of the dive and even toward the end of the dive, I need air in the wing to surface when using a skin suit or 3mm. What can divers like me do to have a safer system to surface when we want to if we had a wing malfunction? Currently, I carry a 50 pound safety sausage as my safety sausage and back up air cell. Thanks

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Forest David, there is not much more you can do, other than change out your plate for a lighter plate, or use a thicker exposure suit so that you have additonal buoyancy. Drysuit would be an option for additional lift as well.

[@southtoledobendla]

Love the video, I recently purchased a Mares Bolt BCD, I just got back from my first offshore dive with it not really happy with it. Back plate setup is my next move. this clears up a lot of my questions

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello South Toledo Bend LA, glad you liked the video and that you found it helpful.

[@Will-ol9lp]

You make a lot of good points my friend. Also 👍👍👍 up to Michael on the hydro dip it looks great. Good for him.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Thanks Will

[@Wfgross]

Nice video. I must admit, I was a little distracted by the cooler loaded with beer. It reminded me of the dive shop when I lived in Italy. There was a cooler with open bottles of wine and sample cups!

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

We are the only marina on the lake that sells alcohol. Its a big seller for us.

[@aevans692]

just bought the soft plate with the 10kg wing , for light weight diving from my yacht , a bit of maintenance and cleaning .. :) so far all good ..

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

I really enjoy the the soft plate system as well. aevans692

[@charlesmarkel4173]

Hi Bryan, many thanks for all your great videos! Any chance you can do one on which weights to use with back plates and wings, particularly aluminium ones? A weight belt appears to conflict with the crotch strap.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Charles, I would be happy to make a video for you on how to add weight systems to a Back Plate and Wing.

[@sapperstang]

Love your videos. I'm starting to look at BPW systems to replace my jacket style. I primarily dive in rivers and large creeks looking for fossils. We tend to go heavy because we want to stay on the bottom and work. With a 5 ml suit, hood, gloves, etc. I will run 16 lbs. Weight is my biggest confusion when it comes to the BPW. I really don't care for the large weight pouches and am not at all interested in a belt so I am unsure of what to do when it comes to weights with these types of systems!

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello sapperstang, hopefully these videos here will help you out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4rIpnWAoLyrh5Y, kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHS5foVpasann8k, kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGGwgZt5bNOoeKM, kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIqoep6mic-jras

[@khencris3102]

Love the video.this makes me want to go now to BP&W set up now.can you point me out to a reliable website that can make me customize the build/pick the parts I can put into the BPW system?thanks and safe diving

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Khen Cristobal, I would recommend checking out your local dive center, as they can help you get geared up and even help you get your new back plate and wing adjusted for you.

[@sayittrue9570]

Great vid as usual Brian.would loved to see those rig set up on a maniquin to see how they look being worn.ive a scuba pro hydros and love it but I'm toying in getting another bcd as I'm wanting to as you say customise a set up for me and what my preferences would be.keep em coming everything you put out on video is if great value to everyone

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello sayittrue, I'm not sure if we have any videos showing our manikins up close. We do have the Mares XR Silver Knight displayed on one though.

[@bill2292]

Thanks again Brian, I learn a lot from your videos! Have you seen weights you can "bolt" directly to the backplate? What's your opinion? I'm sure some people will say I'll die if I try it, but it seems like a good idea to eliminate the need for 2-3 different weight backplates and excess pockets as long as you still have some weights you can drop and some positive buoyancy.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Bill, bolting weights to a back plate is nothing new. When I first started Sidemount Diving, we would zip tie them to our plate. I will link a video here for you where we talk about balanced rigs. If done properly, they can be used safely without the need of ditch-able weight systems. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHS5foVpasann8k

[@akant74]

I use an Edge Hog TBC backplate wing. I use stainless backplate and have add about 14 lb to its weight pockets. I want to use steel 100 tanks in the future... which adds even more weight...I did a test dive with the tank and had to remove all my ditchable weight in order to not be overweighted. That makes me a little nervous.... how common is this? Would you suggest switching to an aluminum back plate?

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Kenny Kant. When it comes to Back Plate and Wings, the first step is to determine what your balanced weight needs to be, before you add your gear. Here is a video that can help you calculate that (kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4rIpnWAoLyrh5Y). Then you can add up the total amount of weight that your Total Dive System adds (this includes the weight of your back plate and wing), and make the determination on whether you chose soft, aluminum, or steel. Here is another video talking about balanced rigs as well (kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHS5foVpasann8k).

[@fuckanory]

Hey Bryan fantastic video as always. I was just wondering about the SLS weight system on your colleagues rigs. I can't find the exact same ones online. There is no "Mares" logo on the side. I'm not sure if this is some type of material covering but where can I get the exact same weight system as I've been looking everywhere . I'm in the UK by the way. Many thanks in advanced

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello pj Campbell, the SLS weight system come in two different components. Any Mares Dealer should be able to get you them. The parts numbers for easy reference are, 417959 for the weight pouch, and 47201303 for the kit pockets.

[@frangalarza]

Great video as always! I dive an Aqualung Outlaw wing-style bcd which I love because it's super light and easy to travel with. However the tank strap is quite bad, it failed 2 times, both during a giant stride, and once the velcro is wet is impossible to adjust it properly. I'm thinking about switching to a backplate with double tank straps because of this.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

There are some great models out there. Plenty to choose from.

[@jassenjackman3284]

Bryan, can you comment on specific ways to trim and add weight to a BP setup? I’m a cold water diver with drysuit and THICK undergarments. I’m diving with 35-40lbs of weight (including a 6lb plate) and I’ve been using tank band pockets, a 7lb v weight and I’m still carrying 10-15lbs on a weight belt. Any more comfortable suggestions to adding weight to a BP?

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Jassen Jackman, I will actually do more than just comment, I will make a video on it. Stay tuned, and thank you for the video idea.

[@kurtsteiner8384]

I dive with aqua lung pro blue. Don't think they are around any more. I have weight pouches but also use a weight belt. I have customised it slightly to Cary torches and beacons. I use steel tanks as it reduces the amount of lead weight I need to Cary. It's a good unit for what I use it for general purpose diving mostly in UK waters.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Kurt, Aqua Lung makes great equipment. I have sold it for many years. I've always heard that the UK waters tend to be colder than what we have here in the States. How is the vis over there?

[@kurtsteiner8384]

@@LakeHickoryScuba Thank you for that Brian! Vis in the UK can be good up to 20 metres depending on the time of year and where you dive. In winter or autum it can be much less . In my naval diving doing mine clearance you had to feel your way around. If Vis is really bad you could just have 6 inches or not even see the hand in front of your face. We do have really demanding conditions. But it also means you can dive mostly anywhere. As temps pretty much variable like Vis. In summer upto 20'c or in autumn 0'c or even - 5 to -10'c in a bad winter. I don't tend to dive in the winter theseday just spring to autumn really. Hope it helps. Will answer that other msg later. Many things I did not know about US fire and police services much different from UK.

[@byronmcdonald6060]

Bryan, what is your opinion about a 11yr old learning to dive on a BP&W? He loves the looks of the Blue Battle and I plan to get certified as well on the BP&W setup. Love your videos, keep 'em coming...

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

I am 100% for it, as long as it fits, and as long as the young diver feels comfortable using it. My oldest daughter currently still wears a jacket style BCD, simply because she is still a little too small for me to fit her into a Back Plate and Wing. The plate is just as tall as she is.

[@jjohn8989]

How well does hydro dip hold up? And how much did it reduce mirror like glare? (I have blinded myself in the summer sun gearing up this summer lol) I love diving my dive rite with "dir-ish" webbing set up.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello J John, so far Michael hasn't had any issues with the Hydro Dipping coming off.

[@timowings778]

good video i'm a new diver and learned quickly I did not like the jacket BCD I have an OMS SS plate with comfort 2 harness, dive rite ditchable weight pockets. I love my setup been diving every weekend

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Tim owings. Glad to here your OMS system is working for you.

[@revtechmarine]

I completely agree with you very good points should be able to know exactly where everything on your system is how it works and be able to do it blindfolded helps in your comfort and safety as well although I think I just heard A.G cry littlecry little lol

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

I have much respect for A.G. But I get intimidated every time I see him at DEMA, the man is as tall as a mountain.

[@wallybrown9509]

I just got the Xdeep Zen. I have 8 dives on it, still tweaking it, but I like it. I really like the aluminum/magnesium plateI so far. Think I’m going to hyrodip my plate, great idea.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Wally, did you see our plate hydro dipping video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWmlhWifj9Z9adE

[@robotsforroboticists]

Thanks for your videos. I recently got a steel plate. With my HP100 and no extra weights in fresh water I am slightly negative. Can you do a video on your thoughts about balanced rig and having ditchable weights.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

I would be happy to make a video on a balanced rig with ditch-able weights. Let me see what we can get produced for you.

[@robotsforroboticists]

@@LakeHickoryScuba Thanks!

[@pbillings808]

You don't need weight, so your options are limited. When expecting to breath 5 lb of air (80 cu.ft tank), it's useful to have 5 lb of the total weight be ditchable to be neutral at the safety stop if the wing failed at the beginning of the dive. The danger lies with thick wetsuits mandating so much weight that you can't swim up with a wing failure. Ditch enough to get off the bottom, and you'll cork near the surface (also bad). A buddy or alternate lift is a better option. A very common "alternate lift" choice is a drysuit.

[@markvincentcocjin]

Could you review military and special forces diving gear? Would love to hear about what ideas they have that could apply to civilian use. Like wearing shoes you can use all day that accepts fins. I'm one of those fools that drive home in my wetsuit just because it feels better to get cleaned at home. Don't worry, it was only 30 minutes away and I drip dried and wrapped the interiors in plastic.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Mark Vincent Cocjin, we would be happy to review military gear for you. The biggest issue is obtaining the gear to review. If you have some you would be willing to send us, we will be happy to review it and ship it back to you. As far as decontaminating at the dive site or at your house, the issue with driving home in your exposure suit would be exposing your vehicle to the contamination.

[@coachgkj]

Awesome video. Would like to hear your thoughts on wing selection. Looking to replace my travel wing with a wing that i can use for alum and steel single tanks. How much lift needed when trying to get my gear neutrally bouyant.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Garth Jensen. In the Mares line up (and specifically for single tank), there is a 22lb wing and a 34lb wing. I use both but prefer the 34lb wing, as it works great for a soft plate, aluminum plate, and a steel plate.

[@pbillings808]

The wing should compensate for the weight of the air you breath and loss of wetsuit buoyancy at depth. Tailor for your specific tanks and suit. Diving with an 80 cu.ft tank and 3 mm wetsuit, I only need 13 lb lift (5 lb for the air and 8 for the suit). A 7 mm suit would need a lot more, perhaps more than you can swim up if the wing failed at depth.

[@pbillings808]

Typically you use weight to get neutral at 15 ft with an EMPTY wing. If you need air in the wing at the safety stop with a nearly empty tank, you are overweighted.

[@kevinedmond6507]

Thanks! Well explained.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

You're welcome kevinedmond, glad you liked the video.

[@danhidde3903]

Me: What kind of dive shop sells alcohol... Also Me: Ooooh dos equis and dive shirts, why isn't this my dive shop? Thinking of looking at back wing next. Just have to explain to wife why I need that instead of the Zeagle Halo she bought me a month ago. Maybe the travel weight excuse? Great video!!

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Dan Hidde, we are not your typical shop, we are also a full service Marina, Ice Cream Parlor, Water Tow Company, and Underwater Salvage Company.

[@divindragon1302]

Thanks for sharing your video, personally I like your output on the new Aqua Lung Axiom I3. I don't know you have ever reviewed this BCD, but I'd like your input on it. Thanks for another good video. As usual dive safe.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello divindragon, we haven't done a review on the Aqua Long Axiom I3, however I am familiar with it. Aqua Lung makes some very durable and high quality equipment.

[@divindragon1302]

@@LakeHickoryScubaThank you, I appreciate your time. Maybe someday I'll get up your way and you can show me a good place to get wet. Keep up the good work Sir, I truly enjoy your videos. Thanks for taking the time to reply to my question. As usual dive safe.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

You're welcome divindragon. I will be happy to show you some neat places to dive here in our lake.

[@undisclosedperson3871]

Are the ditch-able weight pockets available separately? And if so do you know the product code? Thanks you

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Josh Dredge, they are. There are two parts that you will need. 47201303 and 417959

[@undisclosedperson3871]

LakeHickoryScuba thank you!

[@coultonbradford8645]

I can’t seem to find the mares quick drop weight pockets that are on Michael system. Any way you could point me in the right direction?! Thank in advanced!!

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Coulton, its actually a 2 part system. He also uses trim pouches on the back. www.mares.com/shop/us-US/diving/bcd-s/bcd-s-accessories/slide-and-lock-system.html, www.mares.com/shop/us-US/diving/bcd-s/bcd-s-accessories/trim-weight-1.html The product codes you are looking for are. 47201303, 417959, and 417964

[@elibrin123]

A 3mm stainless steel works well, especially with an AL80, as the weight of air lost is compensated by the backplate. Travel with the backplate in the carry-on bag, if I have a weight issue. No big deal.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Thank you for pointing our the weight loss of air as we breathe it up underwater. A lot of divers tend to forget this.

[@KB-gd6fc]

I have been searching the internet far and wide looking for the SLS weight system to put on my Mares XR battle blue. Can't find the whole system anywhere. Please help.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Kyle B. We sell them here at the shop. I am actually out of town, currently traveling to Orlando for DEMA, the big Scuba Trade Show. I will be back in the office next Monday, if you would like to give me a call. I will be happy to help you out.

[@gregrogers220]

What are the best fins open back or closed

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Greg Rogers, it all depends on what type of diving your doing and your personal need of that fin.

[@bigval46]

if the 3mm steel back plates are 5 lbs whats the weight of the 3mm aluminum back plates?

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello bigval46, the Mares XR aluminum plates weight 1 pound.

[@stevenwood1468]

What are the differences in diving a backplate and wing vs a back inflate bcd?

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Steven Wood, it all depends on the individual diver. For me personally, I don't have any issues diving either one.

[@stevenwood1468]

You could probably dive a pool floatation ring with no issues 😎 All of us are not like that 🤪

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

I try to tell all my students, with experience, a diver should learn that they have total control of their system, and that they should never let the system control them.

[@Teampegleg]

I would never be balanced with a 5lb backplate. Even with my 2lb back plate in the summer with my shortie or in the springs I am negative with steel tanks.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

That is exactly what most steel tanks are good for, negative buoyancy.

[@hectorfernandez4640]

what about the BC SEAC PRO 1000 HD THIS BC IS OKEY BECOUSE SOME PEOPLE SAID THAT IS NOT PROFESIONAL BUT MANY INSTRUCTOR I SEE THEY USED

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Hector, SEAC makes some great products. I know a lot of Instructors that use SEAC BCD's and Wetsuits.

[@dh5645]

😜 how did you lose your legs and how do you wear fins 😜

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Its a secret, or I would tell you. LOL

[@tomw9078]

You can see his legs 6:20 - 6:30 as he shuffles sideways.

[@diversdown2116]

here is my ? they say that a plate and wing that it throws them forward and they like a jacket style. so on the surface you inflate just enough to get your head out of the water. so with a jacket there is just a bit of in the back top of the jacket not the hole thing filled up. so with a plate and wing is not that bit of air in the same place? i have no problem at the surface with my plate & wing.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello b st john, here is a video we did on the myths of a Back Plate and Wing and on a Jacket Style BCD. You may find it interesting. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIqoep6mic-jras

[@RileyTech]

I heard "ditchable weights" as "digital weights" and I got really confused for a minute

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Sorry that would be my accent kicking in.

[@RileyTech]

@@LakeHickoryScuba I totally get it, lol, I'm from Texas. For a minute you had me like "damn, technology's come a long way"

[@subsurface3102]

can i have a gatorade?

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Sure, come on by and see us subsurface.