Question Apeks WTX-D40 BP&W harness cut by backplate

[egw]

After only 45 dives I’ve noticed the SS backplate is cutting into the webbing on my harness in three spots. Both shoulder and one on the waist. Right side shoulder cut 1/4”. Anyone else experiencing this? The edges of the backplate are not rounded and I don’t see a way to prevent this from happening.

 

[admikar]

I never thought of the ideas presented, but sound good. IF I had future problems with the plate…which I shouldn’t, but assuming me sanding the edges would void any warranty?

Regarding the cuts on the shoulder straps…where it comes over the top edge of the plate.

As far as weight I’ve either dove with just the plate or two pounds on each side secured to the waist harness using a product from Highlands which secures them with bungee chords.

I had similar problem. It didn't actually cut into harnes, but I just didn't like the feel of it. Filed it down, took me maybe 10 minutes.
Didn't even think about warranty, there isn't much to go wrong with a steel plate in the first place.

 

[egw]

Yeah, I am sure we are two totally different people when it comes to voiding warranties. IMO, a steel plate is a steel plate. It came out of the box designed for everybody, but you still have the opportunity to make it just right for you. Your customer no-service from Aqualung has "never heard of the problem", so how good is that warranty anyway? Again, I have to be careful to push my values like they are the norm though. After three dives on my shiny new xdeep ghost travel plate I already had it stripped down, shortened the tailbone to fit perfectly into an 17.5" bag, drilled new holes exactly where I wanted to mount the STA for better trim, fixed trim pockets directly to the plate behind the shoulders instead of the cam bands, switched from nylon to polyester strap webbing, and swapped out all the triglides - so definitely take my advice with more than a grain of salt. A good day voids at least two warranties before taking lunch.

If it were me I would totally replace the worn harness and while I had it apart I would round over the top edge of the plate to a perfect half circle radius and polish it to a sheen, and maybe mount the weights to the plate instead of the belt.

Weights mounted directly to a harness will cause some wear if transported with the weights hanging. Because of that, I prefer either a separate weight belt, or waist mounted pockets like these options that bolt to the back plate primarily and then just have the waist belt slide through:

Secure Weight Pocket System

Secure Weight Pocket System Compact, secure weight pockets. xDeep pockets ensure easy and safe carrying due to inner holder pouch equipped with a strong handle and durable zipper.This solution makes it easier to carry and manipulate the weight assembled

www.diverightinscuba.com

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2255800023179403.html

Apeks SureLock™ Backplate Attachments + Apeks SureLock™ Weight System {20 lb | 9.1 kg}
But 2 pounds isn't much, I'm exactly the same - diving saltwater with 2 pounds behind each shoulder and two pounds on each hip and it really doesn't drag that much on the harness regardless regardless of the mount. I was just concerned you might be sitting there with 6 pounds swinging on each side of your waist belt, no amount of polishing would avoid premature wear.

Thanks for taking the time to provide such great details in your response. I really appreciate it. I plan to make some revisions.

 

[egw]

I had similar problem. It didn't actually cut into harnes, but I just didn't like the feel of it. Filed it down, took me maybe 10 minutes.
Didn't even think about warranty, there isn't much to go wrong with a steel plate in the first plac C

I have the same issue. I’ve had my Apeks wing since at least the beginning of 2019 with probably at least 1,000 dives using it. The webbing is very thick and stiff so it can take some level off damage.

The friction that wears through the webbing should also round the edges of the backplate, so I’m expecting that the problem will sort itself out. I’m monitoring the webbing and will change it in due course, by which time I’m expecting the second webbing would last longer.

yea this what it looks like after just 45 dives and I’m not sure when it actually started.

 

[scubadada]

And,,,what does Apeks say? We have crappy QA?

 

[admikar]

I wasn't implying you have no issue. I just said that I filed it down before I noticed any issues, which would most likely surface after some time.

 

[egw]

I wasn't implying you have no issue. I just said that I filed it down before I noticed any issues, which would most likely surface after some time.

I knew that. Just thought I’d provide photos as I did not initially

 

[egw]

And,,,what does Apeks say? We have crappy QA?

It’s too bad, but I would have to agree with your assessment of their Q&A. This should not have occurred with less than 45 dives.

 

[Badger7]

It’s too bad, but I would have to agree with your assessment of their Q&A. This should not have occurred with less than 45 dives.

you can really in your pics how the edge on that plate is just a small 45deg bevel instead of a smooth roundover

 

[CT Sean]

The friction that wears through the webbing should also round the edges of the backplate, so I’m expecting that the problem will sort itself out. I’m monitoring the webbing and will change it in due course, by which time I’m expecting the second webbing would last longer.

I don't know if I'd take that bet - Stainless is a heck of a lot harder than plastic

 

[CWK]

I don't know if I'd take that bet - Stainless is a heck of a lot harder than plastic

Yes, but my harness has lasted 1,000 dives, and it looks good enough for another 1,000.

Quite frankly, I'm not one for expecting my gear to last forever. Lasting 1,000 is good enough for me. Lasting 2,000 dives will drive me crazy... I need to go shopping before then!