Eric Sedletzky
Contributor
I've been dreaming about designing a new Contoured backplate that is comfortable, streamlined, and can use a STA (so any wing can be used), and can accept doubles.
After many sleepless nights I finally figured out how to do it. It's a tad labor intensive with a lot of welding, but this is the only way I could figure out how to retain the contour shape + the weight needed (over 5 lbs) + 11" center holes for STA mounting + a way to bolt on doubles.
Note* this is only a prototype so please excuse any rough edges or unfinished looks.
Basically I took a modifies version of my Freedom Contour and widened it a little and welded a 2" cut channel on the back backwards so the flat side is out and the cut part is curved to match the shape of the contouring. I drilled two holes 11" center with an outer access hole with just enough room to bury a bolt and nut and be able to keep it from digging into my back.
Some of the features:
11" center holes so any STA and any wing can be used.
Threads are 5/16" standard 18 , so 1/2" socket is used to tighten nuts.
Solid welded design - very strong
Top slots are just one single slot so both webbing sides are independent. This is nice because if one side wears out it's only a 6' piece, and it makes side to side adjustment a breeze. Note how a keeper is placed on webbing to secure strap and a second keeper is used to secure extra webbing tail. the top doubled webbing also acts as a chafe guard for the main webbing underneath.
Plus there is adjustment so webbing can be tightened or loosened for added versitility, either at the top or on the sides.
Fully shaped and contoured just like the last model.
Will take doubles just like any other plate.
Threaded rod fits right into holes and will bolt up.
Unbelievable comfort with doubles.
So what do you think?
I still need to water test it but conditions were bad today otherwise you'd have a full dive report too.
After many sleepless nights I finally figured out how to do it. It's a tad labor intensive with a lot of welding, but this is the only way I could figure out how to retain the contour shape + the weight needed (over 5 lbs) + 11" center holes for STA mounting + a way to bolt on doubles.
Note* this is only a prototype so please excuse any rough edges or unfinished looks.
Basically I took a modifies version of my Freedom Contour and widened it a little and welded a 2" cut channel on the back backwards so the flat side is out and the cut part is curved to match the shape of the contouring. I drilled two holes 11" center with an outer access hole with just enough room to bury a bolt and nut and be able to keep it from digging into my back.
Some of the features:
11" center holes so any STA and any wing can be used.
Threads are 5/16" standard 18 , so 1/2" socket is used to tighten nuts.
Solid welded design - very strong
Top slots are just one single slot so both webbing sides are independent. This is nice because if one side wears out it's only a 6' piece, and it makes side to side adjustment a breeze. Note how a keeper is placed on webbing to secure strap and a second keeper is used to secure extra webbing tail. the top doubled webbing also acts as a chafe guard for the main webbing underneath.
Plus there is adjustment so webbing can be tightened or loosened for added versitility, either at the top or on the sides.
Fully shaped and contoured just like the last model.
Will take doubles just like any other plate.
Threaded rod fits right into holes and will bolt up.
Unbelievable comfort with doubles.
So what do you think?
I still need to water test it but conditions were bad today otherwise you'd have a full dive report too.