what is "a back plate and wing set up?"

Hello,
I am looking at a Sherwood Outback BC. When reading on it many people refer to a "back plate and wing set up". I am new to diving and do not know what this is. Also, does it need it? Please help!

Thanks,
john

well, this is one of many manufacturers -

http://www.halcyon.net/mc/harness.shtml

look to the left on that page and there are the pages for wings. no, a 'standard' bc does not need and has no relation to a backplate & wings - it comes complete in itself. an outback is similar, but not modular like a plate.

if you want more info, look below for similar threads, or search 'backplate'. you'll get more than you bargained for!

PhxDiver:

Hello,
I am looking at a Sherwood Outback BC. When reading on it many people refer to a "back plate and wing set up". I am new to diving and do not know what this is. Also, does it need it? Please help!

Thanks,
john

Click to expand...

The search button is your friend. It has been discussed here too many times to count...

John, a bp/w set up is traditionally considered a technical diving setup, but is becoming more popular in recreational diving. A back plate is constructed out of aluminum or steel, depending on the weight. Most aluminum plates are 2lbs. The steel plates can range from 6lbs to 17lbs, probably even more if you want. They are machined with certain bends, cuts, and holes so that a harness can be applied to them. You then bolt a wing (buoyancy bladder) to the plate. You can attached single tanks with a STA (single tank adapter) or attach double tanks with the bolts held on the double tank bands. You do not need this for the Sherwood BCD. However, the bp/w is much more versatile than any BCD you'll find on the market. It's made of components so you can mix and match the components to fit the type of diving you are planning on doing. I have 3 different set ups I can configure with my gear. Hope this helps.

BabyDuck:

well, this is one of many manufacturers -

http://www.halcyon.net/mc/harness.shtml

look to the left on that page and there are the pages for wings. no, a 'standard' bc does not need and has no relation to a backplate & wings - it comes complete in itself. an outback is similar, but not modular like a plate.

if you want more info, look below for similar threads, or search 'backplate'. you'll get more than you bargained for!

Click to expand...

This is another link:http://www.oxycheq.com/Bouyancy.html

You can buy through me at a discount for SB'ers

Ron

Thanks Dive-aholic. You have been great help with all of my newbie questions!
-john

and thanks, ron. i was just going for a site with a decent pic, and this was the first i found...