Backplate pad for large heavy plate

[ScottyK]

I just picked up a 12lb plate and harness as a base for a new Oxycheq BP/Wing setup. The plate is 18" long, which is substantially longer than the one in Jens MC system.

I am leaving it bare for now, as I will be only diving dry until around next Memorial Day, but am concerned that it might be a little hard on my back when I switch back to my 7mil wetsuit.

Is there something like the MC pack that I can buy or DIY for a plate this big? I probably won't use it for storage (no plans on springing for a surf shuttle ;) ). I am primarily interested in just a touch of cushioning for wetsuit diving, and would appreciate any suggestions.

[OE2X]

I've used my BP in a pool with just a t - shirt. Didn't even notice it. I wouldn't worry about it.

[Rick Inman]

I just picked up a 12lb plate and harness as a base for a new Oxycheq BP/Wing setup. The plate is 18" long, which is substantially longer than the one in Jens MC system.

I am leaving it bare for now, as I will be only diving dry until around next Memorial Day, but am concerned that it might be a little hard on my back when I switch back to my 7mil wetsuit.

Is there something like the MC pack that I can buy or DIY for a plate this big? I probably won't use it for storage (no plans on springing for a surf shuttle ;) ). I am primarily interested in just a touch of cushioning for wetsuit diving, and would appreciate any suggestions.
I used my large steel backplate in hawaii with just a 3mm wetsuit and it was fine (except for the snickers I got from other divers).
Try it! You'll like it! :D

[cool_hardware52]

I just picked up a 12lb plate and harness as a base for a new Oxycheq BP/Wing setup. The plate is 18" long, which is substantially longer than the one in Jens MC system.

I am leaving it bare for now, as I will be only diving dry until around next Memorial Day, but am concerned that it might be a little hard on my back when I switch back to my 7mil wetsuit.

Is there something like the MC pack that I can buy or DIY for a plate this big? I probably won't use it for storage (no plans on springing for a surf shuttle ;) ). I am primarily interested in just a touch of cushioning for wetsuit diving, and would appreciate any suggestions.

Scotty,

I'd guess that you will have no need for a pad. Our plates can be configured with up to about 14lbs. I've used this setup in the pool with only a tee shirt. Can't really tell the plate is there. Other than the effects on trim, the 6lb plate vs the weighted 14lb plate does not "feel" any different in terms of comfort.

I'd suggest you just try it, likely you will be pleased.


Regards,


Tobin George

[FFMDiver]

I would completely disagree. Walk with the rig on along a dock for more than 2 minutes and it will dig into your shoulders big time. Your back is not a flat steel plate, its an S shape. Granted the plate setup doesnt weigh much in the water I still find it uncomfortable. I have your setup. After a year of diving a SS plate I just purchased the Oxycheq opac. It has a removable back pad. I slipped a Fred-T plate between the wing and the pad harness and Boom - COMFORT in and out of the water....BTW the burnished Fred-T doubles as a peice of art...

[ScottyK]

Thanks for the feedback! I guess it's a matter of opinion as to whether it's uncomfortable or not, so I'll try it both ways.

I came up with a free, DIY idea that I can put together over the winter, and have ready if I need it. I have an ancient 7mil fullsuit that I probably should have tossed out years ago. I'm going to cut out a pad from it, and punch grommet holes to secure it to the BP.

If it comes out halfway decent looking, I'll post a pic...

FFMDiver- They are nice looking plates. I'm just hoping you are diving with yours and not displaying it in your living room ;)

Scott

[hoopa]

i know oms has a back pad for thier plates-- im not sure about the layout of holes on your bp but maybe you can addapt theirs(oms's) pad to your b/p. I got a back pad for my plate but ended up taking it off cause i didnt find it that much more comfortable and i could never really get the sizing correct while the pad was on. Anyways, Goodluck:)