Anti-wing-pinch backplate modification?

[gvnwst]

I'm not sure if this is best put in the BC's subforum, but...

Since no manufacturer seems to have done it on their SS/aluminum plates, has anyone here tried adding something...less sharp, to the bottom of their backplate to prevent an accidental sing bladder puncture from dropping the plate onto the wing?
I'm considering buying some 1/8" ID silicon tubing, cutting about a third off (along the length) and fitting it to the bottom of the wing, but I'm curious if someone has a better idea? Or does it not seem to be a big issue to most?

 

[buddhasummer]

I'm not sure if this is best put in the BC's subforum, but...

Since no manufacturer seems to have done it on their SS/aluminum plates, has anyone here tried adding something...less sharp, to the bottom of their backplate to prevent an accidental sing bladder puncture from dropping the plate onto the wing?
I'm considering buying some 1/8" ID silicon tubing, cutting about a third off (along the length) and fitting it to the bottom of the wing, but I'm curious if someone has a better idea? Or does it not seem to be a big issue to most?

Yes, that one.

 

[Peter_C]

The only time I have ever come across a pinch potential was on the Peace boat in SoCal, but my friends warned me ahead of time to bring a board to lift the tanks so the wing wouldn't get pinched.

 

[lemke]

Yep, that's what I did on several backplates. I used clear reinforced hose, but I think 1/4" I.D./ 1/2" O.D. variety. (It's what I had laying around) I then drilled 3 or 4 3/16" holes about a 1/2" from the bottom of the plate and zip-tied the hose to the plate. Easy.

I forgot to add, just slice the tube lengthwise, and slide it over the bottom edge of the plate...

 

[tbone1004]

if you never set the backplate on top of the wing, i.e. harness down, and you have your wing sized and positioned appropriately it shouldn't ever be a problem. If you put tubing on there, you have to take it off after you are done diving because water will pool in there and rust out the backplate. SS and aluminum are only so good at corrosion resistance.

 

[00wabbit]

I was a crappy boat in key largo. They made you put on and take off your gear at the back of the boat on the platform. When you got out they took your gear and put it in the rack. The racks were too deep and they pinched my wing.

Its the newer type of dss wing without a zipper so there is no way without cutting open the wing to get to the bladder. It's very annoying. Also why wouldn't you put a way to access the bladder on a wing?

 

[lemke]

If you own a backplate and wing, you WILL, at some point, pinch the wing with the plate. Like, changing tanks on the last dive of the day when you're tired...

@tbone... I'd rather have the hassle of removing/installing some tubing than sending my wing back to Tobin.

 

[gvnwst]

lemke, do you remove the pipe/zip ties after every day of diving? I was thinking of a more "bonded" system (hence the 1/8" ID pipe, just about the right size. Heat up the bottom of the plate, stick on, shape to desire with a hot knife) but your way sounds like it could work pretty well. I imagine using larger diameter pipe, putting some small holes in the bottom for drainage, you wouldn't have to worry about water buildup?

 

[lemke]

I never take mine off, just a good rinsing. No rust after after who knows how many years. Larger diameter pipe, loosey-goosey is all that's needed to keep out any water trapped. I like your idea about putting some holes in the bottom of the hose, although I think we may be over-engineering a very minuscule issue, LOL.

 

[dumpsterDiver]

I was a crappy boat in key largo. They made you put on and take off your gear at the back of the boat on the platform. When you got out they took your gear and put it in the rack. The racks were too deep and they pinched my wing.

Its the newer type of dss wing without a zipper so there is no way without cutting open the wing to get to the bladder. It's very annoying. Also why wouldn't you put a way to access the bladder on a wing?

Because it is cheaper without one and people will still buy them?????