New Freedom Plates are here!

[Eric Sedletzky]

I don't want to use it with an STA, I want to use it with my double 95s and double 100s, and I do want to keep all my doubles sets with the standard 11" spacing.

In short, I'd trade the DR SS plate I use cave diving in a heart beat for a doubles compatible plate designed on the lines of the freedom plate. I think the basic design would also be nearly ideal for sidemounting as well.

Ah, 10-4.
I know how to do it, I've done it. I have a set of brackets I made up several years ago
and I had a set of double 72's on a freedom plate. It was on 11" centers with a wing on it and everything. I can do the same thing with this run. I will get them mocked up and shoot you a pic. As I remember the tanks didn't necessarily fit any closer to my back because the tanks themselves rested on each side of my body, but where it worked really well was having the shoulder straps come out of one single point and how that tends to be the best design for shoulder comfort.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

Do you have any pictures with wing and cam bands attached? Your avatar doesn't have much detail and doesn't look like you have a wing....

That is correct, I do not have a wing on in the avatar photo. I practice minimalist BC-less diving quite often.
I'm trying to get a scrap of time to get a pic of a set up rig. I've been swamped the last few weeks out on job sites, but I will make a point to get those pics posted.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

I can probably post a picture of my freedom plate and 28 pound wing with an AL 80 when I get home tonight.

 

[parzdiver]

That is correct, I do not have a wing on in the avatar photo. I practice minimalist BC-less diving quite often.
I'm trying to get a scrap of time to get a pic of a set up rig. I've been swamped the last few weeks out on job sites, but I will make a point to get those pics posted.

I can probably post a picture of my freedom plate and 28 pound wing with an AL 80 when I get home tonight.

Thanks guys! The plate looks like a great concept and the reviews on SB all seem to be very positive. I currently have a Halcyon with STA and 40lbs wing. I'm looking to put together a more streamline travel rig.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

OK, here are some pics.
One shows how to run the webbing through the top slots.
Another shows two different ways of running the webbing through the side waist slots, either the inside method or the outside method. The webbing always goes into the 30 degree angled slot first coming down from the shoulders. You can put as many or as few d-rings as you want anywhere you want. Make sure the webbing is run straight between the top and the side slots (no half twist).

As you can see, the plate has a huge range in how high or low you choose to set the tank and still have the wing be in proper position in ralation to the tank. I attached a double hose regulator to show the vintage divers that you can run the tank very low and still have room enough for the can to clear the plate (think Phoenix). For use with a modern regulator the tank can be set where ever you like it. Some like it high enough that they can reach back and work the valve.
I also wanted to demontrate that if the plate is to be used sans a wing, then two strips of 1/4" fuel line with a linear slice on one side can be put over the rails to avoid chewing up the tank.
When the wing is used the fuel line can be taken off.
Also, (not shown, the rail can be filled with an extra 3 to 4 pounds of lead to bring the total weight of the plate up to between 7 and 8 lbs.

The wing fits between the tank and plate or tank and rail (which when screwed on is technically part of the plate)

The last pics you can see the rig fully set up with an 18# Oxycheq Mach V wing.
The tank is a 3442 steel 100. The wing fully inflated is just over 13" wide.
This is one super streamlined and ergonomically comfortable rig!

 

[OldNSalty]

wow!!

 

[JCR]

Hello Eric and interested others,

I received the new Freedom Plate this morning ... impressive and an elegant piece of work. THANKS! I plan to use an Oxycheq 18# wing with a hog type harness. If you are on the fence about getting one, jump fast -- this is a quality plate.

JR

 

[DA Aquamaster]

Sorry it took so long - the board was for all intents and purposes down last night as it took forever for anything to load.

My freedom plate with a 28 pound wing and one piece harness:

 

[Anti-Hero]

Interesting idea - I'm curious to how well these trim out? It seems the majority of the weight is fairly low on the plate, rather than directly over the lungs.

 

[halocline]

Interesting idea - I'm curious to how well these trim out? It seems the majority of the weight is fairly low on the plate, rather than directly over the lungs.

Mine is an AL plate. The difference in shape has what I would call a non-existent to minimal effect on trim. They do allow for adjusting the tank lower on your back than most conventional plates (at least the ones I've tried) and with a steel tank that can really affect your trim. I bought mine to use with a doublehose reg; they're ideal for that, and I liked it so much I use it almost all the time with a single tank. I use a steel full size plate when I need the extra weight, but that's only with an AL80 and some neoprene.