Backpad or No?

[rfwoodvt]

Morning!

Going to start diving with an OMS back plate that came with a back pad. Not sure whether I want to keep the pad attached or take it off. Am looking for opinions one way or the other and the reasons behind those opinions.

I understand that general comfort may be the primary reason. But in my case I'm not sure how much that will apply. To wit, I've been diving with both a Zeagle Ranger (without lumbar pad) and Ranger LTD with one built in.

Can't say I favor one over the other specifically in regards to comfort so I don't think the comfort reason will play much in to my decision.

I dive exclusively in a TLS350 Drysuit and run single AL80 tank with a AL19 bailout.

Thanks for the input!

 

[lexvil]

With the pad it may feel more like the Ranger but it wont take long until you won’t notice. I generally don’t bother with them, my new S tek has one that I haven’t bothered removing (yet)

 

[rhwestfall]

Never used a back pad once I went to a plate. Includes diving a dry suit (single and twin steel tanks), 7mm wet suit (single steels), 2mm (single steels and AL), and a t-shirt (AL).

I do have very modest (non-neoprene) shoulder sleeves on my harness for t-shirt diving. I prefer them with the walks associated with shore diving.

 

[PR_SMITH]

I had a BP with a pad; just makes it hard to get at butterfly nuts/and or verify tightness before a dive. Ditched the pad, didn't miss it.

 

[NothingClever]

I used a pad for a while because my xDeep rig came with it and then took it off. I found that once I’m in the water, the pad is inconsequential (IMO). Topsides, I prefer the unrestricted access to everything for inspection and maintenance plus it’s one less thing to dry out.

If you walk a bit, maybe then it’s worth keeping.

 

[rfwoodvt]

I do have very modest (non-neoprene) shoulder sleeves on my harness for t-shirt diving. I prefer them with the walks associated with shore diving.

What are you using for sleeves? (pcis?)

 

[Zef]

Take it off vs. leave it on....the only opinion that matters is what works best for you.

-Z

 

[parzdiver]

If you are concerned about comfort, I use a backplate with t-shirts and don't have any discomfort. Did a week of shore diving in Bonaire without any problem.

If the back pad has a storage pocket that you plan to use, it might be useful.

I believe in the minimalistic approach, if it doesn't add anything, I remove it.

 

[Litefoot]

In regards to the BP pad with pockets; are there any here who actually store and deploy a DSMB from the pocket?

 

[PR_SMITH]

In regards to the BP pad with pockets; are there any here who actually store and deploy a DSMB from the pocket?

When I had a pad, I kept a lift bag in the pocket...