BC for my 11 yr old son

[rhwestfall]

@doctormike - I'd bet, for a small sized youth, it would be too big....

 

[Fathom044]

Piranha has Ultralight Soft Travel Backplate Pad for under $40.

Ultralight Soft Travel Backplate Pad , Piranha Dive Shop |

 

[ams511]

What's the advantage of the softplate over the standard BP/W? I hear people recommend them, but I never felt that a regular plate was uncomfortable. And it sure is nice to have those 6 lbs of balance right next to your lungs and your center of mass....

Because we are dealing with a child and a normal size plate would probably be uncomfortable for him. If the OP was looking for a new BC for himself, I would recommend a hard plate.

 

[doctormike]

Because we are dealing with a child and a normal size plate would probably be uncomfortable for him.

I never found that to be the case... but maybe that's just me. I don't know why it would be different for a child, though. The rigid backplate has always been more comfortable than a soft jacket. Maybe padded plates are different.

 

[divad]

Because we are dealing with a child and a normal size plate would probably be uncomfortable for him. If the OP was looking for a new BC for himself, I would recommend a hard plate.

Almost anything is better than a Zeagle "BCD" replete with noodley straps and Fastex buckles.

this (price):

View attachment 529955

Does it HAVE to be purple?

 

[delacrue96]

If your 11 year old is like my 13 year old boys, comfort is primary. Lugging around a 6 lb steel or aluminum backplate in a dive bag is not fun. Helping someone put one on & pinching your finger between the plate & tank is awful. Padded backplate may be a better option.

 

[rhwestfall]

Does it HAVE to be purple?

for you, yes...

for others:

 

[divad]

Helping someone put one on & pinching your finger between the plate & tank is awful. Padded backplate may be a better option.

How often do you experience this "finger-pinching" phenomenon you speak of?

 

[loosenit2]

Well, that Rogue mentioned upthread is $600. But if you are comparing plate to plate, I would pay the extra $23 and get this one:

View attachment 529956

or this one.

Store | Vintage Double Hose

 

[divad]

for you, yes...

for others:

View attachment 529964

I will KILL your entire town. You'll see....they'll all see........hey wait, the lavender one has piqued my fancy.....I am so confused now....please, leave me alone.