OK all you BP/W gurus... I've been using a regular back inflate BCD and have also been using a Transpac. This winter I decided to piece together a Stainless Steel Plate/Wing configuration. I wanted to go with a SS Plate so I could reduce weights when diving in Salt Water. The plate weighs about 5 1/2 lbs. I'd also prefer to dive with the same configuration in both Salt and Fresh water. I only dive wet and pretty much in warm water.
I took it out yesterday and played around with it in the local quarry. I was wearing a 3/2 full. I found that I did not need any weight to be neutrally buoyant with no air in the wing and 500 lbs in the tank.
Here's my problem:
I found that despite the BP/W being snug and not moving on my body, I felt really "tippy". That is, I felt that I was going to tip over on my back (kinda turtle up). It didn't happen but I felt very unstable. Not really sure why unless the fact I wasn't carrying any weight and the wing was empty could have accounted for it. Kinda like a ship with ballast in the hull keeps it stable.
If that's the case, should I stick with my Transpac or an Aluminum plate for fresh water so I'll have to add a little weight and use the SS plate for Salt Water?
Thoughts?
Jim
I took it out yesterday and played around with it in the local quarry. I was wearing a 3/2 full. I found that I did not need any weight to be neutrally buoyant with no air in the wing and 500 lbs in the tank.
Here's my problem:
I found that despite the BP/W being snug and not moving on my body, I felt really "tippy". That is, I felt that I was going to tip over on my back (kinda turtle up). It didn't happen but I felt very unstable. Not really sure why unless the fact I wasn't carrying any weight and the wing was empty could have accounted for it. Kinda like a ship with ballast in the hull keeps it stable.
If that's the case, should I stick with my Transpac or an Aluminum plate for fresh water so I'll have to add a little weight and use the SS plate for Salt Water?
Thoughts?
Jim