JCR
Contributor
I used a Freedom Plate and 18# Oxycheq wing on a recent trip to Cozumel. Prior to this I have been diving a Zeagle back inflate BC or back in the day a plastic plate and harness. I began looking for a rig that was streamlined and comfortable. After some searching, I bought a plate from Eric.
I found the plate to be very comfortable to wear and had no problems with adjusting the harness. I agree that since the plate and wing are not attached, there is some awkwardness in keeping the parts together transporting the wing on and off the dive boat, but I think a zip tie or some bungee or other method to hold the parts together for transport will make things easier on the next trip.
I put two of the XS Scuba pouches on the waist band instead of using a weight belt (3 pounds in each pouch). I will probably not do this again since it makes things just a bit too awkward to carry. Next time a weight belt will replace the pouches.
Marking the harness at the points where it threads through the waist area made readjustment easy, although next time using some keepers on the harness should prevent the webbing from moving.
What impressed me most is how comfortable the plate is in and out of the water. With the waist belt cinched down, there was no noticeable movement while diving. Next time I do plan to try the crotch strap to see if it adds anything to overall stability.
Simplicity is its own elegance in the design of this plate! Nice work Eric.
JR
I found the plate to be very comfortable to wear and had no problems with adjusting the harness. I agree that since the plate and wing are not attached, there is some awkwardness in keeping the parts together transporting the wing on and off the dive boat, but I think a zip tie or some bungee or other method to hold the parts together for transport will make things easier on the next trip.
I put two of the XS Scuba pouches on the waist band instead of using a weight belt (3 pounds in each pouch). I will probably not do this again since it makes things just a bit too awkward to carry. Next time a weight belt will replace the pouches.
Marking the harness at the points where it threads through the waist area made readjustment easy, although next time using some keepers on the harness should prevent the webbing from moving.
What impressed me most is how comfortable the plate is in and out of the water. With the waist belt cinched down, there was no noticeable movement while diving. Next time I do plan to try the crotch strap to see if it adds anything to overall stability.
Simplicity is its own elegance in the design of this plate! Nice work Eric.
JR