DiveMar once bubbled...
Hi there,
I'm new to diving ( OW certified ) so this might seem like a daft question, but I was wondering if you could tell me what kind of equipment a backplate and wings are? I'm building up my gear, so I'm trying to find out as much info as possible. Thanks.
A BP/Wing is the most simplistic bouyancy device you can use. It consists of an oblong metal plate, either aluminum or stainless steel, that is bent and shaped to be comfortable against your back. In stead of padded shoulder straps, built-in pockets, padded cumberbuns and all the other parts that make up the body part of a regular BC, there is a length of 2" webbing that is threaded continuously through and around the backplate (BP). This webbing goes over your shoulders and back under your arms to the BP, then around your waist. Your wing is then bolted to the BP and the tank straps are added. The wing is your bouyancy device, the bladder that holds air. There are several brands of wings but that's basically what they all do.
Sounds hideous and torturous, doesn't it?
Well, it's not. When you get it adjusted and fitted properly to you body, it is the only truly customized BC available. The front of you is free, there's only the 2" webbing for a belt. Very liberating! I no longer feel squeezed. I have added small velcro dump pockets to mine for weight integration and a pocket to hold slate, gloves, flashlight, etc. So simple as it is, you don't have to give up your pockets. I still feel as though I have very little on in the water. We've already mentioned the crotch strap...I never notice it's there.
Alot of people will tell you only experieced divers or only technical divers should use a BP/wing but that's bull hockey! There's no reason new divers should not start out in one. We have several new divers in our TSDT that started diving last summer in BP's and they did better than most in bouyancy control.
Feel free to ask us anything that comes to mind....that's how you learn!