Thermoplastic Backplate

[GilbyTwins]

I have an Apex WTX backplate/wing setup for cold SoCal diving with a stainless steel plate. Traveling to Hawaii in early Nov. and Apex has a big backorder for their ultra-lightweight backplate so I need to be a little more ingenious. The alternative aluminum backplates still weighing in at almost 2 pounds doesn't buy me much.

I was wondering if anyone here has any experience with thermoforming plastic? Say take a 1/16" or 1/8" thick sheet of lexan, use the existing backplate for the mold, lay it on top and cook it in the over for a few hours (whatever time is necessary) to mold to the existing shape. Once it cools, cut the openings, outline, and off we go.

Are there better alternatives? Not really interested in spending the money on a carbon-fiber product as it seems like it's overkill. Thanks for anyone's help and/or suggestions. -Dave

 

[Anthony A.]

DSS makes a kydex plate. Mares, oxycheq and zeagle all have soft backplates like the Apeks.

 

[ams511]

I have an Apex WTX backplate/wing setup for cold SoCal diving with a stainless steel plate. Traveling to Hawaii in early Nov. and Apex has a big backorder for their ultra-lightweight backplate so I need to be a little more ingenious. The alternative aluminum backplates still weighing in at almost 2 pounds doesn't buy me much.

I was wondering if anyone here has any experience with thermoforming plastic? Say take a 1/16" or 1/8" thick sheet of lexan, use the existing backplate for the mold, lay it on top and cook it in the over for a few hours (whatever time is necessary) to mold to the existing shape. Once it cools, cut the openings, outline, and off we go.

Are there better alternatives? Not really interested in spending the money on a carbon-fiber product as it seems like it's overkill. Thanks for anyone's help and/or suggestions. -Dave

If you are diving singles, why bother with the thermoforming? A backplate is only bent so the doubles bolts won't poke into your back. You could just trace the outline of a backplate on a sheet of plastic and cut it out using your steel backplate as a template.

VDH sells a flat aluminium backplate, in the past others have sold flat backplates. You could also call Randy at Piranha and ask him if this will work for you.

 

[GilbyTwins]

Outstanding suggestions. Thank you both for the ideas!

 

[Umuntu]

An inexpensive thermoformed backplate can be found easily on eBay for around $25.

 

[GilbyTwins]

An inexpensive thermoformed backplate can be found easily on eBay for around $25.

Thanks for the suggestion. I did look there and did not find any available. If you have a link to one it would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Umuntu]

Thanks for the suggestion. I did look there and did not find any available. If you have a link to one it would be greatly appreciated.

Here it is …

Scuba Diving Tank Bracket Cylinder Holder Snorkeling Assembly Backplate Blk | eBay

Unfortunately it's a Chinese listing and will take a while to be delivered.


XS Scuba has similar items, a bit more expensive, but probably quicker delivery:

XS Scuba Standard Tank Backpack

XS Scuba Deluxe Tank Backpack

Also, better value :

Aqua Tank Back Pack with Straps

 

[Umuntu]

I have an Apex WTX backplate/wing setup for cold SoCal diving with a stainless steel plate. Traveling to Hawaii in early Nov. and Apex has a big backorder for their ultra-lightweight backplate so I need to be a little more ingenious. The alternative aluminum backplates still weighing in at almost 2 pounds doesn't buy me much.

Try here for the Apeks ultra-lightweight backplate …

Apeks WTX Ultralight Travel Plate

 

[Bubblesong]

Now I know what to do with my old plastic veggie cutting boards, but it doesn’t sound very comfortable.

 

[Umuntu]

Now I know what to do with my old plastic veggie cutting boards, but it doesn’t sound very comfortable.