Things You Need to Know Before You Buy a Backplate and ...
Emma Hughes, a passionate diver from the UK and a member of Girls that Scuba, shares her journey of purchasing her first backplate and wing system. Here are her insights on the nuances of this pivotal decision!
Initially, like many other divers, I started my exploration underwater with a jacket-style BCD, the same rig I used during my training. After some time and as my diving skills improved, I decided it was time to invest in my gear.
With a couple of years' diving experience under my belt, and countless recommendations from fellow divers who insisted that I would love a backplate and wing (BPW) setup, I took the plunge and purchased my own configuration. In this account, I will share the mistakes I made, lessons learned, and provide insights on what I appreciate—and what I don’t—about backplate systems.
Understanding the Backplate and Wing System
A backplate and wing system consists of three main components:
1. Backplate
Backplates are typically constructed from metal, which may be stainless steel or aluminum. Although less common, models made from titanium or carbon fiber are also available.
2. Harness
The harness comprises the webbing or straps that secure the system to the diver. Options vary in flexibility, color, and design, with choices between a continuous piece of webbing or multiple adjustable components that incorporate clips for easy modifications.
3. Bladder (Wing)
The bladder is where buoyancy is generated. Various sizes and configurations exist, with options for single-cylinder or twin-cylinder setups.
How to Purchase a Backplate BCD
For first-time buyers, navigating the options can be overwhelming. My primary piece of advice is to visit your local dive shop and engage in thorough discussions with the staff.
If you have an instructor or divemaster with whom you've previously dived and who understands your diving style, don’t hesitate to reach out to them for advice. Look at the range of equipment available in the dive shop, and if possible, try on different configurations and adjust them as needed. For an even better experience, consider renting wings to trial them in the water.
While it's technically possible to mix and match components from various brands and customize your setup piece by piece, I found it more straightforward to invest in a complete kit from a single manufacturer, which helped alleviate some of the anxiety associated with building my own system.
My Chosen BPW System
After extensive research, I opted for an X-Deep NX Zen Deluxe setup. When discussing BPW options with fellow divers, X-Deep frequently came up. Their specialization in backplate systems and sidemount setups made them a compelling choice。
It was a close competition between X-Deep and Apeks—I'm a loyal Apeks fan. However, X-Deep’s "Tune Up" custom gear creator, which allows users to personalize their equipment according to size and preference, tipped the scales in their favor.
This customization feature enables adjustments to backplate size, harness length, color, padding, and other specifications. The ability to modify the inflator corrugated hose length is particularly user-friendly.
Moreover, the option to personalize wings with your name or logo adds an exciting touch, although customization comes with a higher price tag.
After designing my setup, I received a summary sheet that detailed my selections and a unique number to take to any X-Deep distributor for ordering. If you're lucky, your dive shop may even offer a discount on the total cost!
Adjusting the Backplate Harness
When I first unpacked my setup and tried it on, I underestimated the adjustments needed for a proper fit. The main takeaway is—don’t expect to unpack and dive right away!
Paring down to the basics, it takes considerable fine-tuning to get the harness perfectly fitted. From my experience, this might require multiple attempts, some irritation, and sore fingers. Additionally, getting the D-rings positioned correctly is crucial; you might even need to add extra D-rings for your gear.
Consider adding a chest strap or trim weight pockets to enhance your configuration. It's essential to allocate sufficient time to become familiar with your gear and make adjustments customized to your preferences.
Getting the right fit involves a lot of trying on, adjusting, and re-rigging, but the payoff is well worth the effort as it significantly enhances comfort.
Diving with My Gear
My first experience diving with my new setup was during a pool session organized by my dive club. I’m fortunate to be part of a fantastic community (Aquanauts in Plymouth) that provides regular opportunities for gear testing. I highly recommend testing out new equipment whenever possible.
I participated in my final pool session just before the lockdown was enacted, and I took the opportunity to put together my kit and ensure everything was in order. As I took my initial plunge, I realized that the inherent weight of my stainless steel backplate was sufficient to help me descend smoothly.
While I did notice that adjustments were still necessary, I found the experience of diving with the new system both easy and stable.
To conclude, so was investing in a backplate and wing worth it? Absolutely! I believe that with the right guidance and preparation, this switch can enhance your diving experience.
If you're interested in finding the right equipment for your diving needs, feel free to reach out to the team at Metal Corrugated Compensator. Our knowledgeable sales team is here to assist you in identifying the best options for your requirements.