Posted by Bob3 on May 15, 2002 at 09:54:51:
In Reply to: Response to the OMS thread posted by Eric S on May 14, 2002 at 21:40:50:
I had a chance to check out a large number of backplates from different manufacturers while at DEMA last year.
The differences were quite noteworthy.
One well respected manufacturer (ain't telling to avoid the "brand wars") has some pretty BPs that seem to have a couple design issues.
The light weight plates, while very pretty, lacked sufficient thickness to hold a proper radius on their slots (had sharp edges). Rapid webbing wear is the result.
In a case like that, a properly rigged stitched attachment will be far superior to a continous piece of webbing.
If all you're diving is singles, Seatec and Northern Diver turn out wings that can be attached to a plain old backpack that you may already have collecting dust in a closet somewhere.
Instant wings/backpack setup for under $200, and it doesn't hardly feel any different than diving with just a bare pack.