I've put about 30 dives on my Mares XR Battle Blue and I absolutely love it. I put a couple of small Dive Rite ditchable weight pockets on the waist strap and a couple of trim pockets on the top cam band. Makes for a very streamlined system. I'm looking into a steel backplate system for drysuit diving. (To take up some of the extra weight I need when in a drysuit). Haven't decided what brand I'm going with though.
Hello Kyle B., a great option, once you have picked a plate, is to get a plate and harness, but don't worry about getting another bladder. Simply swap the bladders between the two systems. The Blue Battle is a 34 pound lift system, which will be plenty of lift for you, while diving steel, and even in a Drysuit with extra weight.
@@LakeHickoryScuba great advice! Thank you. Lift is one of those things I always find myself stressing over. When I drysuit dive I use a steel 117 and a neoprene drysuit. I've debated with myself whether or not to get a bigger wing with the steel backplate but I'll take your word for it. I am afterall beginning to see that I don't need nearly the amount of lift as I once thought I did. Keep the good tips coming!
I have the silver knight with an aluminium BP but I now use the Mares XR soft BP. Just like you I attached the dive rite detachable weight pockets. They're a bit pricey but you pay for what you get. I had a few issues at first with weighting. Although I was in pool water and not sea water I found my self over weight even in a full 3.5mm wetsuit. At one point I took all the weights out and felt i was still heavy. Since using the soft BP and 2kg of weight, 1kg each side I've had no issues. My trim is great and on the surface I'm not being pushed forward at all. I absolutely love this rig so a big thanks to Bryan as his videos convinced me this was the right choice and so far no regrets. Thanks Bryan
Hello Rick Knight, if you get the chance, see if another diver will let you try before you buy. There are so many great options out there, having a general idea of what your needs are, will make the decision process much easier.
Thanks Jonny B Kuehl. To be honest with you, This steel system will be for not just singles, but also for doubles. I gave up doubles many years ago when I switched to Sidemount Diving. However, I have had a lot of request to make some Back Mounted Double videos, so this new steel system will allow me to make them. Just got to buy a double's bladder now.
Thank you for the video!. I use that exact same SS standard backplate wing, with only 4 extra kgs in the cam bands, I am perfectly weighted for my trilaminated drysuit. However, that's with an HP80 tank. I think the rig would be improved with a STA (I don't now how one would fit within the tank guides that are included in the XR bladder) for two reasons. First, a steel STA would add some extra weight for an aluminum tank and second, it would make easier to change the bladder to a different rig. I also have a light weight aluminum harness for travel or wet suits, and hate to have to take out cam bands, weight pockets, re-thread the buckles and adjust its size, each time I change set ups. That being said. I love diving with my XR Wing
Hello Osvaldo Richards, the Mares XR wings (the single wings) can take a single tank adapter, although they have a built in tank cradle and do not need one. The great thing about this is, it allows the tank to sit closer to the diver's center of gravity, thus, helping with trim and weighting issues.
I have the stainless steel 6mm backplate with single tank bladder. I absolutely love it! Best part is I really do not need additional weight flopping around, unless I wear a wetsuit. 👍 It is definitely a beast in terms of weight, but I do manage to travel with it.
Hello Dive Another Day, glad to hear you like your 6mm Plate. They have not been that popular here in our area. I have only sold a small handful of them.
I use SS for my single tank setup, but prefer aluminum for my doubles. The doubles are a pair of luxfer S80N's, the SS plate over weights me for local warm water diving (Oahu). For a single al 80, the only lead I carry is to offset the buoyancy of the cylinder. For the doubles, I'm balanced with no additional weight.
Hello haveUSPwilltravel, a lot of divers here in our area use the same set up as you. They dive double 80's, but use the Aluminum Plate instead of the Steel Plate.
Hello Eric Fronabarger, there are a lot of myths about them, which we cover here in this video, ua-cam.com/video/jYEIkpTjpwI/v-deo.html. Hopefully you will find it interesting and educational.
I use a CF backplate because it's cool. ;) :) . It's been shelved for the past 2 years as I switched to SM and recently achieved Cave 1 in Mexico. Love the SM setup.
Hello RPM, I too much prefer Sidemount over Back Mount. I spent a week down in the keys doing some deep wreck diving, and all I took with me was my Sidemount gear.
I thought you were using the soft 'backplate' with the XR for travel? Incidentally, I bought the aluminum silver knight XR system (always for travel) a few months ago before I saw your videos on them. Was hoping to be diving this week with them in S. Florida... 'cept the cv19 shut everything down. Might use the extra time to try a dip on the backplate though!
Hello weiniesail, I was. I recently sold it to one of my Divemasters, and decided to upgrade. During this time of being stuck at home, and not getting to dive, buying new scuba gear is one of my coping devices. LOL
I’m interested in how the SLS Weight Pockets are set up. I’ve also got the Red Devil backplate, and weight pockets. But I’m just not too happy with how the pockets are secured.
Hello George Kirkaldie, the Mares SSI Pro Red Devil have slightly different SLS pockets compared to the standard SLS pockets. Personally, I would much rather have the standard pockets, as they have an extra tri-glide at the reverse that allows for a better security system to keep the pouches from sliding on the waist strap. With this being said, you can always add an additional tri-glide between the loops in the back of the SLS system to prevent the from sliding as well.
I dig my blue battle bp/w Light for travel, I dive with 2lbs, 4lbs with 5mm wetsuit, I like having a light set-up..... also matches my limited edition blue camo jetfins XD
LakeHickoryScuba The Psycho Calavera? Looks pretty cool, but I think the red devil and blue battle look better. I love my blue battle, though replaced the tank straps for Aqualung gridlocks as the ones included had trouble gripping on my fat 12L cylinder. Not sure if I was just too weak to tighten them or what!
Hello pietro_b, I will be happy to make a video on entry level computers. A quick disclaimer, they will be on Mares computers, as we are a Mares Dealer, and currently that is all we have in stock.
I am a new (15 dive; 1 year) recreational diver and I currently dive a ScubaPro Hydros Pro; what is your opinion about switching to a backplate and wing? Would it be worth it or would i be better off waiting until either I need to replace my gear or choose to start technical dive training? My questions are bot financial and value based.
Hi Albert, i have no complaints with it but i have been considering selling it and switching to a backplate wing as that is what seems to be the recommendation; just not sure if it is worth the Trouble at this point.
@@Michael-ow1oq Hydros to backplate isn't a huge move. The Hydros is an outstanding rig that is very close to a backplate in design. On the flip side, if you have a very clean and cared model, they hold value well and it you might not lose much if you sell. My Mares 6mm SS backplate, harness and single tank bladder was around $600. About $300 less than a new hydros...
Hello Michael Hubbard, the Hydros Pro is an amazing BCD, and I recently purchased one for myself as well. I love the fact that it is great for travel and all my gear will fit into a simple back pack. One of my regrets is never buying the Aeris or Oceanic version, what they called the Jet Pack, when they were still on the market. With this being said, I am still a huge fan of Back Plate and Wings. It all comes down to what are your personal needs. Once you can answer that, then answering whether or not you need a Back Plate and Wing becomes easy.
LakeHickoryScuba. Thank you for your response. I really appreciate your insight. And I agree with your assessment. I am really happy with the Hydros and am working to get to where I can dive dive every day. I think you are right I have not been diving long enough to know exactly what I want. I am blessed that I could afford the initial gear and I purchased my gear based on comfort, however my questions come in from the fact that when I went to my local dive shop to learn and ask I did not know what a backplate and wing was and they were never presented as an option. That being said I have been curious about them ever since I heard about them. Even my dive instructor dives a backplate and wing.
Ha, what a treat - you can't use it yet. Doesn't that hurt - to have it, and not be able to go out and use it? Like giving a kid his/her new bike s/he's been waiting for, but telling him/her, no going outside to ride yet while we are social distancing. SAY WHAT???!!
Hello Avery Einhorn, I have been very fortunate to have made several dives over the last few weeks. We are on limited hours at the shop, due to the virus, however, we are still making PSD dives and Salvage dives. I will be 23 feet deep tomorrow morning doing an underwater inspection for one of our local businesses in our area. Unfortunately, I will not be wearing either one of these BPW's, but I will be in my Public Safety gear.
You talked in the video about diving with doubles (6:30), but these look to both be set up for singles. Can these be changed out to dive singles or doubles and if so how much effort to do that?
Hello Brian Campbell, they most definitely can be set up for doubles. Simply by changing out the wing, and adding a bolt kit, you can very easily attach a banded set of doubles to the Back Plate and Wing.
![Back Mount vs Sidemount {[My Biased Opinion]}](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/M0OpJSzf948/mqdefault.jpg)
![Back Mount vs Sidemount {[My Biased Opinion]}](/img/tr.png)
![Reels-Spools-SMBs-DSMBs {[How Do I Rig Them]}](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/rNjpLc6ND2o/mqdefault.jpg)
I've put about 30 dives on my Mares XR Battle Blue and I absolutely love it. I put a couple of small Dive Rite ditchable weight pockets on the waist strap and a couple of trim pockets on the top cam band. Makes for a very streamlined system.
I'm looking into a steel backplate system for drysuit diving. (To take up some of the extra weight I need when in a drysuit). Haven't decided what brand I'm going with though.
Hello Kyle B., a great option, once you have picked a plate, is to get a plate and harness, but don't worry about getting another bladder. Simply swap the bladders between the two systems. The Blue Battle is a 34 pound lift system, which will be plenty of lift for you, while diving steel, and even in a Drysuit with extra weight.
@@LakeHickoryScuba great advice! Thank you. Lift is one of those things I always find myself stressing over. When I drysuit dive I use a steel 117 and a neoprene drysuit. I've debated with myself whether or not to get a bigger wing with the steel backplate but I'll take your word for it. I am afterall beginning to see that I don't need nearly the amount of lift as I once thought I did. Keep the good tips coming!
I have the silver knight with an aluminium BP but I now use the Mares XR soft BP. Just like you I attached the dive rite detachable weight pockets. They're a bit pricey but you pay for what you get. I had a few issues at first with weighting. Although I was in pool water and not sea water I found my self over weight even in a full 3.5mm wetsuit. At one point I took all the weights out and felt i was still heavy. Since using the soft BP and 2kg of weight, 1kg each side I've had no issues. My trim is great and on the surface I'm not being pushed forward at all.
I absolutely love this rig so a big thanks to Bryan as his videos convinced me this was the right choice and so far no regrets. Thanks Bryan
You're welcome pj Campbell, glad to hear the rig is working for you.
Thanks Kyle B.
I just set up my new Mares 6 mm backplate and wing. hope to get in the pool this week and figure out weight and trim with and with out a wet suit.
Hello South Toledo Bend LA, let me know how the 6mm plate works for you. They haven't been that popular here in our area.
I can't wait to save up for a back plate system.
Hello Rick Knight, if you get the chance, see if another diver will let you try before you buy. There are so many great options out there, having a general idea of what your needs are, will make the decision process much easier.
This is great Brian!! Perfect video to follow up what we've been emailing about. Looking to go with your steel plate set up.
Thanks Jonny B Kuehl. To be honest with you, This steel system will be for not just singles, but also for doubles. I gave up doubles many years ago when I switched to Sidemount Diving. However, I have had a lot of request to make some Back Mounted Double videos, so this new steel system will allow me to make them. Just got to buy a double's bladder now.
As always great explanation ... can’t wait to see your next video ... I’ve learnt so much watching them 👍🇬🇧
Thanks Albert Bell, it should be out at 6am in the morning, 15 April 2020.
Thank you for the video!. I use that exact same SS standard backplate wing, with only 4 extra kgs in the cam bands, I am perfectly weighted for my trilaminated drysuit. However, that's with an HP80 tank. I think the rig would be improved with a STA (I don't now how one would fit within the tank guides that are included in the XR bladder) for two reasons. First, a steel STA would add some extra weight for an aluminum tank and second, it would make easier to change the bladder to a different rig. I also have a light weight aluminum harness for travel or wet suits, and hate to have to take out cam bands, weight pockets, re-thread the buckles and adjust its size, each time I change set ups. That being said. I love diving with my XR Wing
Hello Osvaldo Richards, the Mares XR wings (the single wings) can take a single tank adapter, although they have a built in tank cradle and do not need one. The great thing about this is, it allows the tank to sit closer to the diver's center of gravity, thus, helping with trim and weighting issues.
I have the stainless steel 6mm backplate with single tank bladder. I absolutely love it! Best part is I really do not need additional weight flopping around, unless I wear a wetsuit. 👍 It is definitely a beast in terms of weight, but I do manage to travel with it.
Hello Dive Another Day, glad to hear you like your 6mm Plate. They have not been that popular here in our area. I have only sold a small handful of them.
I use SS for my single tank setup, but prefer aluminum for my doubles. The doubles are a pair of luxfer S80N's, the SS plate over weights me for local warm water diving (Oahu). For a single al 80, the only lead I carry is to offset the buoyancy of the cylinder. For the doubles, I'm balanced with no additional weight.
Hello haveUSPwilltravel, a lot of divers here in our area use the same set up as you. They dive double 80's, but use the Aluminum Plate instead of the Steel Plate.
Would like to see proper cleaning and storage of bpw between diving.
Hello Steven Wood, I will see if we can get one made for you.
Never been diving with a back plate and wing. I have a Dive rite soft set up I haven't used yet
Hello Eric Fronabarger, there are a lot of myths about them, which we cover here in this video, ua-cam.com/video/jYEIkpTjpwI/v-deo.html. Hopefully you will find it interesting and educational.
I use a CF backplate because it's cool. ;) :) . It's been shelved for the past 2 years as I switched to SM and recently achieved Cave 1 in Mexico. Love the SM setup.
Hello RPM, I too much prefer Sidemount over Back Mount. I spent a week down in the keys doing some deep wreck diving, and all I took with me was my Sidemount gear.
I thought you were using the soft 'backplate' with the XR for travel? Incidentally, I bought the aluminum silver knight XR system (always for travel) a few months ago before I saw your videos on them. Was hoping to be diving this week with them in S. Florida... 'cept the cv19 shut everything down. Might use the extra time to try a dip on the backplate though!
Hello weiniesail, I was. I recently sold it to one of my Divemasters, and decided to upgrade. During this time of being stuck at home, and not getting to dive, buying new scuba gear is one of my coping devices. LOL
I’m interested in how the SLS Weight Pockets are set up. I’ve also got the Red Devil backplate, and weight pockets. But I’m just not too happy with how the pockets are secured.
Hello George Kirkaldie, the Mares SSI Pro Red Devil have slightly different SLS pockets compared to the standard SLS pockets. Personally, I would much rather have the standard pockets, as they have an extra tri-glide at the reverse that allows for a better security system to keep the pouches from sliding on the waist strap. With this being said, you can always add an additional tri-glide between the loops in the back of the SLS system to prevent the from sliding as well.
I dig my blue battle bp/w Light for travel, I dive with 2lbs, 4lbs with 5mm wetsuit, I like having a light set-up..... also matches my limited edition blue camo jetfins XD
We sold quite a few of the Blue Battles the latter half of 2019. I can't wait to see what the new color scheme will be this year.
LakeHickoryScuba The Psycho Calavera? Looks pretty cool, but I think the red devil and blue battle look better.
I love my blue battle, though replaced the tank straps for Aqualung gridlocks as the ones included had trouble gripping on my fat 12L cylinder. Not sure if I was just too weak to tighten them or what!
Some reviews about entry level computers, please?
Hello pietro_b, I will be happy to make a video on entry level computers. A quick disclaimer, they will be on Mares computers, as we are a Mares Dealer, and currently that is all we have in stock.
I am a new (15 dive; 1 year) recreational diver and I currently dive a ScubaPro Hydros Pro; what is your opinion about switching to a backplate and wing? Would it be worth it or would i be better off waiting until either I need to replace my gear or choose to start technical dive training? My questions are bot financial and value based.
Michael Hubbard Hi Micheal I used a buddy commando for years then my wife bought me the Scuba Pro Hydro I absolutely love it 🇬🇧
Hi Albert, i have no complaints with it but i have been considering selling it and switching to a backplate wing as that is what seems to be the recommendation; just not sure if it is worth the Trouble at this point.
@@Michael-ow1oq Hydros to backplate isn't a huge move. The Hydros is an outstanding rig that is very close to a backplate in design. On the flip side, if you have a very clean and cared model, they hold value well and it you might not lose much if you sell. My Mares 6mm SS backplate, harness and single tank bladder was around $600. About $300 less than a new hydros...
Hello Michael Hubbard, the Hydros Pro is an amazing BCD, and I recently purchased one for myself as well. I love the fact that it is great for travel and all my gear will fit into a simple back pack. One of my regrets is never buying the Aeris or Oceanic version, what they called the Jet Pack, when they were still on the market. With this being said, I am still a huge fan of Back Plate and Wings. It all comes down to what are your personal needs. Once you can answer that, then answering whether or not you need a Back Plate and Wing becomes easy.
LakeHickoryScuba. Thank you for your response. I really appreciate your insight. And I agree with your assessment. I am really happy with the Hydros and am working to get to where I can dive dive every day. I think you are right I have not been diving long enough to know exactly what I want. I am blessed that I could afford the initial gear and I purchased my gear based on comfort, however my questions come in from the fact that when I went to my local dive shop to learn and ask I did not know what a backplate and wing was and they were never presented as an option. That being said I have been curious about them ever since I heard about them. Even my dive instructor dives a backplate and wing.
Ha, what a treat - you can't use it yet. Doesn't that hurt - to have it, and not be able to go out and use it? Like giving a kid his/her new bike s/he's been waiting for, but telling him/her, no going outside to ride yet while we are social distancing. SAY WHAT???!!
Hello Avery Einhorn, I have been very fortunate to have made several dives over the last few weeks. We are on limited hours at the shop, due to the virus, however, we are still making PSD dives and Salvage dives. I will be 23 feet deep tomorrow morning doing an underwater inspection for one of our local businesses in our area. Unfortunately, I will not be wearing either one of these BPW's, but I will be in my Public Safety gear.
@@LakeHickoryScuba Just jealous. Me. Been laying in the bathtub with a straw and pretending.
Purty! 🤙🔥
Thanks DEAP Water Guide.
do they sell those weight pouches as a stand alone item to add to bpw?
Hello bigval46, they sure do.
LakeHickoryScuba where would i be able to find them? all i can find are just replacement pouches
where can I buy these Mares BPW set ups?
Hello Jared Miller, we actually sell them on our website. www.lakehickoryscuba.com
You talked in the video about diving with doubles (6:30), but these look to both be set up for singles. Can these be changed out to dive singles or doubles and if so how much effort to do that?
Yes. The cam bands and two bolts hold the bladder to the back of the backplate.
Hello Brian Campbell, they most definitely can be set up for doubles. Simply by changing out the wing, and adding a bolt kit, you can very easily attach a banded set of doubles to the Back Plate and Wing.