Backplate and Wing: the stealthiest BC system in the west – Once thought of a system to technical diving, the Backplate and wing (BP/W) has recently made a strong surge into the recreational diving community. Divers of all levels of experience and training have come to appreciate the stealth, balance and adaptability of the BP/W system. This minimalist system utilizing the BP/W was made popular by the cave diving community and became known as a Hogarthian system, or later, a DIR system (Doing it right).

Nuts and bolts – The BP/W system is made up of four parts.

• First is the harness, which can be adjustable, or simple webbing. We favor simple, inexpensive webbing as it will hold your torso like a glove and can be replaced for only JPY 2,000.
• The harness is attached to a metal plate; usually stainless steel, but aluminum is also used. This plate provides stability and about 5 or 6 pounds of weight where a diver needs it the most (over the lungs).
• Next, the “wing” is the flotation bag that attaches to the plate. You can choose different sizes of these: 30 to 45 pounds is a common range. A DDT professional can help you make the decision of which wing size is right for you.
• Last, there is a metal tank holder with bolts to the backplate and sandwiches the whole system solidly together. This part is called the STA, or Single Tank Adaptor. STAs also come in different weights for different applications.

BP/W Buoyancy Advantage - One of the added benefits of a backplate is that it puts weight over your torso, where the flotation of your lungs and wing reside. This makes for a balanced distribution of weight and flotation, allowing the diver to more easily achieve a stable horizontal position in the water. This is contrasted with the use of heavy weightbelts, that often pull divers in to a vertical position. A backplate system also has multiple options for additional weight attachment, making the fine tuning of weight and balance easily achievable.