Metal Plate

A typical metal backplate is about {15.5 in | 39.4 cm} long and about {10.5 in | 26.7 cm} wide at the base. In our opinion that size is suitable for divers with an average build between {5 ft 3 in | 1.6 m} and {6 ft 3 in | 1.9 m} tall, although this just a generalization as some rare individuals may have a disproportionate amount of their height distributed between their legs and torso.

If you are extraordinarily long in your torso, we don't recommend using any metal backplate and continuous webbing harness. If the harness shoulders are set to hold the tank and wing at the correct height, then the waistband is going fall on your diaphragm or possibly even your ribcage and thus implead your breathing. If the harness shoulders are set too long in order to lower the bottom of the plate and harness to your waist, then the tank and wing will also ride too low on your body thus affecting your in-water trim plus possibly making the inflator difficult to reach.

If you are extraordinarily short in your torso, a typical size backplate is less of an issue with usability and more about comfort. The bottom edge of the typical size plate will rest below your waist and feel uncomfortable, especially if you are only wearing thin exposure protection. The Dive Rite Short Backplate is approximately {2 in | 50 mm} shorter than the standard backplate and may be more comfortable for those individuals with a shorter stature.

If you are not a good fit for a standard backplate, we recommend you consider a 'soft plate' system. These are available in a wide range of sizes that are tailored for your body build, along with adjustability and configuration options to deliver a perfect fit. You will find them much more comfortable, yet they still provide the benefits of a back inflation system with a plate and webbing harness. You can find our soft plate systems in our BC Packages under Soft Pack BC Systems.