Tony_Q

One of Don's backplates has made it safely to the land of Oz.

I use the alloy, Luxfer 20 cuft tanks which necessitates having the foot on the standard DR plastic backplate on full extension. This made the whole kit hopelessly unstable when it was stood upright on the ground during kit preparation etc.

Don's backplate has solved this problem and makes it so much easier to work on during assembly, pre and post dive checking.

While I could have used additional stainless steel reinforcing to support the DR foot, it would not have been as elegant a solution.

This may not be such an issue for people using the shorter 13cuft tanks, with the foot up closer to the base of the DR backplate, but if you wish to change tanks, then seriously consider Don's backplate.

Don's ingenuity has solved one of my only two criticisms of the Optima (the fragility and stability of the DR backplate/foot system). This only leaves the lack of a DR recommended and supported BOV as a major issue for me.

If only DR could get together with Golem Gear or whoever to sort out the WOB issues and provide a recommeded and supported BOV for the Optima I would be a very happy customer.

Tony