Black Ice Powerline Complete 19’’
Deluxe Webbed Harness + SS Backplate
How to choose a backplate and harness
A backplate and harness are the frame of a wing BCD system. The plate holds the cylinder and the wing, the harness holds the plate to your body, and together they set how the kit sits. Most plates and harnesses here cost about R2,800 to R6,300, and complete systems cost more.
Plate, harness, accessories
- Stainless steel plates are heavy and add useful ballast, which can replace some lead. Aluminium plates are lighter and travel better.
- Harness webbing comes in one-piece and adjustable designs, with sizing by maker. Quick-release buckles and D-rings let you clip on a computer, torch and an SMB.
- Soft backplates and travel plates trade weight for rigidity, and suit divers who fly with their kit.
Fit and pairing
Match the harness to your body and exposure suit, and the plate to your cylinder and wing. A wing of the right lift attaches to the plate, and see wing BCDs and donuts and wings for the options. Spares such as buckles and bolts are with BCD spares. Brands here include Tecline, Apeks, Xdeep, Scubapro and OMS.
Questions we get asked
Steel or aluminium backplate?
Steel adds weight where you want it, which reduces lead on a belt. Aluminium is lighter for travel and for warm water where you carry little weight.
Do I need a harness and a plate?
Yes, they work together. They are sold as a system, or separately so you can choose each part.
Can I use any wing with any backplate?
Most wings mount on standard plates, but check the bolt pattern and the plate size with the maker.