The scuba wing and backplate are separate components. Both pieces are attached to a buoyancy compensator that establishes neutral buoyancy underwater and positive buoyancy on the surface. The wing and backplate are modular systems that can be disassembled from each other. They are a good choice for divers not sure which type of scuba diving equipment to purchase. Here are the pros and disadvantages of each.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel back plate and wings are available with or without a harness. The wings and backplate are made from 316 stainlesssteel. This material is highly resistant against saltwater. It is cut on a CNC cutter and polished manually to prevent sharp edges which can prematurely wear the strap. They can also work with single- or dual-air tanks. You can remove the stainless steel wings and backplate for easy storage.
Stainless steel backplates can be heavier than aluminum. Stainless steel backupplates are perfect for colder environments, as they'll help reduce the weight of your diving gear. Stainless steel backplates fit all types of dive tanks better than lead pieces. A Halcyon Dealer can offer weighting advice to help determine what size is best for you. You won't need to replace this backplate as often because it will last longer.
Plastic
Even though the buoyancy of plastic back plate or wing is negative it can still be beneficial for weight replacement. Jacket BCDs come with pockets and weight integration. The wing and backplate do not have these ancillary functions. These components are available separately. We will be discussing the pros and cons for each. It is crucial that you choose the right type and size of back plate to suit your needs.
Softpack harness
There are many different types of wings and back plate harnesses. Backplates, wing BCDs, and the most common are both available. These BCDs include all of the required components such as a backplate, wing, and harness. Users can also customize the harness using a range adjustable features. Softpack BCDs, which are lightweight and flexible, are great for technical divers.
The downside of steel backplate harnesses is their lack of adaptability. The harness is not intended to be used with single tanks. While the steel harness offers the most rigid option, it can be cumbersome when used for travel. The steel harness is only compatible with double tanks. Additionally, the steel backplate may not be suitable for use on land. Attaching adapters can make it work with single tanks, but this is not recommended.