New From VDH (Universal back plate with vintage spirit)

[cheeko8080]

I have the Scubapros and a differently labeled but otherwise identical pair of the Highlands. The Highland type are solid and seem simple and clean to me. The Scubapros always look like a mess to me when packing. That being said, I usually go with my Scubapros. Sometimes I go with the Highland type though. I'm not sure if this is actually the case, but it seems to me that the Scubapros have a higher mechanical advantage than the Highlands, which I think is why I usually end up grabbing them. The Highland type are very nice and clean though and I never regret using them when I do.

Clint

[Bryan]

I am quite sure I could restrain an elephant with the Highland bands Definitely no slipping when you cinch them down.

[cheeko8080]

hahah I've definitely never had any slippage with them ...though I'm not an elephant ... so I guess my experience can't conclusively verify the elephant theory

[Bryan]

I took a few minutes and installed two sections of bungee retainer running it though the band opening and securing it in the back behind the bands. It will stay in place while changing cylinders with no permanent modification. It does reduce the profile a whole lot. So you can have a very low profile BCD AND 30lbs of lift in reserve in the event you find some gold bars and need to raise them.

Inflated.





Deflated

[antique diver]

Say Bryan... does the Royal Spiro come with the $225 package?

[Bryan]

Say Bryan... does the Royal Spiro come with the $225 package?

Yes just add another 2

[EHowe]

Is it possible or even recommended that you could use an integrated weight system like Zeagle's Ripcord? I have been using that on my Express Tech and like the convience. That being said I am interested in the "Vintage Spirit" back plate & wing (time to loose the universal tag sound generic). Come to think of it "Vintage Spirit" sounds like a good name for the whole line of original VDH products. Sorry, highjacked my own post.

[Bryan]

No problems using quick release weight pockets on harness or bands. Luis and I are still looking at other options. I would drink boiling oil before I would recommend anything by Zeagle but I don't have 1st hand knowledge if it will work or not. Thank you.

[EHowe]

No problems using quick release weight pockets on harness or bands. Luis and I are still looking at other options. I would drink boiling oil before I would recommend anything by Zeagle but I don't have 1st hand knowledge if it will work or not. Thank you.

Sounds great, I'll start saving my pennies now. And in the future I will refrain from using the Z word

[Bryan]

Sounds great, I'll start saving my pennies now. And in the future I will refrain from using the Z word

They make great stuff. I'm not questioning their gear at all. It's a personal axe I'm swinging on this one.
On two different occasions I have been told that my money was not good enough and they had neither time nor desire to talk with me. Never even got to talk to anyone in a decision making role at the place. Can't get past the coffee cup crowd and inbred family members

[14020]

Inbred family members. Is that the same as nepotism

[seakrakken]

LMAO
How do we begin to explain?
Banjos start playing in the background.
There is a feeling of dread in the air.
Ned Beatty is screaming like a pig.
Lets say yes, Nepotism is involved but, on a more sinister level.
Not only is he implying that they are all family members but, that they were the offspring of incestious relations.
We are all certain that such is not likely the case.
That does not make the allegation any less humorous though.

[sitkadiver]

Today I tried out the backplate for the 1st time. I have it adjusted a little too low from the looks of it in this photo:



The back plate itself, however loks great. I dove it with my Voit Navy and it worked great and set-up was easy.



A wee bit of fine tuning and I should have it dialed in exactly, On my next adjustment I'm going to throw on my thick fleece under the drysuit, that way I have plenty of room to work with.

Tried to do some self portraits of the back plate and reg, but none really turned out.



And it's not quite touching my back....

[1969ivan1]

Looking good my Alaskan brother. I can't wait to try the VDH plate out at SAND DOG in PCB. All these posts by people are making me antsy.

[JES]

Looking good my Alaskan brother. I can't wait to try the VDH plate out at SAND DOG in PCB. All these posts by people are making me antsy.

It is a great looking setup. I just might need to jump on this bandwagon.