Step 3: Choosing your backplate
The backplate determines structure and contributes to your weighting.
Carbon fibre or stainless steelStainless steel hardwareChoose by water temperature and suitOur backplates
Carbon Fiber Pro Backplate with Harness
Carbon fibre with Cinch harness
Ultra lightweight, strong and travel friendly. It comes with Halcyon's integrated Cinch adjustable harness, stainless steel hardware and a crotch strap, so you can tighten or loosen the fit without taking the kit off.
About 0.5 kg (1 lb)Cinch system includedStainless steel hardwareSS Deluxe Backplate with ACB Pockets
Stainless steel, padded
A CNC-machined 304 stainless steel plate, polished to remove sharp edges, with padding for comfort on long dives. Its weight acts as ballast, and it comes with Halcyon ACB weight pockets that hold up to 5 lb (2.3 kg) each.
Stainless plate 2.5-2.7 kg (5.5-6 lb)PaddedACB pockets includedAdds ballastHow to choose
Carbon fibre
- Ultra lightweight.
- Strong and travel friendly.
- Integrated Cinch system included.
Stainless steel
- Adds significant weight.
- Ideal for cold water or thick wetsuits and drysuits.
- Reduces the weight needed on your belt.
A simple weight rule
A rough starting point: most divers use around 10% of their body weight in total ballast.
- If you need more weight (cold water, thick suit), stainless steel may help reduce lead.
- If you dive in tropical water, carbon fibre often makes more sense.
Going for the carbon plate but want integrated weight? Add the Halcyon ACB Weight System separately. Each pocket holds up to 5 lb (2.3 kg) of soft or hard weights, and weights are sold separately.
Not sure which backplate suits your diving? Our team can help by live video call.
Book a video consultation