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Wing & Backplate

Wing & Backplate

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Buy wing and backplate scuba BCD systems in Canada — modular setups used by recreational and technical divers who want a configurable, long-lasting alternative to a traditional jacket BCD. A wing and backplate system separates the inflatable wing, rigid backplate, and harness into individual components that can be mixed and matched for different diving — single tank, double tank, cold water, travel, and technical configurations. Available in complete packages or individual components including wings, stainless steel and aluminum backplates, harnesses, and integrated weight pockets. Brands include OMS, Oxycheq, Scuba Force, Cressi, and Scubapro. 

What is the difference between wing and backplate versus jacket-style BCD for scuba diving?

What to know about wing and backplate BCD systems

The three components — wing, backplate, and harness
A wing and backplate system consists of three separate pieces. The wing is the inflatable bladder — available in different lift capacities for single tank, double tank, or sidemount configurations. The backplate is a rigid plate (stainless steel or aluminum) that mounts to your tank and provides the structural foundation. The harness is the webbing and buckle system that secures everything to your body. Buying these separately allows you to build a system specific to your diving, or upgrade individual components as your needs change without replacing the entire BCD.

Stainless steel vs. aluminum backplate
A stainless steel backplate is heavier — typically around 6 pounds — which helps offset the positive buoyancy of an aluminum tank, reducing how much lead weight you need to carry on your belt or in weight pockets. Stainless steel is the preferred choice for cold water diving in Canada where divers typically need more weight. An aluminum backplate weighs about 1.5 to 2 pounds and is the preferred choice for travel — lighter in luggage and suitable for warm water diving where a thinner wetsuit means less weight is required overall.

Wing lift capacity — single tank vs. doubles
Wings are sized by their maximum lift capacity in pounds. A single tank wing typically ranges from 25 to 40 pounds of lift — sufficient for single cylinder recreational and technical diving. A doubles wing provides 50 to 55 pounds or more of lift for divers running twin cylinders. Using a wing with too little lift for your configuration creates a safety risk; using one with excessive lift makes fine buoyancy control harder. Match the wing to the tanks you plan to dive. Our OMS, Oxycheq, and Scuba Force wings cover both single and doubles configurations.

Continuous webbing harness vs. padded harness
A continuous webbing harness is a single length of nylon webbing threaded through the backplate in a specific pattern and adjusted to fit your body precisely — no buckles, minimal bulk, and completely customizable. It takes time to set up correctly but results in a very secure, low-profile fit. A padded harness uses pre-built shoulder straps and a cummerbund with quick-release buckles — easier to put on and take off and more comfortable for newer wing and backplate users. We carry both styles, including the TDO Deluxe Harness, Scuba Force CTX and Cobra Comfort harnesses, and standard webbing kits.

Frequently asked questions

Is a wing and backplate BCD better than a jacket BCD?

Neither is objectively better — they suit different divers and different goals. A jacket BCD is simpler, more familiar, and more forgiving for newer divers. A wing and backplate system is more configurable, longer-lasting, and preferred by divers who want precise trim control or who dive a range of configurations (single tank, doubles, cold water, travel). Many technical divers use wing and backplate exclusively, but it is also a perfectly valid choice for recreational divers who want a system they can grow into over many years of diving. The higher entry cost is offset by the ability to upgrade individual components rather than replacing the whole BCD.

Can I buy the wing, backplate, and harness separately or do I need to buy a package?

Both options are available. We offer complete packages that include a matched wing, backplate, and harness at a combined price. We also sell individual wings, backplates (stainless steel and aluminum), harnesses, and accessories separately so you can build a custom system or replace a single component. If you are new to wing and backplate, a complete package is the simpler starting point. If you are upgrading an existing system or building something specific, buying components individually gives you the most flexibility.

What lift capacity wing do I need for single tank diving?

For single cylinder recreational diving, a wing with 25 to 35 pounds of lift is typically sufficient. The OMS Performance Mono Wing at 32 pounds and the Scuba Force Black Devil Wing at 32 pounds are both well-suited to single tank recreational and light technical diving. If you dive a steel tank — which is negatively buoyant — you need slightly less lift than with an aluminum tank. If you are unsure, call us at (888) 483-0049 and describe your setup — tank material, wetsuit or drysuit, approximate weight carried — and we can recommend the right wing capacity.

Do I need a single tank adapter for my wing and backplate?

Some wings and backplates require a single tank adapter to mount a standard 12-litre or AL80 cylinder securely to the plate — particularly backplates with the standard 11-inch hole spacing. The Oxycheq Mach V wing has integrated roll control devices that eliminate the need for a separate adapter on most setups. If you are using a standard backplate without integrated guides, a stainless steel single tank adapter is required. We carry the XS Scuba stainless single tank adapter and Scuba Force tank cam bands to complete your setup.