Standard backplates are designed for average-height people. If you’re like me (aka not one of them) you’ve probably noticed you’re fighting to achieve trim without knowing why. The fix might be simpler than you think: a shorter backplate.
The photo above: same person, same high-waisted reference point (at belly button). Right is the Tecline MIDI Al (short, 36 cm); leftis the DGX standard SS (~39 cm).
The difference in where the plate ends relative to my hips is the whole point of this post. (use the logo at the back pocket of the shorts as reference)
Quick Specs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | ~$100 (typically same price for different sizes) |
| Brands with shorter options | Tecline (MIDI), Subgravity (SHORT), Halcyon (Small), Dive Rite (Short) |
| Length comparison | 34–36 cm (short) vs. 39–40 cm (standard) |
| Materials available | Aluminum (Al), Stainless Steel (SS) – 3mm and lite, Carbon Fiber (CF) |
| Environment | Backmount single tank, doubles — not sidemount |
| Introvert Score | 5/5 — essential if you’re short |
The Why
When I first got into a backplate-and-wing setup, we bought a HOG package to start. Unbeknownst to me, standard backplate length extends past the small of my back, down to where the hip starts to curve outward. Not comfortable, and it was messing with my trim without me realizing it.
The lightbulb moment came during my intro to tech courses. One of my instructors was about my size, and we happened to be at a shop that carried Halcyon gear — all three lengths on display. She casually mentioned that’s what she uses. I bought one and haven’t looked back.
>> Read more: how tech training gear decisions compound — from doubles to trim to plate sizing on “The Technical Ascent: My Unfiltered Journey into Cave Diving and Trimix (and Why I Almost Quit)”
My first was the Subgravity SHORT stainless steel (SS) since I mainly dived coldwater; I later added the Tecline MIDI aluminum (Al). They’re nearly identical in dimensions and both have clean finishes. I didn’t go with Halcyon personally — I wanted cam band compatibility rather than being locked into a single tank adapter, and the Halcyon price premium is real.
Four backplates laid out with tape measure for size comparison — from right: Tecline MIDI AL, Subgravity SHORT SS, DGX standard SS, XS Scuba Travel ALBrand Comparison: Short Backplate Specs
A note before diving in: every brand names their sizes differently. Always verify actual dimensions in centimeters before ordering — “short” is not a universal standard. Halcyon is the only brand I know of that offers three sizes.
Selected Short Backplate Specs
| Brand | Length (cm) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Halcyon Small | 35.6 | Al: 0.6 SS:1.8 CF: 0.5 |
| Subgravity Short | 35.4 | Al: 0.6 SS: 1.8 |
| Tecline MIDI (Standard Shape) | 36 | Al: 0.6 SS: 1.7 |
| Tecline MINI (H shape) | 32 | Al: 0.31 SS: 0.92 |
| Dive Rite Short | 34.3 | SS: 2.5 SS lite: 1.0 |
Selected Standard Backplate Specs
| Brand | Length (cm) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Halcyon | 39.3 | Al: 0.8 SS: 2.2 CF: 0.5 |
| Subgravity | 39.7 | Al: 0.7 SS: 2.2 6mm SS: 4.6 |
| Tecline (Standard Shape no Logo) | 40 | Al: 0.85 SS: 2.1 6mm SS: 4.2 CF: 0.48 |
| Dive Rite | 39.4 | SS: 2.5 SS lite: 1.2 |
| X-Deep Nx Backplate Size: S | 39 | Al: 1.1 SS: 3.1 |
| Xs Scuba (Highland) Aluminum Travel Backplate | 40 | Al: 0.5 |
| DGX | 39.4 | Al: 0.9 SS: 2.3 |
Selected Long Backplate Specs
| Brand | Length (cm) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Halcyon Long | 45 | Al: 0.9 SS: 2.5 |
| X-Deep Nx Backplate Size: L | 44.8 | Al: 1.2 SS: 3.4 |
Official Websites: Halcyon AL /SS /CF , Subgravity SS /AL, Tecline Catalog, Dive Rite backplates, X-deep Nx Backplate Product (from dealer), DGX Standard Al /SS, XS Scuba (Highland) Aluminum Travel backplate
Single tank setup note: Halcyon and X-Deep backplates require a Single Tank Adapter (STA) when used with a single cylinder — cam bands are not compatible with their designs. All other brands listed support cam band attachment directly.
Left: DGX standard SS (~39 cm). Right: Tecline MIDI AL (36 cm).
Tecline publishes explicit height recommendations alongside dimensions. MIDI fits 150–170 cm; MINI for below 160 cm. (Source: Tecline)Performance in the Field
Ease of use: Once you’re on the right size, setup is the same as any other backplate. The payoff shows up in the water — I noticed my trim improve almost immediately. I could get my legs up without arching my back.
Comfort: This is the main event. You can see it in the photos — the standard plate extends past the point where it should end on a shorter torso. The shorter plate sits where a backplate is supposed to sit.
Durability: Both of my plates are 2–3 years old and look fine. Metals don’t really break under normal diving use.
The Data Nerd Detail
Worth double-checking manufacturer specs before ordering — naming is inconsistent across brands. Subgravity SHORT, Halcyon Small, and Tecline MIDI are essentially the same length. X-Deep’s “short” is actually standard by everyone else’s definition. Dive Rite Short comes in slightly shorter than the rest at 34.3 cm vs ~35.5 cm for the others. (See the comparison table above for full numbers.)
Also worth knowing: shorter backplates aren’t exclusively for very short divers. Overall height doesn’t necessarily determine which size backplate you should use — torso length does. Tall individuals with short torsos can benefit from a smaller backplate just as much as a diver who is short overall.
Another data point for “don’t make assumptions — try it in the water first”: you’d think doubles automatically call for an aluminum plate to save weight, but weighting and trim don’t always work out that way. On my first cave training trip to Tulum, Kevin and I weren’t sure whether SS or AL would trim out better, so we brought both. I ended up preferring Al; Kevin preferred SS. You won’t know until you’re actually in the water.
>> Read more: how to decide which plate to pack when both options come with you on a cave trip on “A Framework for Packing a Cave Trip: Backmount Doubles Edition”
Pro Tips (For ALL Backplates)
Don’t buy the cheapest option. Most backplates cluster around ~$100, but the budget outliers often have sharp edges and imprecise hole placement. Not worth saving $20.
Avoid anodized/colored backplates. The finish wears off with use and it looks rough. Plain aluminum or raw SS ages better.
Look for slot-style lower holes instead of fixed holes. Slots give you more flexibility when mounting slightly off-spec double tank bands. Not all brands offer this, but it’s a nice-to-have.
Pros & Cons
✅ What I Love:
- Immediate trim improvement — the main reason to do this
- No learning curve; same setup as any standard backplate
- At ~$100, it’s one of the cheaper upgrades with a noticeable performance payoff
- Multiple material options (AL for doubles/travel, SS for cold-water single tank)
❌ What I’d Change:
- Not all brands offer short in every material — Subgravity’s 6mm SS, for example, is regular-only
- Sizing inconsistency across brands means you can’t just order “short” without checking specs first. For example, X-deep’s small is everyone regular.
- A shorter plate is lighter than the standard equivalent because there’s simply less material. If you’re relying on a heavy SS plate to offset your weighting, you’ll get slightly less ballast from the short version and may need to compensate elsewhere
>> Read more: how drysuit buoyancy and weighting work together in PNW cold water on “Shivering is Optional: Diving in Wetsuit or Drysuit in the PNW”
Final Verdict
Who is this for?
- Under ~160 cm / 5’3″: no-brainer, just get one
- 160–170 cm / 5’3″–5’7″: worth trying, especially if you have a short torso
- Average to tall with a long torso: standard sizing is probably fine
Is it worth it? Yes. It’s ~$100 and it fixes a trim problem you might not have known you had.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need a shorter backplate?
If your standard backplate extends into the small of your back and into the curve of your hips, it’s worth considering. You may also notice you have to arch your back to achieve horizontal trim — a shorter plate often improves this without any other changes.
Are shorter backplates compatible with standard harnesses and wings?
Yes. Shorter backplates use the same bolt/cam band attachment points and the same harness threading as standard plates. The only difference is the overall length/width/weight.
Which shorter backplate should I buy — aluminum or stainless steel?
Depends on your setup. SS adds weight, which can help with weighting and trim in coldwater single-tank diving. Aluminum is better for doubles (you’re already heavy) and for travel. I use both for different configurations.
Why is X-Deep’s “short” different from other brands?
X-Deep uses a different sizing reference. Their “short” corresponds to what most other manufacturers call standard. Their “long” is what Halcyon call Long. Always check the actual dimensions in centimeters rather than relying on the size label.
About Pan — Full Cave and Advanced Recreational Trimix diver based in the Pacific Northwest. I started diving without knowing how to swim; now I drive three hours each way to dive in Puget Sound/Hood Canal. Two Ocean Notes documents the technical progression, gear decisions, and travel planning behind this dive life — from a petite engineer’s perspective, without the fluff. → Read my full story
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Editorial disclaimer
Please be aware that scuba diving is an inherently risky activity, even with certification and experience. The content on this blog reflects my personal opinions and experiences and should not be considered instructional. Always prioritize safety, seek guidance and certification from qualified diving professionals, and carefully consider the risks involved in any dives.
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