AGIR-Brokk Backplate (SS, 3mm) and Wing (Blackbird 36)
AGIR-Brokk is a small company based in Nacka, Sweden (10 Minutes outside Stockholm) and is run by two lovely people named Tord Mattsson and Ingrid Sernelin.
When looking for backplates and wings we had a choice of Halcyon, OMS, AGIR-Brokk and Dive-Rite, as well as a few other makes. Basically, a lot of backplates and wings are near identical on initial glance but differences do exist in the attention to detail - in some cases, quite significantly.
As we wanted to move towards a more streamlined kit and start to get gear we can use for any kind of diving, whether it be shallow carribean one-tank diving or cold water overhead environments, we are taking a greater interest in the DIR/GUE way of diving. They list good reasons for why a bungeed wing may provide a safety hazard, and focus on simple, functional and streamlined gear as a part of their concept. On our research for a wing without bungees which is as low-volume and low-profile as possible, and as our first kit would involve single cylinders, we looked at Halcyon's Evolve and AGIR-Brokk's Blackbird 28 and 36 wings (the numbers represent the lift capacity in pounds). These are all "donut-shaped", or round, wings (as opposed to horse-shoe style designs like the Halcyon Explorer or AGIR-Brokk Habbrok).
The backplates made by AGIR-Brokk models are treated differently to those by their competitors. It may look flat and almost dull in some images on the websites, but in real life the finish is just gorgeous :-) I am sure that scratches hardly show up on the AGIR's due to the surface texture. At the end of the day, these are in fact details, and for many I am sure that the Halcyon models are doing the job too.
What we did like about the AGIR-Brokk was the finishing and attention to detail. The waterjet-cut backplates are designed so that the harness webbing can do without an eyelet for a backplate screw, and instead runs beneath them. Some may argue this is no issue, but what isn't interfering with another piece can not break or rip it, so that's a good thing really.
The backplate has an ergonomic design with angled shoulder slots, rounded corners and perfectly smooth edges and holes. The finish is truly exceptional - the acid-proof and marine grade steel (2343/316) is surface treated by being blasted with sand and glass. Also, knowing itis designed in and for one of the harshest diving environments, I am confident it will last many years and provide perfect service. After around 50 dives in salt- and freshwater (mostly Alp-lakes with their treacherous entry points) later, there is not a single scratch or mark to be seen.
The standard backplate is 3mm thick and weighs about 2.8 kg, making it light enough to travel with (an aluminium version available as well), but still contributes towards your overall weight to reduce the amounts carried in a weightbelt. I need no more than 4kg with my Waterproof Draco crushed neopren drysuit in freshwater when diving a Double-7 litre pack. A 6mm (5.1 kg) stainless steel model is available for those requiring more weight. There is also a shorter model available, but the standard size works great for just about anyone.
We also bought the AGIR-Brokk Single-Tank-Adapter (STA). Halcyon backplates have additional cuts in the actual plate so you can get away with threading the tank bands through, however the shape of the AGIR-Brokk STA allows it to mount rock-solid on the bend of the backplate for a very stable single-tank system. In my opinion switching from my double to the mono bottle is quicker due to this design as well.
If weight reduction is of paramount importance (for flying somewhere) a lighter assembly is available too, but to be honest we are talking marginal difference here, the STA pictured is lightweight as it is and that's what we would recommend.
The last item we got (for now), besides the stainless steel version of the standard cam buckle on the tank bands, was the AGIR plate pocket. This pocket attaches with four screws to the inside of the backplate and can hold your SMB in a very comfortable and accessible way. You might have seen other plate pockets where there are six screws, but common agreement seems to be to not attach the last two. This one is therefore even more "streamlined" in it's design and we can attest to its ease of use. We've got the AP Valves Semi-Closed SMB which fits perfectly with room to spare. Leave the handle hanging out through the velcro bottom of the plate pocket and one-handed retrieval of the SMB in seconds is not a problem at all.
Contact:
Tord Mattsson
info(a)agir-brokk.com
http://www.agir-brokk.com
tel. +46 8 716 50 90
fax +46 8 716 50 44
Disclaimer: We have no business affiliation with AGIR-Brokk, we're just happy customers.
PS: For those who wonder where the name comes from - it is actually quite interesting and clever I think...
Ægir or Ägir, in the Norse mythology is the giant who watches over the sea, sometimes referred to as the "God of the Sea". He has not the same high rank as the Aesir (which includes such famous figures as Thor, Odin or Njord), but the connection between Aegir and golden halls connects him to sunken treasures.
Brokk, on the other hand, is a dwarf in Norse mythology who was working the iron weapons for the gods, the most famous being Mjölnir, or Thor's Hammer.
Quite a cool combo of names methinks :-)
PPS: For a lighthearted quick intro to Nordic mythology, click here.
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UPDATE 2010-06-30: ONE SET OF THESE EXCELLENT BACKPLATE+WING+SINGLE-TANK-ADAPTER ("DELUXE VERSION") FOR SALE NOW - 1 year personal warranty against defects! - Reason for selling - none other than making room in the wallet to purchase new gear to test - we might very well go back to using two sets of AGIR BROKK Backplates and Blackbird-Wings for all our mono- and Double-7 tank diving because we really, really love this set. But for the moment, we need to clear some space and resources to get new stuff for you guys to read about! :-)
AGIR Brokk Gallery
AGIR Brokk Backplate System for Sale - Gallery
