Apeks WTX-D30 Backplate and Wing Review

Torben Lonne
By
Torben Lonne
Editor and Co-founder at DIVEIN.com
Torben traveled to South East Asia for scuba diving and never really stopped his search for new adventures. His affinity for gear that works and his...
- Editor and Co-founder at DIVEIN.com
Apeks WTX-D30 wing and backplate with padded shoulder straps, standing on a wooden dock
The padded shoulder straps are the compromise here. Purists will call them unnecessary bulk, and then borrow one after a long shore dive in a thin wetsuit.
Apeks WTX-D30 wing rigged to a single tank on a sunlit wooden deck
Assembled and ready, the wing sits tight against the cylinder with nothing loose left hanging to snag a line.
DIVEIN tester holding the stainless steel backplate of the Apeks WTX-D30 with harness attached
A steel plate is ballast you never have to carry on a weight belt, which is why most divers who switch to one never switch back.
Our reviewer holding the Apeks WTX-D30 backplate and harness to show the webbing routing
Held flat you can see how many slots and D-ring positions Apeks builds into the plate, which is what lets the harness be sized properly instead of roughly.
Our reviewer holding up the Apeks WTX-D30 wing to show the branded outer shell
Behind this bladder Apeks builds plenty of slot and D ring positions into the plate, which is what lets the harness be sized properly instead of roughly.
DIVEIN tester showing the stainless quick release buckles on the Apeks WTX-D30 harness
Metal buckles instead of plastic add weight in the bag and survive years of salt and sunlight. Most divers only appreciate that on rig three.
Our tester finning through green water wearing the Apeks WTX-D30 backplate and wing
The padded shoulder straps are the compromise here. Purists call them unnecessary bulk, then borrow one after a long shore dive in a thin wetsuit.
DIVEIN tester in horizontal trim with the Apeks WTX-D30 and a single tank in murky water
The steel plate does the trim work, which leaves the wing free to carry gas rather than fight the diver's posture.

The Apeks WTX-D30 is a reliable backplate and wing system designed for divers who want durability and versatility. Apeks has improved the design by altering how the webbing runs through the backplate. It tightens easily with a pull at the hips, making adjustments much simpler than traditional setups.

The neoprene shoulder pads are a thoughtful addition. They prevent the webbing from digging into your shoulders, adding comfort during longer dives. The dual cam bands also secure your tank firmly without needing a separate tank adapter.

Overall, this system combines durability, comfort, and a streamlined design, making it a top pick for both recreational and technical divers.

About this review

To help you find a Backplate and Wing that will fit your needs, we’ve tested, researched, and reviewed the best ones available today.
We test both in the water, diving in various conditions - and in our lab - so we can give you accurate answers on quality, performance, and the overall value.

Read about our test of Backplate and Wings

Recommended in: Backplate and Wing

Things we like:

  • The 1000D Cordura and stainless steel backplate make it tough enough for technical dives
  • Neoprene shoulder pads and easy-to-adjust webbing improve comfort
  • The wing’s donut shape ensures stable buoyancy without air shifting from side to side
  • Comes fully assembled, so you can start diving immediately

Things we don't like:

  • While more secure, it can be tricky to adjust and take off the continuous weave harness, especially if you’re in a hurry.
  • The stainless steel backplate adds weight, which may not be ideal for those who travel frequently.

Specs & Features

Materials 1000D Armor-Shield Cordura; 22 mil thick black urethane inner bladder
Backplate stainless steel (4.7 pounds/2.15 kg)
Wing lift 32 pounds (14.5 kg)
Cylinder capacity single tank
D-rings two
Adjustment continuous weave
Tank attachment two Grip-Lock stainless steel tank bands
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