Are there disadvantages of using aluminum BPs?

[WhiteSands]

Noticed that some manufacturers have discontinued offering them, DSS doesn't make them and Diverite just launched a steel lite BP that weighs the same as an aluminum BP possibly as a replacement.

Is there anything wrong with alum BPs? Are they more prone to corrosion? Can they handle multiple tanks?

Why do manufacturers seem to be moving away from using aluminum as a material?

 

[Colliam7]

Is there anything wrong with alum BPs?

No.

Are they more prone to corrosion?

Not really.

Can they handle multiple tanks?

Yes.

Why do manufacturers seem to be moving away from using aluminum as a material?

I wasn't aware of that until your post mentioned it. Perhaps, the demand for AL plates is simply insufficient to justify offering them, although that seems odd. It causes me to wonder, though, how many AL plates are sold annually compared to steel. I use SS plates for essentially all single cylinder diving, and an AL plate for double cylinder wetsuit diving. But, if they weren't available it would be the end of the world, I guess

 

[redacted]

If you need the weight of a heavy plate, then steel is probably the way to go. If you plan to pack it in a suitcase and check it in for air travel, then a light plate (aluminum or other material) is nice. A steel plate with a steel tank will probably leave you too heavy in tropical (warm) water.

The good new is you don't have to have just one.

 

[spectrum]

Aside from more possibility of corrosion if negelected an Aluminum plate really isn't giving anything up and there is upside when traveling.

However, plenty of divers had a dilusional obsession with getting weight off of their belt and will do anything to put it someplace else. The aluminum plate vs. SS will need a little more lead.

 

[mathauck0814]

Aluminum has different buoyancy characteristics than steel. They perform the exact same function but offer divers an option based on the amount of weight they require. Steel is good if you're going to carry at least 6lbs of lead as it generally offsets that and spreads it over the area of your back and promotes a healthy in-water position. Aluminum is great if you're mostly a warm water diver, or are very lean and don't require much in the way of lead to sink. Don't worry about corrosion or wear, you'll rinse your gear after use and be fine.

 

[chrpai]

Aside from more possibility of corrosion if negelected an Aluminum plate really isn't giving anything up and there is upside when traveling.

However, plenty of divers had a dilusional obsession with getting weight off of their belt and will do anything to put it someplace else. The aluminum plate vs. SS will need a little more lead.

I just got back from a BlackBeard's trip in the Bahamas. For me, I chose a SS plate and negative fins ( Hog Tech 2 ) and no weight belt. My static trim was the best it's ever been in my life. I felt like a different diver. With all the gear I brought I was 17lbs in my reg bag and 46lbs in my checked in suitcase. All my clothes for the week fit in an 18" carry on.

I can certainly imagine scenarios where a diver needs less weight or they need less weight over their back so they can put it someplace else.
. This is why I own both steel and AL tanks and plates as well as heavier and lighter fins. Different dive configurations require different gear to get to that sweet spot of buoyancy and trim control IMHO.

 

[scubafanatic]

If you have to fly to diving destinations, AL is better as you can always add lead 'on site' for free vs paying baggage fees for toting a steel BP.

 

[chrpai]

If you have to fly to diving destinations, AL is better as you can always add lead 'on site' for free vs paying baggage fees for toting a steel BP.

I think this is a myth. 3lbs isn't going to make a difference in how many bags you check and if you go over 50lbs or not. You can find 3lbs somewhere if you really need to. For me it meant carrying a heavier reg (cheap laptop) bag. Optimize for in water performance not stupid airline policies.

 

[GrumpyOldGuy]

I agree, AL is nice to travel with. It also lends itself to customization, i.e. if you want to drill some holes to mount something special it is easier to work with. Putting to much weight above your center of mass (like steel tanks + steel bp) when you dive with little or no exposure protection may make you top heavy and unstable. You generally want the weight close to you center of mass to be stable and sometimes having some on a belt is better for this.

---------- Post added September 14th, 2013 at 04:12 PM ----------

I think this is a myth. 3lbs isn't going to make a difference in how many bags you check and if you go over 50lbs or not. You can find 3lbs somewhere if you really need to. For me it meant carrying a heavier reg (cheap laptop) bag. Optimize for in water performance not stupid airline policies.

I have seen countless people (divers and not) do a bag shuffle when they are 2-10lbs over. There are enough hassles travel wise with out introducing another one. To this end my travel gear is all somewhat optimized for weight. I pack 48lbs for a week of work and a couple of dives on the company paid travel. Every pound does count in my book.

I do admit, once I decide to pack my dry suit, I have a dedicated dive bag and then the weight is not critical, but I am a cheap bastard and spending the extra bag fee does not come natural.

 

[Centrals]

I think this is a myth. 3lbs isn't going to make a difference in how many bags you check and if you go over 50lbs or not. You can find 3lbs somewhere if you really need to. For me it meant carrying a heavier reg (cheap laptop) bag. Optimize for in water performance not stupid airline policies.

I dont' think so! I had the choice of either paying 1kg of excess luggage or transferred it to the hand carry. I just removed the 3mm wet suit and carried it on board.