A plate a plate?

[bradells]

Is a plate a plate?

Is there any difference between a $60 plate and a $200 plate besides the name and how many 6 packs you can afford that same day?

I've read that there are a few that don't require a STA. Would those plates be useless down the road In a doubles setup?

Are there any plates/webbing to stay away from? (incomparable hole layout/accessories, manufacturing quality, ??)

BRad

 

[eelnoraa]

It is a half true statement. Much like saying a car is a car will get you from A to B, which is true in a way. But you know a Toyata isnt a Lexus.

From pure functionality point of view, there is very little difference between a $60 plate and a $200 plate (Halcyon). What Halcyon has it attention to detail. Edges and holes are deblur perfectly. Plate surface is polished to a mirror like finish. To some, they are willing to pay more for it. To many, they aren't worth the price difference. You can see it is personal preference.

Price point aside, there are practical differences between plates make by different manufacture. Some plates are very flat, ie. DiveRite, DSS. Some have a deeper band, ie Halcyon, OMS, HOG. Some makes plate at different size, ie DSS, Halcyon. After using a few plates, I found I prefer deeper band plate so the tank is further away from my back and a smaller size plate. So to me, not all plates are the same. But to some, the difference is also neglible.

 

[pocky21]

+1 on the Halcyon finish - they really take their time to make it look pretty...until it goes on a few dive trips with me

Having said that, my Hollis plate is by far more functional (more holes/slots milled in), and they even bend the lower corners up just like the other "H" plate. But if it were to slide out of my hand or hit me just right, it would almost undoubtedly leave a good gash, where the Halcyon plate would just be blunt trauma.

Whether it's worth the extra is completely up to you. I made the mistake of putting my fingers on one and, having some background in metal fabrication, I couldn't help myself...

 

[NAM001]

Every plate has its pros and cons. I know i invite argument saying this but,,,,,,,,, The plate is made for doubles and you modify its use for single tank diving. This often consists of a sta (single tank adaptor). Some makers need it others do not. I prefer ones that do not, because it one piece less to loose. I use a dss plate. I am as happy with it as others are happy with thier respective brands. Onething i like about the dss is that theymake 4# weight plates that bolt onto the plate. For me that makes a perfect weight conversion from fresh to salt water. As appearance goes i take more of a stereotypical male point of view on it , In that function before fashion is the priority. There is probably more deserved concern in wings than there is in plates. There are more than one manufacturer that has the sta as a designed part of the wing. dss and oxycheq for example. I accually prefer my oxycheq wing over the dss because of the inflator hose location. Even that is a point that raises many pros and cons.

 

[Gill]

I've read that there are a few that don't require a STA.

I have a DSS BP/W. The DSS wings don't require a STA as their wings have what they call secure tank attachment (basically a rubber guide). It allows the tank to sit closer to give the diver a sleeker profile.

 

[ajduplessis]

+1 for Halcyon and you can add cinch if required.

 

[Tortuga68]

The weight varies between manufacturers as well

While the bolt spacings are usually the standard 11" the accessory holes vary (or some look like swiss cheese) which may mean you can't mix and match

Otherwise, what they said

 

[Centrals]

There are a lot of differences if you know what they are!!!!
A simple plate would only has few holes in it and only suitable for twin set while others have so many holes and slots that make you wonder about its structural integrity.
Aluminium or Stainless Steel? ABS plate is probably not suitable for twin set.
No simple answer. But I won't spend stupid money on it.

 

[Tortuga68]

A simple plate would only has few holes in it and only suitable for twin set

I don't recall ever seeing a (metal) plate that couldn't be adapted to single tank diving. So long as it has two bolt holes, you can always put an STA on it

 

[Gren]

If you go with a reputable brand, a plate is pretty much a plate. If you are large, tall, or short, a sized plate may be better. I like my large DSS wing and prefer to not use an STA with other backplates.

I guess polishing would make it look pretty while sitting on the boat.