Abyss Explorer Backplate

[hunter991]

I wasn't saying I liked the color or the looks of the abyss backplate any more, actually I like it less. I don't know how well the coating is going to hold up under use. I bought the abyss becuse i got a deal on it, I don't think it is any better or worse than any other back plate but it is nice not to have to use a STA. I think their cam straps are a little high and not very nice, I would go with another companies if I had it to do over. everone really seems to like the Fred T backplates, if I buy another backplate for singles it will come from him.

I do like abyss regulators very much, but they are a little slow with customer service. Very helpful on the phone but slow on delivery.

 

[abysmal]

Dear Agstreet:

If your going to pass information around, please take the time to get your details straight.

#1.
Scott Koplin did make a limited number of plates for Abyss.

#2.
Our plate design is very much our own, and if you stand the two plates side by side you would see that quickly.

http://www.abyss.biz/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=abysmal&Category_Code=PLT

#3.
We never have nor do we now have our plates made in CHINA.
Get a grip.
They are made for us right here in Lake Havasu City Arizona.
Previous to our move they were made locally for us in Boulder Colorado.


#4.
If you think they are too pricey for your budget, then you might want to consider seeing if you qualify for our professional discounts As a Dive Master, Assistant Instructor or Instructor or As a Dive Industry Professional.
http://www.abyss.biz/web/sales/apply-instructor.html


Christopher M. Parrett
Founder & President.
Abysmal Diving Inc., Abyss Dive Systems.

2099 Acoma Boulevard West, Suite C, Lake Havasu City, Arizona, 86403 USA
Phone: (928) 854-9470 Fax: (928) 854-9473
WWW.ABYSS.BIZ

 

[Pez de Diablo]

agstreet once bubbled...
Scott Koplin initially made plates for Abyss, who then copied his patterns and started having them made in China for less money (but still charging top dollar). If you like the plates, the ethical thing to do would be to visit OxyCheq ( http://oxycheq.com/main.html ) and buy one of the real things from the guy that made them in the first place. They're a bit less money, made in the USA, and really nice plates.

Alan

Alan (agstreet)

You are posting things about Abyss which I know to be patently false and likely deliberately inaccurate

Oxycheq/Scott Koplin makes a great product and charges a fair price. So does Abyss.

I have spoken to Patrick Duffy at Oxycheq - very nice guy - he only spoke of Abyss with high regard when I had a question about how he feels about his product in regard to other manufacturers. I have had many notes between the guys at Abyss, they too are great people and have great products as well.

You wouldn't see Scott/Oxycheq behave in such an unprofessional manner and I am sure they would not appreciate being assosciated with your type of attitude.

Edited to clarify my position.

 

[agstreet]

Christopher and Pez,

I was under the impression that your plates were being made in Taiwan (PRC). If this is incorrect, then I stand corrected in this matter and please accept my apologies.

I do know that Abyss re-badged and sold plates that were designed and manufactured by Koplin. I also know that right after Abyss decided to stop using Koplin as an OEM, the plates they were selling were pretty much carbon copies of the plates they had been selling previously. Since then I know you have expanded your product line and added additional slots, holes plate lengths and color choices, although key features like slot angles for shoulder straps and bend angles have remained the same (why fix what ain't broken).

Personally, I kinda like supporting the little guy. I've bought a couple of things from Scott, I know he makes great stuff and I don't hesitate recommending his products to anyone. I don't know anything about you Chris, but I do know a bit about your partner Joel (among other things, I have some friends very high in the NAUI organization who are dealing with the Italy fiasco), and I can't make the same recommendation. There's nothing wrong with your plates, including the price, I just personally think it's better to support the guy that made them originally.

That, or cut up a stop sign .

Alan

 

[hunter991]

If I am not mistaken lamar hires at dive rite designed the first backplate from a stop sign, or so the story goes.

Chris at abysmal has always been great to work with, and their plates are great, I don't know much about him personally or the Italy business you are referring to but I have spoke with him and Joel on the phone and they have always been great. Oh well, drama in the scuba world.

 

[hunter991]

And for the president of a major player in the scuba world to interract with individuals on scubaboard sort of makes them feel a little more worthy of being supported, at least to me.

 

[agstreet]

hunter991 once bubbled...
And for the president of a major player in the scuba world to interract with individuals on scubaboard sort of makes them feel a little more worthy of being supported, at least to me.

Whom are you referring to?

 

[Pez de Diablo]

agstreet once bubbled...


Whom are you referring to?

Gee, I guess it would be Mr. Christopher M. Parrett from Abysmal, since he is the only President representing a major manufacturer in this thread (but not limited to to just this one).

 

[agstreet]

Pez de Diablo once bubbled...


Gee, I guess it would be Mr. Christopher M. Parrett from Abysmal, since he is the only President representing a major manufacturer in this thread (but not limited to to just this one).

I suspected that might be the case (although I'd like to hear from Hunter). But if that's who he's referring to, I'd hardly call Abysmal a major manufacturer. More like a specialized niche company.

 

[hunter991]

Well I guess their is no set definition of what makes someone a major player, but I do see your point. It is nice however to see manufacturers represented here. I was referring to Chris.