The purpose for the "channel bend" is to provide somewhere for the bolts stubs and wing nuts to go when diving singles with a STA or diving doubles besides into your spine. The angle of the rest of the plate "tank and wing support" provides or stability of the doubles and makes for the available space for storage between the plate and the back. This angle also helps center the rig on your back and stabilize the system along your axis. The Halcyon storage pack is one way to do this. Homegrown versions are easily created with Lycra and a pair of old blue jeans, or an old wet suit and a razor blade as well. A deeper "V" on the plate allows for more storage space and better nesting of doubles.
I can easily provide a "flat plate" with no channel for those who want to use it with a STA-less system, but without some channel the Halcyon integrated won't work, and something has to used to hold the wing to the plate during tank changes.
My current short plate is the same width as the long one, because without that feature the storage pack Halcyon makes won't work effectively, thus compromising the "universal" capability of the plate. There is no problem creating a longer, shorter, wider, narrower, etc plate if it's necessary, the important thing as far as I'm concerned is that everyone understands the design tradeoffs involved. Sometime between now and July I need to create a plate that is both considerably shorter and considerably narrower than even my small standard, with a custom tank mounting system for a VERY petite lady diver. I measured her, her gear, and developed an understanding for what she needed in the diving she does. We discussed the tradeoffs for a couple hours and defined the envelope. Now I need to find a method to produce it. "Standard" plate forming tools are marginal for the required design. She doesn't need it until July so I do have some time to get creative.
Be aware my signature means what it says. If a standard plate doesn't do what you want, e-mail me and we can talk about what you need, or think you need. About 80% of the time those inquiring about a custom job are overlooking something. By talking about it a bit we may find that I, or another manufacturer, already make a standard product that fits the bill. IMNSHO There is no need to pay me, or anyone else, the premium $s necessary for a custom job if a standard will fit. If we can't come up with a suitable 'standard" product, the time isn't wasted as the discussion will define the design parameters for the custom work.
FT
