Back plates for small people

[kevindwhite]

Wow -- you've either got a very narrow plate, or you have a HUGE distance between your scapulae!

I still think photographs would help a lot.

Or I do yoga three times a week and have very good flexibility. The distance really isn't that great. A Hollis plate is only 8" wide at the top. The maximum distance the ends of my shoulder blades have to travel along the plane of my body is therefore just over 4 inches. I will try to get photos.

 

[cool_hardware52]

The DSS plate is cheaper but doesn't strike me as of the same quality. The inclusion of the plastic protection around harness slots leads me to question of the quality of the cutting and milling on the DSS plate.

I can assure you no other back plate is better finished. After water jet cutting our plates go through 5 hand deburring processes. Then they are formed. After forming they are processed in a huge vibratory finishing machine. After the vibratory finishing the elastomeric harness grommets are molded on to the plates.

Some of your competitors, Deep Sea Supply and Halcyon for example, do make small plates but I would prefer to go with a name I trust.

Buying sight unseen does require a leap of faith, but I'd suggest a little reading. Take a look at the past threads in the DSS forum.

Tobin

 

[kevindwhite]

I can assure you no other back plate is better finished. After water jet cutting our plates go through 5 hand deburring processes. Then they are formed. After forming they are processed in a huge vibratory finishing machine. After the vibratory finishing the elastomeric harness grommets are molded on to the plates.

Thanks again Tobin. I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions here and in email. If you are still willing I would love to stop by your place of business before I head out on my trip. I will email details. Sorry to be so twitchy about your products. New diver, new equipment, new dive location,...etc

 

[kevindwhite]

Wow -- you've either got a very narrow plate, or you have a HUGE distance between your scapulae!

I still think photographs would help a lot.

Tobin of DSS has graciously agreed to let me into his shop and try out his backplates before I head out on my trip. I think I will hold off on the photo shoot until then.

 

[Hollis Gear Nick]

Tobin of DSS has graciously agreed to let me into his shop and try out his backplates before I head out on my trip. I think I will hold off on the photo shoot until then.

Hi Kevin,

Sorry to jump in so late, i also posted the same response in the Hollis forum to your original question.

After reading your post, it sounds like an adjustment issue. Before running out and buying a new plate, it would help to see how your rig is adjusted. It should be sitting above your shoulder blades below the base of your neck - not below the shoulder blades. Below would certainly be uncomfortable for anyone. IF the top of the plate is set there, where does the bottom end? This will help give u a better idea.

Take care,

 

[kevindwhite]

Sorry to jump in so late, i also posted the same response in the Hollis forum to your original question.

Not a problem Nick. I appreciate the feedback. The problem may indeed be as simple as you say. Frankly, being 5'3" 120lbs I am such a difficult fit for most stuff that I tend to assume the gear isn't right before looking anywhere else. That's not to say Hollis has done something wrong. I like your gear and hope to continue using it for many years to come.