Best SS Backplate

[sumguy]

Is one backplate better than another? Do all wings fit all backplates? Do the extra holes along the edge of Fred T and OMS backplates make them superior to Dive Rite or Halcyon? And who makes the best STA?

I want to eventually switch to a backplate and wings setup, and will be primarily diving with a single tank, cold water.

 

[Uncle Pug]

The backplates are all very similar in design and function however some of the small differences can be important for certain configurations.

I have two plates... one is a Halcyon and the other is from Gary Hoadley in Canada. The Halcyon plate pocket fits on both and I like the pock for holding my lift bag. Not everyone does so this might not be important to them.

Shane has one of Scott Koplin's large plates. It does not have the holes positioned to accomodate a Halcyon pocket so Shane can't use one... I don't think he cares. He does like the size of the plate though. BTW Scott no longer makes plates but I understand that someone took his design and they are available at a grossly inflated price.

Yoopers pappy had a FredT and I got to see it when he was out here in the PNW and it looked good~n~heavy!

Newton's wife had a HD FredT STA when they were here last week... and it looked... well.... heavy duty!

I used to have one of Scott's lead weighted STAs but sold it. Shane still has one and uses it with his singles rig.

I use my Halcyon plate with my singles rig because it has the slots for use with an STA-less wing. I like the new wing without the STA... not eveyone does but if you did you would need a plate with the band slots.

So to answer your question... phfftt.... no big deal... they are all about the same exept for the minor differences

 

[ericfine50]

They are pretty much all the same. I use a Highland Millwork BP - Very similar to a Fred T. Amazing that the first BP was made from a STOP sign.

Eric

 

[The Chairman]

40 fathom grotto... Price/fit/comfort all go to the Fred-T plate. Even Hal Watts (Mr. Scuba) was impressed by the design and finish of the plate. I love it!

 

[Uncle Pug]

Originally posted by NetDoc
I love it!

Aye, Carumba....
What is the world coming to!?!

 

[The Chairman]

I did an entire write up on Forty Fathom Grotto and my new BP in the Tek trip section.

 

[FredT]

If looking for a heavy plate there is only one choice. Mine. AFAIK nobody else offers one as thick with as much negative buoyancy as my heavy plate, and nobody else offers a comparable STA.

Most manufacturers will tailor their plates to the acccessories they make sell. I tried to make mine as "universal fit" to all the other accessories made by everyone else as practical. I don't manufacture wings and other "goodies", yet. Just plates and hardware.

The "standard" weight (~.125 thick) plate by any of the manufacturers is comparable performance wise if you don't intend to use the Halcyon Pioneer series wing or one that needs strap slots for the tank straps. Compare those on price and availability. There are minor differences in "fit" due to size and bend angles though.

FT

 

[Iguana Don]

I have a Halcyon and I put it side by side one of FredT's plates, the fit and finish on his plate is much better. Plus it's cheaper!

ID

 

[Lost Yooper]

If I had it to do over again, I would go with Fred's plate. In fact, I do get to do it over again for my wife's setup next month.



Mike

 

[ericfine50]

I almost forgot - I also have a BP made by Gary Hoardy. He is on the Canadian Techdiver list (Steve Lewis's old list) - Very nice and I hear he is making Brass BPs for kicks.

Ericq