cgvmer
Contributor
Just one point tha you haven't mentioned...but the golem gear setup are currently on sale at $390
BP/W choices
- Thread starter NorthWoodsDiver
- Start date
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fweber
Contributor
Your getting very concerned about some pretty minor details.
Unless you have a particular fit issue(really tall, short, or wide for which special plates exist. I'm 6'6" 295 so I made my own) the standard plates are all very close to each other and any can be optimized with regard to fit.
Things I would concern my self with, in no particular order:
Is this plate going to be used for Singles or Doubles?
For singles= I would want a shallow bend, wide channel with cam slots
For doubles= deep bend, narrow channel, don't worry about cam slots, but do worry about perimeter holes, if you travel and have to use tanks other than your own, lower bolt slots or reliefs make fitting to inexact bands much easier,
The only other thing to worry about is plate thickness in the gross sense that it effects bouyancy. What bouyancy would you like from your plate in your system? This is of course dependent on a number of issues.
There is no one perfect plate for all occassions. There are many plates that may be perfect for a particular person or use.
Unless you have a particular fit issue(really tall, short, or wide for which special plates exist. I'm 6'6" 295 so I made my own) the standard plates are all very close to each other and any can be optimized with regard to fit.
Things I would concern my self with, in no particular order:
Is this plate going to be used for Singles or Doubles?
For singles= I would want a shallow bend, wide channel with cam slots
For doubles= deep bend, narrow channel, don't worry about cam slots, but do worry about perimeter holes, if you travel and have to use tanks other than your own, lower bolt slots or reliefs make fitting to inexact bands much easier,
The only other thing to worry about is plate thickness in the gross sense that it effects bouyancy. What bouyancy would you like from your plate in your system? This is of course dependent on a number of issues.
There is no one perfect plate for all occassions. There are many plates that may be perfect for a particular person or use.
Divin' Dave
Contributor
NWD,
Obviously you're driving yourself nuts with all the options. Ain't capitalism grand?! You're going to have to make a decision and live with it. You have lots of folks here and none seem to have had a bad experience. My wife and I dive DSS and like them a lot. We appreciate all of Tobin's expertise and thoughtfulness. He's here helping you. What else do you need? Give the guy a call on the phone and be prepared to spend 1/2 hour of more as he works with you to get you a personalized bp/w set up. You're just going to have to take the plunge!
Obviously you're driving yourself nuts with all the options. Ain't capitalism grand?! You're going to have to make a decision and live with it. You have lots of folks here and none seem to have had a bad experience. My wife and I dive DSS and like them a lot. We appreciate all of Tobin's expertise and thoughtfulness. He's here helping you. What else do you need? Give the guy a call on the phone and be prepared to spend 1/2 hour of more as he works with you to get you a personalized bp/w set up. You're just going to have to take the plunge!
OP
NorthWoodsDiver
Contributor
I'm not ready to take the plunge yet but I do much appreciate Tobin's assistance.
I wish there was a way a person could get ahold of all the major plates and try them all out but hell might as well freeze over.
BTW anybody hear from FredT lately. I just discovered his plates and sent off an email asking for more info but I did a search on here to see if he had any plate specs on scubaboard and notice dhe has not posted in a long time.
I wish there was a way a person could get ahold of all the major plates and try them all out but hell might as well freeze over.
BTW anybody hear from FredT lately. I just discovered his plates and sent off an email asking for more info but I did a search on here to see if he had any plate specs on scubaboard and notice dhe has not posted in a long time.
OP
NorthWoodsDiver
Contributor
I have been online nearly all day researching plates and wings and I stumbled across a post from the past and followed it to a member that pm'ed me a link of a lifetime. this answers many many questions and puts everything in front of me. although some bits are missing and some are outdated it is still largely the single best piece comparison I have seen.
here is the link http://www.alohashoredivers.com/projects/bpwing.html.
Many thanks.
I really need to talk to this FredT and a couple other companies now. I am closing in on my decision.
here is the link http://www.alohashoredivers.com/projects/bpwing.html.
Many thanks.
I really need to talk to this FredT and a couple other companies now. I am closing in on my decision.
halocline
Contributor
If you're obsessing this much about the plate, just wait until you have to choose a wing!
evil_xander
Contributor
NorthWoodsDiver:
I got Tobins setup without ever seeing one (if you don't count pictures on the web and scubaboard), let alone trying it. I think you're really going over the top with the whole plate thing, but hey, your time, money and nerves.
Me, I'm very happy with my choice, and I did go through several options before I made the final decision. Tobin is evil though, he makes an excellent complete package, so it really doesn't make sense to buy only 1 item from him, but the full package due to competitive pricing.
Has a good nose for doing business...
fweber
Contributor
Did you notice in that link, with the exception of specialy plates, most are very similar? Instead of trying to find the details for every plate in existence, why don't you determine what YOU need or want and then go looking for that? Chances are you'll find it quickly.NorthWoodsDiver:
Wait 'til you start looking at wings. Oh boy! Now we're talking differences, and ones that can't be quantified. Like, bouyancy distribution and how it will effect your personal trim with the tanks you use, their location on your back, and other gear location and bouyancy. At some point, you either have the opportunity to try dive a couple options to get some idea of what works for you, or you just have to take the plunge.
Then there are all the quantifiable wing differences. Bladder or (less), total bouyancy, donut or horseshoe, single or double bladder, inflator location, opv location, shell material, bladder thickness, zips, velcro, or neither, does it function as a free bill board for the manufacturer, plastic or metal accesories(grommets, zip pulls, etc.), just let me know when to stop.
Have Fun Mate,
Gil57usa
Contributor
NorthWoodsDiver:
I use a OMS 60# wing with my Doubles and a OMS 30# wing when I put a single on an STA.
The BP I use is stainless steel.
I have been diving Tobin's plates and wings almost since he started producing them. I currently own 6 plates from 5 different manufacturers and you will almost always find a Deep Sea Supply BP&Wing on my back. For me, the rubber grommets are the best design feature on his plates. I have NO chafing on my webbing as it passes through the plate and I have over 500 dives on my singles set up.
The built in STA is awesome as well, keeping the tank weight very close to my body. I know that Tobin played with the angles of the plate to ensure that as well, but he could tell you more about that process. I own both the AL and the Kydex version of his plates. I don't need any weight with a 3 mil and a steel tank.
As a caveat, Cool Hardware (Tobin) advertises here on Scuba Board. I must point out that I bought his products BEFORE he started advertising here and I have always been a big fan of his gear. I could also point out that supporting our advertisers supports the board, but I don't need to here: he stands on his own merits! DSS plates and wings are of a superior quality and are a truly innovative design.
The built in STA is awesome as well, keeping the tank weight very close to my body. I know that Tobin played with the angles of the plate to ensure that as well, but he could tell you more about that process. I own both the AL and the Kydex version of his plates. I don't need any weight with a 3 mil and a steel tank.
As a caveat, Cool Hardware (Tobin) advertises here on Scuba Board. I must point out that I bought his products BEFORE he started advertising here and I have always been a big fan of his gear. I could also point out that supporting our advertisers supports the board, but I don't need to here: he stands on his own merits! DSS plates and wings are of a superior quality and are a truly innovative design.
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