Brands of backplates

[Kwbyron]

Ok, So I am looking at my BP/W setup I want... and I'm trying to reduce the price. I like the Dive-rite transplate harness, I might try to just buy the hardware and webbing and do it myself, but at 100, it might be worth just getting it already done, if I can save on the SS back plate. Does anyone know where I could get it for a little cheeper? I don't really see the need in buying a name-brand piece of metal... steel is steel is steel. My shop only carries Dive-rite and OMS. Is there a "walmart" brand steel plate?

 

[Zeeman]

try ebay...

Z...

 

[Halthron]

Hammerhead makes a good plate at a reasonable cost. You can get a SS plate with STA and already configured harness (adjust to fit) for $170. Simply add a wing (and adjust the harness) and you're set.

 

[Quaff King]

Hammerhead sells a stainless backplate with Single Tank Adapter for $99.95. I think the aluminum is less. Its a very nice plate for the money, you can't go wrong in my opinon.
I think they stopped making the model with the handgrips. My dive buddy called them last week to order one and he said they only make the ones with out the grips now.

 

[kidsdream]

I just picked up a 2nd Tansplate harness and new BP plate a couple of weeks ago. My new 2006 Transplate rigs (mounts to the the plate itself) a little different than my older one, but once together (it took my about 1 hour or so) they work the same - meaning perfect for me as I dive with all kinds of suits and equipment and I just love the adjust ability.

For my first set-up (which I keep in the Keys); I went with the Dive Rite SS plate/Dive Rite Venture 30lb wing and use a OMS STA with good results.For the new rig I purchase a couple of Hammerheads (both the SS and the ALU) with the both types of STA's that Hammerhead sells. The SS and heavy STA were perfect for my first cold water drysuit of the season dives last weekend.

 

[Hoosier]

If you don't have any piece for BP/W already, the total cost will be same with one complete set up because Hammerhead doesn't include the camband and wing. In addition, the worst part is that their model doesn't come with the BP.
So, you might be interested in just DR at NESS or DSS set up.

 

[kidsdream]

Hammerhead sells a stainless backplate with Single Tank Adapter for $99.95. I think the aluminum is less. Its a very nice plate for the money, you can't go wrong in my opinon.
I think they stopped making the model with the handgrips. My dive buddy called them last week to order one and he said they only make the ones with out the grips now.

The Hammerhead SS BP I picked up 10 days ago came with the handgrips (you can order it with or without). The Alu plates are not offered with the handgrips.

 

[Mr.X]

I don't really see the need in buying a name-brand piece of metal... steel is steel is steel. My shop only carries Dive-rite and OMS. Is there a "walmart" brand steel plate?

There are slight differences between plates. You would believe that steel is steel..however, small aspects like geometry, slotting angles, finish, bending to accommodate doubles, overall size, metal quality, etc. can make a big difference. I know. I have tried or have had my hand on just about every plate out there with the exception of AGIR, or some small 'boutique' plates.

IMO I like Fred T plates. He makes them custom. My second choice are Hammerheads. Nice folks to deal with and a very fair price to boot. I have three of them and have given several as gifts. Third - Halcyon, OMS, Diverite etc. These are sitting around the office.

The worst plates I saw were ones branded as innovative, but in the end worked out far more towards the realm of 'pain in the ' as the setup made the plate ride up the back, plus dug into strange areas for women testers. Just my two. X

 

[kidsdream]

If you don't have any piece for BP/W already, the total cost will be same with one complete set up because Hammerhead doesn't include the camband and wing. In addition, the worst part is that their model doesn't come with the BP.
So, you might be interested in just DR at NESS or DSS set up.

Your right, the package price at Dive Rite Express is a good deal. You don't get a STA, but you get the weight pockets. So it is 6 of one 1/2 dozen to the other as far as cost, but you can always buy the Hammerhead w/STA and rig it with Dive Rite components.

I already had a 36lb Halcyon wing that I picked up awhile back so the Hammerhead seemed the way to go.

 

[Kwbyron]

Thanks for the tips! I think I'll do the hammerhead.. I was looking at 500 for a setup from my shop... The wing is what really raises the price, they have a 25-30# Apeks that seems like a good deal-260 i think... so 99 hammerhead.... $60 for camstraps...well without the cam straps...doesn't really save me money... hmmm...