Brands that sell bent corner backplates

[ScubaSamScubaStevesFather]

Surprised that I'm having difficulty finding concrete information on this. I've read that having outwards bent corners on the bottom backplate is good so that the plate doesn't dig into your kidneys, however I can't tell which brands offer this and which ones don't.

For example, it looks like HOG doesn't have this feature, but its hard to tell and I can't get any confirmation.

If you own a popular brand backplate, reply here with whether or not it has bent corners

 

[MaxE]

Both my Halycon and Hollis plates have slightly bent corners. I swear the plates are identical and really wonder if it’s the same manufacture with a different “H” punched into them.

 

[boriss]

Surprised that I'm having difficulty finding concrete information on this. I've read that having outwards bent corners on the bottom backplate is good so that the plate doesn't dig into your kidneys, however I can't tell which brands offer this and which ones don't.

For example, it looks like HOG doesn't have this feature, but its hard to tell and I can't get any confirmation.

If you own a popular brand backplate, reply here with whether or not it has bent corners

Not a fan of HOG plates at all, you listed one reason, the other is that their corners are sharp. Another thing you should consider, but you can't see with online pictures, is the angle of the plate. Some force the tanks further away from your back, while others have less bend (and the need for shorter screws).

IMO Halcyon have all the features you're looking for. Very well designed. They also come in CF, aluminum and SS - all bases covered. However, they're very expensive. If you want to save money you'd have to go directly to the stores and see the differences in person. That's what I did.

There's little correlation between price and quality of BP, but in general the more expensive ones are definitely better if you don't have the luxury of having shops nearby with lots of options. If money doesn't matter and you don't want headaches, just buy Halcyon. They're easy to sell online as well if you change your mind in the future.

 

[MaxBottomtime]

Freedom plate.

 

[Marie13]

Dive Rite’s XT backplate has rounded corners, specially mentioned to prevent digging in. Might be something to look at.

Dive Rite XT Backplate - Stainless

The Dive Rite XT Standard SS Backplate (2021 Model) is an evolved design based on the tried and true original, offering the strength of steel and extra weight needed with more buoyant cylinders.

www.divegearexpress.com

 

[Wibble]

Freedom plate.
View attachment 741820

View attachment 741821

How do you thread the harness? Is there a pic of a one-piece harness on that?

 

[RIHappyDiver]

…

 

[RIHappyDiver]

How do you thread the harness? Is there a pic of a one-piece harness on that?

Here ya go

https://scubaboard.com/community/threads/freedom-plate-divers-roll-call-show-us-your-rig.570802/.

 

[Akimbo]

To address your question, it would not be very expensive to have the bottom corners of a standard doubles backplate custom bent at your local sheet metal shop. That said, it would just be a feeble attempt at turning a primitive design into an ergonomic solution like the Freedom Plate, which is formed into a 3D profile that fits your back.

 

[Soloist]

If a Freedom Contour Plate is not an option (as recommended by @MaxBottomtime) the Blue Reef stainless plate has bent corners. I had one for a while that was purchased for $60 shipped! Mine had a highly polished finish. First-rate manufacturing on the cheap.

Blue Reef Stainless Steel Back Plate

heBlue Reef Stainless Steel Back-Plateis a laser cut design back-plate. This process provides attention to detail ensuring that there will be no rough, jagged edges that could potentially damage harnes

www.scuba.com