Choosing a backplate

[plavin]

I'm curious what the difference is between the various backplates from different manufacturers out there.

For example:

A Dive Rite SS back plate goes for about $120 whereas a ScubaPro or Halcyon SS goes for about $220.

From reading descriptions on the internet I really can't tell much difference, they're similar size and weight, materials, have similar slot and bolt patterns. Both claim to be deburred and rounded.

So what is that extra $100 buying you other than the name? Is the ScubaPro or Halcyon worth the $220 or would I be better off investing that money elsewhere?

-Patrick

 

[fisheater]

Well, there's the "H" tax and the "S" tax.

 

[beaverdivers]

I just dove the Scubapro Form Tek. Very Nice for warm water!

 

[DevonDiver]

I've got a few backplates, including 2 Halcyon (1x SS/1xAli). Whilst I like the Halcyon, especially the black 'stealth' edition Ali.... I wouldn't spend that extra money on them now. My favorite SS is a 'Custom Divers' one... has an extra 'bend' and cam slots so indie-doubles can be directly added - perfect for travelling. All my newer ones are generic locally-made (Philippines) ones - perfectly workable and 1/4 of the cost (about $50 each).

 

[TSandM]

I can't comment specifically on your examples, but plates do vary. They vary in thickness, and in the quality of the stainless. They vary in the number of holes and slots, and in the angle of the bend. DSS plates have an elastomeric grommet in the lower slots, so that you don't have to use a triglide, but you CAN adjust the harness. Halcyon has a special bend in the corners, and they make the Cinch system to allow easy harness adjustment.

Whether the variations justify the differences in price is up to the consumer. But more holes and more camband slots can make a plate more useful.

 

[buddhasummer]

Fundamentally they are basically all the same. I have used DiveRite, Hollis, Scuba-Pro and AGIR plates and if diving blind couldn't tell the difference between any of them. Some plates are a little flatter than others, some have a slightly better finish, some have smoother slots and holes, some have cam band slots and some do not necessitating the use of an STA. Not all wings will fit all plates using cam band slots, but most will fit most plates using an STA providing centre holes are 11" apart, which most are. Personally I like the stainless Hollis and Scuba-pro the finish on them is nicer than the DiveRite. I like the AGIR aluminium plate only because they also make an aluminium STA and Ali cam bands so all have the same finish, but AGIR is very expensive as is Scuba-Pro and Halcyon. The Hollis, Scuba-Pro and halcyon plates are all very similar save no cam slots on the Halcyon stainless plate. I mix and match plates and wings from different manufacturers so this is a consideration also when choosing a plate. To be honest unless you have money to burn Id go with DiveRite. If you are looking for complete system the DSS looks hard to beat at a reasonable price. I use Oxycheq Mach V wings which will work without an STA i.e cam slots line up with wing, on Hollis, Scuba-Pro and DiveRite plates. Good luck.

 

[HalcyonMFG]

One quick correction to the information above. The Halcyon standard size plate does have cam band slots.

 

[Splitlip]

I believe at one time, Halcyon plates and wings were built without slots?

I know the early DiveRite plates had no slots.

I have a SS Scubapro plate which mates with my Halcyon MC storage PAC. I also have aluminum and abs DiveRite plates which I drilled to receive the mc storage PAC. My DSMB does not fit as nicely into the aluminum plate as it does in the Scubapro. Likely because the Scubapro like Halcyon is
Intended for use with th MC PAC.

But my point, plates can have different features.

 

[Chuckitall]

One other consideration, wife is 5'3" and uses a small Halcyon (aluminum). I'm 6'3" and like the extra long DSS both steel and Kydex plate. I find on normal size plates 15 1/2"long the waist strap is too high on my hips. Other than that most can mix and match.

 

[lowviz]

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