DGX vs Dive Rite backplate

[RIHappyDiver]

That was kind of a joke about those super expensive halcyon plates whose only difference is unexplainable tiny corner bends. The main reason I dive a Subgravity rig is to use their 10lb 6mm plate. Like everyone who hauls around a 2x plate, I wouldn’t feel almost anything pressing on me through my exposure gear . And I’d definitely want something more than hand tools if I ever had to cut and bend that 6mm stainless

Oh, trust me, he’s got something more that hand tools. This man builds and modifies stuff. I’m more than a bit in awe of his skills.

 

[MoorishK]

Thanks for all the help. If I mainly dive in shell drysuit with steel tanks and travel occasionally, should I opt for SS or aluminum backplate? My biggest concern with a stainless steel backplate is that the added weight will not allow me to add much trim weights.

 

[lexvil]

Thanks for all the help. If I mainly dive in shell drysuit with steel tanks and travel occasionally, should I opt for SS or aluminum backplate? My biggest concern with a stainless steel backplate is that the added weight will not allow me to add much trim weights.

For me, stainless, it’s free ballast without much real world cost, you will need less trim weight or none since the plate alone pretty much erases the typical tank buoyancy shift. If you over pack as a habit you may need that 3 pound weight savings, set up a travel plate aluminum plates can be pretty cheap and a webbing already set for warm water can just make life easier when coming from the bulk of a drysuit.

 

[inquis]

My biggest concern with a stainless steel backplate is that the added weight will not allow me to add much trim weights.

The SS plate center of mass is higher, so it's effectively like having built-in trim weights.

 

[MoorishK]

For me, stainless, it’s free ballast without much real world cost, you will need less trim weight or none since the plate alone pretty much erases the typical tank buoyancy shift. If you over pack as a habit you may need that 3 pound weight savings, set up a travel plate aluminum plates can be pretty cheap and a webbing already set for warm water can just make life easier when coming from the bulk of a drysuit.

The SS plate center of mass is higher, so it's effectively like having built-in trim weights.

Thanks for the comments. So I might not need any trim weights if I go with SS plates?

 

[inquis]

Thanks for the comments. So I might not need any trim weights if I go with SS plates?

Quite possibly. As a data point, my SS plate would take the place of my AL plate+5 lb of trim weight on the upper tank band.

ETA: I think it really comes down to whether the add'l 5 lb of the SS plate (over an AL plate) throws you over the luggage weight limit. (It would not in my case, but YMMV.)

 

[MoorishK]

Quite possibly. As a data point, my SS plate would take the place of my AL plate+5 lb of trim weight on the upper tank band.

ETA: I think it really comes down to whether the add'l 5 lb of the SS plate (over an AL plate) throws you over the luggage weight limit. (It would not in my case, but YMMV.)

I feel like I can just bring them on the plane as carry on or just rent the bc at the destination. lol

 

[runsongas]

also check for used on craigslist and such, since plates don't really break or go bad