Dive Rite Backplates -- No Aluminum?

[certainmisuse]

Hello,

It looks like Dive Rite offers an SS version and an SS version with larger holes, making it a few pounds lighter. It doesn't appear that Dive Rite offers an aluminum version? Do folks just use the swiss cheese version of the SS as a way to mimic an aluminum plate, or is there some other purpose I'm missing? Thanks.

Kind Regards,
David

 

[runsongas]

pretty much. they used to have aluminum but it got discontinued.

Aluminum Backplate

 

[tbone1004]

@certainmisuse the skeletonized SS plate is roughly the same weight/buoyancy as the aluminum plates, but it is more durable and the holes won't round out over time with heavy doubles which is what those lightweight plates are supposed to be used for

 

[CAPTAIN SINBAD]

Before they started making the lighter steel version Dive Rite used to make the regular AL version. I have both their AL one from the past as well as the lighter steel (swiss cheese) version. I prefer the steel version over AL. Weight buoyancy is not that different but durability is that of a steel plate. After using these, I felt that the time for AL plates was gone and the industry needs to switch to lighter steels as these have all the buoyancy / weight characteristics of an AL plate without the disadvantages.

 

[Diving Dubai]

OFF TOPIC REPLY​

, I felt that the time for AL plates was gone and the industry needs to switch to lighter steels as these have all the buoyancy / weight characteristics of an AL plate without the disadvantages.

The amount you'd save in weight vs cost and lack of corrosion resistance really isn't' worth it/ SS is durable and dense enough to give the required weight as a full plate or as a skeleton plate

I have an Al plate on one of my single tank rigs. 5 years no wear.

You could of course embrace Carbon fibre as GUE have done on their $1000 20 year anniversary Halcyon Single tank rigs

I cried with laughter when I saw that. Its clearly made for display only - I hope anyway.

Carbon Fibre (CFC composite) has no place in salt water - talk about form over function..