Is an alum backplate worth it?

[nkw5]

I have a SS bp but will be doing a few (8 at the most) warm water dives in a few months. I wouldn't be without my bp/w, so I'm packing it. But the question is, do you think it will be worth it to get an alum backplate? If I use the SS bp, I will only need 3-4 pounds of lead in my weightbelt, not a lot to ditch, but I can surely swim up 6 lbs! A little less weight in my suitcase would be nice, but 5 pounds is not a big deal. So what do you wise SB members think?

 

[Quarrior]

On my last vacation I went to Jamaica. Instead of packing my gear in the checked luggage, I wore a backpack. Granted it weighed 35 lbs or so, but, the weight of it was never checked and the gear never left my control. Only thing I packed was my knife.

Just something to think about. I know what you mean about not wanting to give up the BP&W.

I have a SS bp but will be doing a few (8 at the most) warm water dives in a few months. I wouldn't be without my bp/w, so I'm packing it. But the question is, do you think it will be worth it to get an alum backplate? If I use the SS bp, I will only need 3-4 pounds of lead in my weightbelt, not a lot to ditch, but I can surely swim up 6 lbs! A little less weight in my suitcase would be nice, but 5 pounds is not a big deal. So what do you wise SB members think?

 

[alemaozinho]

i wouldnt buy an aluminium bp just for that reason,if you,re going to dive heavy steel doubles then its worth thinking about,choice is yours.peace

 

[Curt Bowen]

I would not buy an Aliminum back plate just for that, waste of $

 

[LUBOLD8431]

Well, I guess I am in the minority, but I use an aluminum BP for single tank diving. Travel, or otherwise. I am happy with it. I have a FREDT AL BP, and the price was very reasonable.

 

[zboss]

I have a SS bp but will be doing a few (8 at the most) warm water dives in a few months. I wouldn't be without my bp/w, so I'm packing it. But the question is, do you think it will be worth it to get an alum backplate? If I use the SS bp, I will only need 3-4 pounds of lead in my weightbelt, not a lot to ditch, but I can surely swim up 6 lbs! A little less weight in my suitcase would be nice, but 5 pounds is not a big deal. So what do you wise SB members think?

A SS backplate is great when you are not traveling far but since I started on my Scuba Weight Loss kick... every pound I can get out of my bag makes me happy.

However - I am worried that an AL backplate will counteract that which I like so much about BP's - the fact that my trim is so improved over a jacket/back inflate BC.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

AL plates are pretty inexpensive at 1/2 to 1/3 the cost of a SS plate and are in my opinion worth the small cost involved if you want a lighter plate for travel.

 

[fgray1]

I'm happy with mine. I get back flare ups every so often so the least amount of weight i carry to the water when in doubles the better. The price was cheap so buying one for travel was Ok. You can get 2 for the price a SS plate. I'd spend the money.
Fred

 

[mempilot]

i wouldnt buy an aluminium bp just for that reason,if you,re going to dive heavy steel doubles then its worth thinking about,choice is yours.peace

Ditto

Saving a few pounds for travel can be a real PITA in rewebbing and having two plates. I use my SS for singles and my new AL for doubles because of rig weight. When I travel, I still take the appropriate plate for the type of diving I'm planning on doing.

 

[Pez de Diablo]

I have an Alum, a SS and an ABS plate. I dive heavy double steels in warm water with a dry suit and am just too negitive, so I needed a lighter plate.

If you get a light weight plate, you might want to think of going to ABS, I think it is more rugged and durable.