New style backplate/harness demo in Socal

[divad]

As far as the fixed shape, this plate can be adjusted to fit anybody by adjusting the curves at top and sides. I realize that people have many varying waist sizes and back curves so the ability for me to custom shape to somebody does exist. QUOTE]




How do you bend it? How much are they going to cost. I'm probably never going to be in California, so I can't try one.

 

[cdtgray]

It looks very similar in shape to some of the older molded plastic backplates I have seen around a few places. Of course none of those I've seen would allow the use of anyhting but a horsecollar BC.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

[/quote]How do you bend it? How much are they going to cost. I'm probably never going to be in California, so I can't try one.[/QUOTE]
I bend them in a jig that I made and the outward curve along the bottom is formed on an anvil outfitted with a dolly where I lay the plate edge down on and work the shape in with a special hammer. I am 6'4" with a 36 inch waist and it fits me great. My buddy is about 5'8" with an average size waist and the standard size fits him great.
Unless you are really huge or really small the shape most likely will be fine. The back curv shape is the easiest to shape by just putting it in a vise and giving it a shove. The sides are a little trickier because once I form the compound curve it get really strong and rigid in that area.


The price for the entire rig with the plate, harness, s/s cam buckles/bands, and Oxycheq signature 30# donut wing will be right around $600.

This whole concept is brand new, so new in fact that I don't even have any production units back from the laser cutter yet, and when I do get them back then I have a lot of work to do to complete them.
All I have are my prototype demo rigs that I'm letting people try out. Unfortunately they are not for sale.
I should be ready to sell the first units officially in two to four weeks.

I plan on going national with this product and when things get rolling and money's coming in I will plan personal demos and look for dealers on the east coast.

Please be patient, this whole business man thing is very new to me.

ZKY

Eric Sedletzky
Pacific Coast Marine
Santa Rosa, Ca.
(707) 538-1276

 

[Brandon]

The price for the entire rig with the plate, harness, s/s cam buckles/bands, and Oxycheq signature 30# donut wing will be right around $600.

No offense, and I certainly understand the complex costs of running a business / marketing a new product... but that price is going to make your BP/W one of the most expensive in the market.

Deep Supply Singles Rig= $445
Golem Gear 35# Combo= $480
Oxycheq 30# Combo= $490
Halcyon 36 # Pioneer System = $525

Only one that is really more expensive would be the Halcyon Eclipse line:

Halcyon 30# Eclipse System = $625

Might see what you can do to trim costs to get the price down a bit so you can be more competitive in the BP market. Keep in mind that all of these backplates will work for single tanks OR double tanks, and your current design is limited to single tanks only.

Course, if you can sell them for $600 a whack, go for it. Just providing some feedback for ya =)

-Brandon.

 

[TekDiveGirl]

Interesting - I would try it out -- but unfortunately I am getting ready for a trip that weekend and won't be able to go to your demo.

If you come back to So Cal -- La Jolla Shores in San Diego is a good spot for it as well.

 

[jagfish]

No offense, and I certainly understand the complex costs of running a business / marketing a new product... but that price is going to make your BP/W one of the most expensive in the market.

Deep Supply Singles Rig= $445
Golem Gear 35# Combo= $480
Oxycheq 30# Combo= $490
Halcyon 36 # Pioneer System = $525

Only one that is really more expensive would be the Halcyon Eclipse line:

Halcyon 30# Eclipse System = $625

Might see what you can do to trim costs to get the price down a bit so you can be more competitive in the BP market. Keep in mind that all of these backplates will work for single tanks OR double tanks, and your current design is limited to single tanks only.

Course, if you can sell them for $600 a whack, go for it. Just providing some feedback for ya =)

-Brandon.

Hi Brandon
Actually, the MSRP on the Oxycheq #30 Sig Series is $595 for the full setup. With that in mind, his price is not bad if someone were really jazzed about the new plate design, and did not mind not being able to use the plate for doubles (perhaps the most serious drawback with this crowd...).

 

[radinator]

ZKY, I appreciate you answers to my questions.

Ok, to be honest, they weren't posed as questions, but concerns. I still appreciate the response.

By the way, I was at Vet's Park in Redondo today, and saw the best vis I've ever seen there, and the waves must have been on vacation elsewhere. Great conditions!

 

[Brandon]

Hi Brandon
Actually, the MSRP on the Oxycheq #30 Sig Series is $595 for the full setup. With that in mind, his price is not bad if someone were really jazzed about the new plate design, and did not mind not being able to use the plate for doubles (perhaps the most serious drawback with this crowd...).

True... but that was the price off of at least one vendor's website =)

Who pays MSRP anyway?

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for new designs, and this BP/W looks pretty cool. Nice work ZKY!.

-Brandon.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

No offense, and I certainly understand the complex costs of running a business / marketing a new product... but that price is going to make your BP/W one of the most expensive in the market.

Deep Supply Singles Rig= $445
Golem Gear 35# Combo= $480
Oxycheq 30# Combo= $490
Halcyon 36 # Pioneer System = $525

Only one that is really more expensive would be the Halcyon Eclipse line:

Halcyon 30# Eclipse System = $625

Might see what you can do to trim costs to get the price down a bit so you can be more competitive in the BP market. Keep in mind that all of these backplates will work for single tanks OR double tanks, and your current design is limited to single tanks only.

Course, if you can sell them for $600 a whack, go for it. Just providing some feedback for ya =)

-Brandon.

I'm not trying to compete with any of the other brands. Their designs are all about the same with a few minor differences, so most people will naturally go to the cheapest one, and a few people will naturally go to the most expensive one.

My design is entirely different and a completely new concept. Nobody makes anything remotely close. If they begin to imitate it, then I will know I hit the mark. But you know what, I'll always be the first one to have made it.
My plate is by in large hand made and there is no room in it for discounts.
With my product, I choose to take the road of the best quality, craftsmanship and the finest attention to detail. There is nothing that I can or will offshore to save money because I know they will not be able to make it the way I want it, and they certainly would never be able to custom fit it to someone on request.

I'm sure some of the other companies are getting their stuff slammed out overseas. A piece of 11 GA., punch out the slots with a hydraulic press, slam it in a die press to get the one dimensional shape, and have a nice day. They're probably only paying $30 a unit or less and you see them at places like Leisure Pro for $89 and where ever else for up to $165 for just the plate and the company didn't have to do anything but pack it and ship it.

I'm not really trying to sell to the tech crowd. Standard backplates work very well for doubles and stage bottles I think they have that market covered very well, in fact I have one myself. I don't see how I could improve on it, however give me time.
The market I'm after is the single tank recreational diver that has no interest in doubles but wants to dive minimalistically and enjoy the freedom of getting away from jacket bc's and loves the fit, comfort, and ultimate streamlining of my new system.

There will always be a market for fine items of beauty and quality regardless of cost.

ZKY

 

[Brandon]

...

Best of luck to you! Sounds like you have the attitude and the strategy to make your product a success.

-Brandon.