Salvo backplate

[buddhasummer]

Im assuming most backplates are all much of a muchness, I dont know this for sure as Ive never actually seen one in the "flesh", having said that does anyone know anything about Salvo SS backplates? other than that they are made by salvo and are stainless steel thanks...

 

[mania]

I have an aluminium one. It's a plate. But was way cheaper than other ones.
And I love it

Mania

 

[TSandM]

I don't know about the Salvo plates, but plates are not much of a muchness. They vary in dimensions, the placement of the slots, the holes around the edge, and the angle of the bend. Plates vary in finish (poorly finished plates chew through harness). Deep Sea Supply plates come with an elastomeric insert in the lower slots that serves as a tensioner and protects the harness from chafing.

Don't know if that will be at all useful in your decision about the Salvo plate, but you should know that there ARE differences.

 

[Colliam7]

Im assuming most backplates are all much of a muchness, I dont know this for sure as Ive never actually seen one in the "flesh", having said that does anyone know anything about Salvo SS backplates? other than that they are made by salvo and are stainless steel thanks...

There are a number of unique plate designs (e.g. the Freedom plate) that are truly exciting. But, generally, you are right – far more similarities among backplates than differences. Most SS BPs fall into the 5-6 lb weight range, but with a few exceptions. Most plates (SS and AL) fall into a particular size range (approximately 10.5” W x 15.5” L), but there are some made for taller / shorter people. Backplates may differ in the configuration of the holes drilled in the plate – NOT the distance between the centerline bolt holes (11” OC is the standard), but in the number of ‘sets’ of centerline holes, in whether there are slots cut for tank cam bands so you can attach a single tank without a STA, in the location and number of holes drilled around the edges to allow attachment of equipment, in whether there are one or two slots cut for attachment of a crotch strap (and, if there is a single slot, whether it is a 1” or 2” slot). You will see comments about the quality – the specific SS used and whether it is more or less resistant to oxidation, about how clean the edges are (are there burrs that may snag webbing or exposure suits, or are the holes / slots clean), which Lynne mentioned. You can 'dress' an AL plate, or even add holes, whereas doing so with a SS plate requires equipment, and skill, that the ordinary user may not have. I have three ‘standard size’ SS backplates, including one ‘homemade’, and like them all but the homemade definitely has rougher slot edges than the others. I have no personal experience with the Salvo plate, so hopefully others can comments specifically on that brand. The good news is, that having local ‘service’ is probably NOT a critical factor in BP selection.

 

[buddhasummer]

There are a number of unique plate designs (e.g. the Freedom plate) that are truly exciting. But, generally, you are right – far more similarities among backplates than differences. Most SS BPs fall into the 5-6 lb weight range, but with a few exceptions. Most plates (SS and AL) fall into a particular size range (approximately 10.5” W x 15.5” L), but there are some made for taller / shorter people. Backplates may differ in the configuration of the holes drilled in the plate – NOT the distance between the centerline bolt holes (11” OC is the standard), but in the number of ‘sets’ of centerline holes, in whether there are slots cut for tank cam bands so you can attach a single tank without a STA, in the location and number of holes drilled around the edges to allow attachment of equipment, in whether there are one or two slots cut for attachment of a crotch strap (and, if there is a single slot, whether it is a 1” or 2” slot). You will see comments about the quality – the specific SS used and whether it is more or less resistant to oxidation, about how clean the edges are (are there burrs that may snag webbing or exposure suits, or are the holes / slots clean), which Lynne mentioned. You can 'dress' an AL plate, or even add holes, whereas doing so with a SS plate requires equipment, and skill, that the ordinary user may not have. I have three ‘standard size’ SS backplates, including one ‘homemade’, and like them all but the homemade definitely has rougher slot edges than the others. I have no personal experience with the Salvo plate, so hopefully others can comments specifically on that brand. The good news is, that having local ‘service’ is probably NOT a critical factor in BP selection.

Thank you for the indepth reply much appreciated, and yes I have been reading about the Freedom Plates and saw an older version in a picture posted by Nemrod, looks very cool and by all accounts for singles its a great plate. Anyway thanks again for the info its made things clearer for me.