Size small aluminum backplates

[GF99/99]

Hi all,

I’m sure this has been asked already so sorry I’m advance. I am looking at getting my girlfriend a backplate that actually fits her. She is about 5’1” on a good day and very small build. A standard backplate litteraly take up her whole back and she find the bottom of the plate digs into her lower back when standing/sitting out of the water especially with doubles. It was mentioned to me that there are some size small backplates out there but I have noticed there hard to come by. Seems DSS is not making them anymore Oxcheq only makes stainless or the plastic hybrid thing that I’m not to sure about especially for doubles. All I have found is that Halcyon makes an aluminum size small but it’s about twice the price of a regular backplate.

Does anyone know of another manufacturer that makes size small aluminum (we travel a lot and mostly just dive warm water SS is not very travel friendly) backplate?

Thanks

 

[Marie13]

Go with the Halycon. I recently got one. Makes a huge difference to me. Worth every penny.

ETA: DSS also made a Kydex carbon fiber BP in small. I think Northeast Scuba Supply might still have them. A friend got one last week.

 

[Bubblesong]

This can be requested in aluminum and does not dig. Freedom contour by Eric and there is a waiting list for him to make them in between his trying to survive california wildfires.
Official Freedom Plate List: Please respond here.

 

[Marie13]

Kydex small

DSS Hydbrid Kydex Small Backplate

 

[scrane]

View attachment 497926
This can be requested in aluminum and does not dig. Freedom contour by Eric and there is a waiting list for him to make them in between his trying to survive california wildfires.
Official Freedom Plate List: Please respond here.

Can you carry double tanks on a FP?

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

Can you carry double tanks on a FP?

No, the FP is strictly a single tank plate.
Thx

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

What I suggest is to find a cheap full size standard aluminum doubles plate in a long (16”) pattern and make your own. Cut off the bottom and re-cut the waist slots where you want them, drill a bottom wing hole if you need to. Aluminum is soft and easy to work. If the plate is for doubles only make sure you get one with a steep bend, the threaded rods will be shorter on the tanks and won’t need to span a long distance.

 

[Akimbo]

No, the FP is strictly a single tank plate.

Not exactly. I made a bracket for mine out of Aluminum rectangular tubing to adapt mine to doubles. The design is more of a hack than an elegant market-ready product, but the Freedom Plate is great on doubles.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

Not exactly. I made a bracket for mine out of Aluminum rectangular tubing to adapt mine to doubles. The design is more of a hack than an elegant market-ready product, but the Freedom Plate is great on doubles.

Well yes, I know you adapted your plate. You also have a full machine shop in your basement and a lot of know how. I’m speaking for the general public and stating that the FP is “officially” a single tank only plate (at this time). If someone want’s to go out on their own and tinker that’s great, but it’s not something that’s available through me.

 

[Rooster59]

Go with the Halycon. I recently got one. Makes a huge difference to me. Worth every penny.

ETA: DSS also made a Kydex carbon fiber BP in small. I think Northeast Scuba Supply might still have them. A friend got one last week.

DSS Hydbrid Kydex Small Backplate

A stainless plate will take some weight off your belt, prob not a lot of difference in weight with a small vs aluminum plate:

Oxcheq Stainless Steel Backplate -- Small