Tall divers with backplate?

[Big-t-2538]

I just ask you compare apples to apples, not apples to watermelon.

Now Fred...we all know that such things don't exist.

Some of the cutomers I'm working with like to compare fruitcakes to carrots, and they think it's a good idea.

I would have gone with your plate, but with the bundled discount I'm going to get on my entire new rig, it is cheaper to go with the Koplin plate that comes with everything...plus I've actually seen the finished Koplin plate and it was certainly a nice plate. However, I do have a funny feeling that in the future, I (and my buddies) will be purchasing something from you anyway (think aluminum).

 

[5615mike]

Unlike some other manufacturers I give the customer the option of saving some bucks by finishing the thing themselves. Compare my finished plates to other finished plates in both price and finish. I think I'll win that test. Gentle Giant ordered an unfinished unit, so "knocking the edges off' was his option. I just ask you compare apples to apples, not apples to watermelon.

FT

ah ha.............now we have the real story! I was hoping you would see that thread and offer an explanation. Sounds reasonable enough to me. Actually Fred, I'm still strongly considering your BP myself.

 

[GeronimoDF]

Hello,
I am very close to your height, and got a FredT backplate for taller people. I tried the Halcyon backplate, and it was to short. The waist strap was actually around my rib cage. FredT is a member here, and he was more than helpful. If you have any questions, just PM me.

DAnny

 

[ElectricZombie]

The standard size plate should fit everyone.

 

[reubencahn]

Unlike some other manufacturers I give the customer the option of saving some bucks by finishing the thing themselves. Compare my finished plates to other finished plates in both price and finish. I think I'll win that test. Gentle Giant ordered an unfinished unit, so "knocking the edges off' was his option. I just ask you compare apples to apples, not apples to watermelon.

FT

I purchased one of Fred's finished plates, and it is beautifully done. No filing, sanding or burnishing needed. Even finished, his prices are below everyone else's.

 

[gentlegiant]

To tell the truth I ordered the unfinished plate for a couple of reasons:
1. I wanted to save money ($30 on my order)
2. I like working with my hands sometimes and my current job does not involve that much "hands on" work.
3. Working with the plate and the STA gives me a chance to get a feel for the material and how it should hold up. Both are very sturdy.

IMHO if you were to do a price vs. features comparison of the items Fred manufactures vs. what is available from some of the more traditional outlets Fred comes out the winner. I did a lot of looking and shopping around. No knock against Halcyon, Dive Rite or any other manufacturer, but I like working with a person who is willing to customize the gear and work with the customer. Plus Fred is located in the South and a member of the board and that scores extra points with me. My next choice probably would have been a Koplin plate or a GUTS plate.