What backplates are compatible with the Halcyon Pioneer 27?

[PerroneFord]

If you used an STA any plate will fit. If you use the built in STA, not all plates will work. I've run into issues with DSS plates and my Pioneer wing.

In regards to not being impressed with the Halcyon plate, I think you're barking up the wrong tree. It's fine. I've also heard good things about the hammerhead.

Titanium has it's place, but a BP isn't one of them. I'd prefer DSS's composite plate over titanium.

Good luck to you.

 

[GreenDiverDown]

Carefull Sadamune. I think that you may have been given some unintentional mis-information. Yes... just about any plate will work with a Pioneer... WITH AN STA. If you intend to use it STA-less then far fewer plates will work. In order to use it like that, the plate must have camband slots cut in the appropriate location relative to the holes in the center channel. Many do not. I don't know about the Hammerhead plate... it is very likely that they designed their plate to be compatable. But I don't know for sure.

I do know that the Halcyon plate will work and that it is fine. If you are looking for a less expensive alternative, then a FredT plate is what you want. His plates match up with the Halcyon cambands and he offers an option to do the finishing yourself to save a few more bucks.

 

[SparticleBrane]

So um...what are you not impressed with about the Halcyon bp? It's one of the best I've seen...
If you're looking for sleek, I believe Salvo makes an aluminum backplate that has a black hardcoat.

 

[GreenDiverDown]

If you're looking for sleek, I believe Salvo makes an aluminum backplate that has a black hardcoat.

It's more like irredescent purple... in the sunlight.

 

[alo100]

Titanium? got too much money?
What benifit does Titanium have over alluminium except for stength? (not really an issue I would have thought?

Maybe something like this? The lowest priced ss back plate I've heard is around US$30, not 316 steel. So there are some saying that sometimes you'll see yellowish thin rust at the surface (I haven't seen it yet, just heard how it is like) but you can always do Ti plating at the surface, of course in low price (again haven't tried it but some people told me about the price, and the cost dep on the the thickness). Strange? yes, very, but doable.

 

[Sadamune]

Thanks for the info on the cam band slots Stephen! I'll need to confirm whether Hammerhead's BP has it's slots is properly aligned for the Pioneer 27.

I tried contacting FredT via e-mail, but I didn't get a response. I read somewhere on this board that he's still picking up the pieces after Katrina. Does anybody know if he's still taking orders?

My lack of enthusiasm for the Halcyon BP is a direct consequence of the alloy of inox used (304) and not its technical features. I'm sure that a well cared for 304 BP would serve any diver quite well, but I'm very sensitive to metalurgical issues and I definitely prefer the qualities of 316L that FredT, Hammerhead, and some other manufacturers use. However, there's no reason that I can't have more than one BP, so I might just go with Halcyon to ensure compatibility and pick up a FredT or Hammerhead II later. But, if I can get a hold of FredT, maybe I'll save a few dollars and make out with a better product.

PerroneFord,

I'm afraid that a composite BP would melt if I were to do a volcano dive. I also think a composite BP would be easily crushed in the jaws of a giant sea monster. I prefer my armour, uhh, I mean backplate to be made of tougher stuff. Titanium is used for trauma plates in bullet proof vests, so giant fangs, spear points, scimitars, etc. would be easily deflected by a Ti BP. Stainless works well too, but it's kinda heavy...

Sadamune

 

[GreenDiverDown]

Try this email.

ftagge@acadiacom.net

I know that I and several others have received goods from Fred recently.

 

[SparticleBrane]

Dude--people make hundreds of ocean (read: salt water) dives with Halcyon backplates. I seriously doubt you'd have issues...
Just spray it off at the end of the dive like every other piece of equipment (as you should always do) and you'll be fine with whatever you're using.

 

[GreenDiverDown]

Yah... my H SS plate looks pretty much like the day I bought it... 5 years ago. Oh... it does have some scratches (I guess) but no rust.

 

[SparticleBrane]

Yeah, you well never ever see this:
"Hey check it out, I've got a 304 backplate!"
"Oh yeah, well mine's made from 316!"
"*backplate envy*"