SS back plates . . . . are they all the same ?

[capt.offshore]

Hello to all,

I am looking to build my own BC, and I guess the foundation of this would be a back plate. There are several companies out there who make these and I just would like to know what the difference is in them . . . . if any? One in question would be "Hammerhead". For the money ($100) you can get the back plate and a single tank mount. . . . .how is the quality? I do feel that you get what you pay for, but I have been proven wrong by this a time or two. Any advice for this "Newbie" would be greatful ! ! !

Thank you

[PeterVICEG]

No they are not all the same. It is the small things that make a difference. If you are large, or small, size matters. Some times the cheapest POS will be fine, but the angle of the bend, the little bent bits at the bottom etc., can make a huge difference for comfort and utility. I replaced a twenty year old Dive Rite plastic backplate (good) with a chepo steel unit (bad) that hurt. I lashed out for a Halcyon (expensive) SS plate, and will never look back.

Good luck,

Peter

[capt.offshore]

No they are not all the same. It is the small things that make a difference. If you are large, or small, size matters. Some times the cheapest POS will be fine, but the angle of the bend, the little bent bits at the bottom etc., can make a huge difference for comfort and utility. I replaced a twenty year old Dive Rite plastic backplate (good) with a chepo steel unit (bad) that hurt. I lashed out for a Halcyon (expensive) SS plate, and will never look back.

Good luck,

Peter

I am a fair sized guy . . . .5' 11'' 245 lbs. and a 52" chest. Would you have a recommendation to any? Thanks.

[MORGAN]

I am a fair sized guy . . . .5' 11'' 245 lbs. and a 52" chest. Would you have a recommendation to any? Thanks.

I am about your size and have a Halcyon stainless steel back plate on my single tank rig and a Dive Rite aluminum back plate on my doubles rig. Both have Dive-Rite Transplate harnesses on them. Both are very comfortable in anything from a 5 mm wetsuit to a CF200 drysuit with heavy undergarments.

Mike

[mahendry]

I am a fair sized guy . . . .5' 11'' 245 lbs. and a 52" chest. Would you have a recommendation to any? Thanks.

I'm also about the same size. I have Dive Rite Aluminum on my steel doubles and use Diverite Stainless Steel for my single tank rig. They are comfortable with anything from a dive skin to a dry suit. You would want the larger size. For my single tank and any open water rig I look for well placed holes along the bottom for mounting SMB's, lift bags, weight pockets, etc.

[Sludge]

Dayo Scuba (sponsor of this forum) was selling some steel plates last year at a super price - I got a couple. I believe they're HOG/Edge.

Send a PM to TJ.

[Tegg]

Dayo Scuba (sponsor of this forum) was selling some steel plates last year at a super price - I got a couple. I believe they're HOG/Edge.

Send a PM to TJ.

*begin Most Interesting Man in the World voice*

I don't always dive a backplate...

but when I do, I use a HOG SS Plate....

*end voice*

[Garth]

*begin Most Interesting Man in the World voice*

I don't always dive a backplate...

but when I do, I use a HOG SS Plate....

*end voice*

Hilarious!

[Sludge]

but when I do, I use a HOG SS Plate....

I tend to ignore the "HOG" part of the name and stress the "Edge" part.

[kidsdream]

The Hammerhead products are extremely robust. Read that to thicker gage than most OEM plates. The quality of the steel (or alu) is of the highest grade as well. Now they are not polished to a high finish (the ALU plated does not have any secondary finish) like some others, but they are certainly more than acceptable. De-burring the holes edged while not required, can make them the equivalent of the best - this can be done with a air or dremel tool in less than 15 minutes.