Questions about going with a backplate

[68raggtop]

There is a Halcyon SS backplate with new harness for sale locally. The plate is around a year old and the harness is uncut.
For background I currently have a Zeagle Ranger, and a 6.5MM wetsuit (I should be picking up my Whites Catalyst drysuit this week) and LP95 tanks. I expect to double them at some point, which is the motivation to go to a backplate.

My questions are in no particular order are:
1) would you recommend SS or Aluminum for the drysuit?
2)There is no wing included, so will other brands fit the Halcyon plates.
3)If it is available for under $200 and in good condition is it worth it or is that to much? I ask that because I have read to many threads about the H being to expensive.
4)Is there any reason outside of damage to not buy this?
Thanks,
Dave

[No Misses]

You can get a complete OXYcheq (AL) bp/w package for $295 at ST. The SS bp option will run you an additional $95.
BackPlate and Wing Package, DIR and Technical, OxyCheq, BackPlate and Wing Package

The Zeagle BP and harness will run you $268. This does not include the wing. Zeagle Deluxe Harness Backplate System, DIR and Technical, Zeagle, Zeagle Deluxe Harness Backplate System

I do not dive dry or doubles. I believe that an AL plate would be best for doubles (you already have enough weight). I dive a SS bp & HP120 with my 3 mil farmer. I do not carry any additional weight.

[CompuDude]

Unless you're diving doubles, for cold water diving (and especially in a drysuit) you'll want as much weight as you can, so definitely go steel. Diving doubles, you MAY be ok with aluminum, or may still need the steel, that depends on you and your individual weighting needs. Cold water insulation needs a LOT more weight than warm Florida dives require.

Any brand wing that has standard 11" spacing will work. I use the OxyCheq Mach V for my Halcyon plate... highly recommended.

Under $200 including the harness is a decent (not quite amazing, but still decent) deal. Go for it. If you can talk them down a bit (say $25 off) even better. The fact that you're not paying shipping (let alone tax) does help.

I've use a number of backplates over the years, but like the Halcyon plates best. Not enough to want to pay full price for a new plate, but I've been very happy with the used ones I've picked up over the years. The MC pack is great, and really only works as intended with the Halcyon plate, so if you have a different plate, you have to hope that they have something similar (if you end up wanting something like that) and that it meets your needs, because the H MC pack probably won't work.

[68raggtop]

Originally Posted by No Misses

You can get a complete OXYcheq (AL) bp/w package for $295 at ST. The SS bp option will run you an additional $95.
BackPlate and Wing Package, DIR and Technical, OxyCheq, BackPlate and Wing Package

That looks interesting also. Thanks for the links.
Dave

[spatman]

Originally Posted by CompuDude

Unless you're diving doubles, for cold water diving (and especially in a drysuit) you'll want as much weight as you can, so definitely go steel. Diving doubles, you MAY be ok with aluminum, or may still need the steel, that depends on you and your individual weighting needs. Cold water insulation needs a LOT more weight than warm Florida dives require.

once again, compudude is right on the money and quick with the response.

other brands to check out are Golem Gear and Deep Sea Supply. both are more expensive than other brands, but their wings are extremely durable and well made.

[68raggtop]

Originally Posted by CompuDude

Unless you're diving doubles, for cold water diving (and especially in a drysuit) you'll want as much weight as you can, so definitely go steel. Diving doubles, you MAY be ok with aluminum, or may still need the steel, that depends on you and your individual weighting needs. Cold water insulation needs a LOT more weight than warm Florida dives require.

Any brand wing that has standard 11" spacing will work. I use the OxyCheq Mach V for my Halcyon plate... highly recommended.

Under $200 including the harness is a decent (not quite amazing, but still decent) deal. Go for it. If you can talk them down a bit (say $25 off) even better. The fact that you're not paying shipping (let alone tax) does help.

I've use a number of backplates over the years, but like the Halcyon plates best. Not enough to want to pay full price for a new plate, but I've been very happy with the used ones I've picked up over the years. The MC pack is great, and really only works as intended with the Halcyon plate, so if you have a different plate, you have to hope that they have something similar (if you end up wanting something like that) and that it meets your needs, because the H MC pack probably won't work.

CompuDude, It will be cold water, drysuit with a single lp95 for now.
I thought the 11" was standard, but didn't know if Halcyon was.

I am going to look at it hopefully tomorrow. Being able to see it first hand is big, and not paying shipping and tax are worth $35 or so.
Thanks for the input.
Dave

[ChrisA]

Originally Posted by 68raggtop

My questions are in no particular order are:
1) would you recommend SS or Aluminum for the drysuit?
2)There is no wing included, so will other brands fit the Halcyon plates.
3)If it is available for under $200 and in good condition is it worth it or is that to much? I ask that because I have read to many threads about the H being to expensive.
4)Is there any reason outside of damage to not buy this?
Thanks,
Dave

1) how much weight do you use? An SS backplate is 6 lbs. If 6 lbs is a large fraction of your weight then you would not have any ditchable weight. Use an AL plate if the SS plate would over weight you. Typically cold water means SS plates

2) All of theom use the same 11 inch hole spacing and pretty much interchange

3) Harnese typicall sell for $50 and plates just over $100 new.

4) Unless it includes more than a bare plate, 14 feet of webbing, a buckle and so d-rings you are paying a bit much

[cummings66]

I'm not sure there's a lot of SS plates out there brand new for a bit over $100. Certainly there's a few somewhere but that's a low price compared to most shops, on-line even where you'll normally find them for around $150 to $250.

If you have a link to some cheap SS plates please post it, I might be in the market for another one if it's cheap enough.

[texdiveguy]

Not a bad 'new' plate.... TDL Explorer Series Back Plate [Plate-TDL-Color] - $129.95 : Tech Diving Limited, a subsidiary of Scuba Training and Technology Inc.

These are the plates I use...very nice both SS and Alm. Zeagle Express - Stainless Steel Backplate -

If you can locate a used one that will save you some monies.

[cummings66]

Now those are some good prices, thanks for the links.