Aluminum BP vs. Travel Steel BP

[BobbyWombat]

What are the practical differences between a full aluminum backplate and a cut-down "travel" steel backplate?

I'm OW only, not doing doubles. Just looking for something that travels LIGHT.

Thanks,

-BW

[quasimoto]

Practical difference would be that it packs smaller and weighs a bit less. Other than that I don't see any.

[Aussie]

Originally Posted by BobbyWombat

What are the practical differences between a full aluminum backplate and a cut-down "travel" steel backplate?

I'm OW only, not doing doubles. Just looking for something that travels LIGHT.

Thanks,

-BW

I use a full aluminium backplate for summer and travel. I also use the Zeagle zipper weight pockets for backplates. I dont think the cut away steel travel backplates would accomodate these weight pockets as they bolt onto the plate itself.

I have it with a Zeagle 34lbs all elastic wing and it folds down to nothing and weights very little. perfect rig for travel and for warm water. I only use my steel plate when I need the extra 5lbs weight.

Aussie

[CompuDude]

Fewer attachment points on the cut down steel one. Alum. may be more versatile for diving later down the road. Alum. may be cheaper.

I'd get the aluminum one, since they'll likely weigh about the same and a full plate seems more versatile to me (and perhaps less expensive?), but you'd probably be fine with either.

[superkingkong]

i owned one travel steep bp previously, fewer holes for attachments, lighter, other than that, that's about it. oh, u can "grab" your BC easily with one hand

[Splitlip]

Originally Posted by CompuDude

Fewer attachment points on the cut down steel one. Alum. may be more versatile for diving later down the road. Alum. may be cheaper.

I'd get the aluminum one, since they'll likely weigh about the same and a full plate seems more versatile to me (and perhaps less expensive?), but you'd probably be fine with either.

Agree completely.

Also, My hammerhead Al plate was about 1.75 LB.
The modified steel are over 2 lbs.

[teknitroxdiver]

You may also find that the normal plate flexes less than the steel plate (just a guess based on looking at the design). I would personally go with the normal aluminum plate as you'll have all the attachment points; I've never found myself saying while packing "Gosh I wish this 1/4" thick piece of metal had a chunk out of it right here...I could fit so much more in"

[kancho]

Other than weight aluminum plate is just as good? I am a bit confused why you would want to be a bit heavier?

[Black-Gorrilla]

less lead to carry if you have a heavier plate.

[Z-naught]

Other than weight aluminum plate is just as good?

Metallurgically, aluminium alloy backplates are less corrosion resistant and softer than stainless steel backplates, but those aren't really concerns for most divers as aluminium is still a fairly tough and corrosion resistant material for diving. I've read comments from one manufacturer who stated that an aluminium backplate may need to be discarded after a decade or so of heavy use, whereas a stainless backplate can be passed down to your grandchildren. Aluminium backplates are quite functional mind you, but they tend to be less robust relative to stainless when their condition is measured over decades. At worst, that's a minor issue for a few divers out there, and for the majority of divers, a non-issue.

Another option for divers who want a lightweight backplate is to use a polymer based backplate, like Deep See Supply's Hybrid Kydex backplates. Zeagle also made a titanium backplate for a while, but has discontinued production due to excessive costs.