Aluminum vs Steel BP?

[drifter136]

Aside from the fact that an Aluminum BP is not as negatively buoyant as a Steel BP, are there any other disadvantages to an Aluminum BP over a Steel one? Is an Aluminum BP likely to deform or wear out faster than a Steel BP or are Aluminum ones plenty strong?

Steel plates typically seem to be twice as expensive as Aluminum plates and I'm wanting to find out all the disadvantages to Aluminum.

[terrillja]

Originally Posted by drifter136

Aside from the fact that an Aluminum BP is not as negatively buoyant as a Steel BP, are there any other disadvantages to an Aluminum BP over a Steel one? Is an Aluminum BP likely to deform or wear out faster than a Steel BP or are Aluminum ones plenty strong?

Steel plates typically seem to be twice as expensive as Aluminum plates and I'm wanting to find out all the disadvantages to Aluminum.

AL is softer than SS, so if you decided to jump off a heli at 30' in full gear you could bend it I guess...

If you do that, please have someone shoot video!

[drifter136]

lol, That would be quite a spectacle. So, I'm guessing that you are saying that while the AL is softer than SS, it is still plenty strong?

[terrillja]

Originally Posted by drifter136

lol, That would be quite a spectacle. So, I'm guessing that you are saying that while the AL is softer than SS, it is still plenty strong?

Yeah, I've never heard of an AL plate bending under standard use.

[texdiveguy]

Originally Posted by drifter136

Aside from the fact that an Aluminum BP is not as negatively buoyant as a Steel BP, are there any other disadvantages to an Aluminum BP over a Steel one? Is an Aluminum BP likely to deform or wear out faster than a Steel BP or are Aluminum ones plenty strong?

Steel plates typically seem to be twice as expensive as Aluminum plates and I'm wanting to find out all the disadvantages to Aluminum.

Putting aside the fact that selection of one or the other directly relates to wt./trim,,,,an Al plate is just as strong and will last forever....so no worry to it bending or breaking.

[drifter136]

So, basically it really just comes down to:

- If you need more trim wt. and don't mind spending a little extra...Get SS
- If you need more trim wt. and don't want to spend extra...get AL and some cam band trim pockets
- If you don't need the extra weight...Get AL

Or something along those lines?

[terrillja]

Originally Posted by drifter136

So, basically it really just comes down to:

- If you need more trim wt. and don't mind spending a little extra...Get SS
- If you need more trim wt. and don't want to spend extra...get AL and some cam band trim pockets
- If you don't need the extra weight...Get AL

Or something along those lines?

Pretty much, also if you need more jettison-able weight, get al and weight pouches.

[drifter136]

Thanks both of you for your help. I appreciate it.

[terrillja]

Originally Posted by drifter136

Thanks both of you for your help. I appreciate it.

np, but seriously if you jump out of a heli, I want to see that.

[drifter136]

LOL, I will keep ya in mind if the urge ever strikes me.