Stupid sounding question, but isn't

Ze_Abron · Sep 1, 2012

Chaps,

What is there difference between a $60 backplate and a $300 backplate? Surely both are just a drilled and formed sheet of Aluminium or steel?

I am thinking of buying an aluminium one online and I just can't for the life of me understand what the price difference could refer to...

Thx!

Superlyte27 · Sep 1, 2012

Comfort, sharp angles, do they cut into the harness, holes/slots adjustable, blah blah blah. Buy the Dive Rite or HOG one, you'll be fine.

eelnoraa · Sep 1, 2012

Who makes a $300 backplate?

Ze_Abron · Sep 1, 2012

Shop here in HK sells Halcyon backplate for $325.

fisheater · Sep 1, 2012

That's what a number of us refer to as "the H tax."

halocline · Sep 2, 2012

Ze_Abron:
Chaps,

What is there difference between a $60 backplate and a $300 backplate?

My guess is that one of them comes with a blue H on the box.

One exception, the deep sea supply plates really are a little different; they're finished very well and they have these neat elastomer inserts that hold the harness in place. And there's a lot of thought in the angles for single tank use. Oxycheq and dive rite are very standard plates that work fine.

But I haven't seen a $60 steel plate or a $300 AL plate, so part of that very wide price spread would be material too.

eelnoraa · Sep 2, 2012

H AL plate is $209 here. Not that I think they ar NOT expansive, but you are having it for 50% more. I am not sure how much is import tax, how much if your shop's markup. At the end of the day, the differences come to quality of fit and finish, NOT functinality. H plate's finish really nicer. But unless you are also looking to use some H only accessories (cinch), I, personally don't see the need to have a very good looking plate. Afterall, they all go into salt water, and will look like crap after a short while.

The lowest cost AL plate I can find in the states is OMS, $65 from leisurepro. The ratio is 3:1, not as extreme as in your case.

buddhasummer · Sep 2, 2012

eelnoraa:
Who makes a $300 backplate?

AGIR Brokk

Tortuga68 · Sep 2, 2012

Yeah the guys bashing H pricing should check out AB

Insta-Gator · Sep 2, 2012

Backplates - Dive Gear Express

Dive Rite AL back plate for $55.00

Stupid sounding question, but isn't

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