How come BP/W cost $600+

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scuba_moron

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Hello,

I am new to the sport and recently purchased a Seaquest Balance with an Airsource without doing due dilligence at $649. From the posting I read, I may have been better off buying a plate/wing combo, which I'm considering.

Even though I like my Balance, the plastics and nylon on that BC shouldn't have run more than $250. I know R&D and Marketing have to account for the small market and can command a high premium, but how can a steel plate with $15 webbing and a bladder coast $675?

I appreciate if you could shed some light on this as I'm considering switching to a BP/W.

What is the comfort level when wearing a blackplate with straps on bare skin on land, say walking to a beach dive.

Should I stick with my Balance for now as I don't intend on technical diving? My main goal is to seamline my BC a bit more.

Thanks again,
 
Balance is a good BC though. I have one and it feels very sturdy. I got my first BP/W the other day in an attempt to better streamline. Ya, the costs are crazy. $350 for the plate and harness, and another $350 for the air cell! Hope this thing has gold plating! :D
 
Do a little more shopping. You can get a plate and webbing for under $150 and a wing for about $200 to $250.


http://scubatoys.com/store/search_r...Search=fromSearch&txtsearchParamTxt=backplate
scubatoys has a Dive Rite plate for $65

http://scubatoys.com/store/search_r...omSearch=fromSearch&txtsearchParamTxt=webbing
Dive Rite basic harness $42

http://scubatoys.com/store/search_r...tFromSearch=fromSearch&txtsearchParamTxt=wing
OxyCheq 30#lift wing $225

Total $332 Minus a 10% discount for scubaboard members.
 
scuba_moron:
Even though I like my Balance, the plastics and nylon on that BC shouldn't have run more than $250. I know R&D and Marketing have to account for the small market and can command a high premium, but how can a steel plate with $15 webbing and a bladder coast $675?

That is because steel is the new gold. :D

Why a BP/W costs that much? Well, most probably because the market is willing to pay, and is paying for it. Same goes for any BC out there.

I use a BP/W, recently switched, and I'd never go back now. It's up to you, there's nothing wrong with your Balance either. If you really want to get a BP/W, I'm sure you'll be able to justify it somehow to yourself. :14:
 
Ice9:
Ya, the costs are crazy. $350 for the plate and harness, and another $350 for the air cell! Hope this thing has gold plating! :D
\

You got robbed back there. I got my complete rig for 450 USD + shipping, brand new.
 
scuba_moron:
What is the comfort level when wearing a blackplate with straps on bare skin on land, say walking to a beach dive.

Comfortable, Easy to wear, Better than a Jacket because it fits perfect after adjustments. And this is only my opinion. Never had an issue with or without a Suit or Rash guard.

As for price, shop around. DSS makes a great unit, so do others.
Buy a plate of ebay. Its not like they go bad.
As for any other item on the market, you have to pay to play.
 
Ditto... I paid $65 for a plate, $40 for a STA, and $225 for a good wing.

As for the expense of the plate, a lot of the cost is in the machining set up.
 
evil_xander:
You got robbed back there. I got my complete rig for 450 USD + shipping, brand new.


Well, that was the sticker price.. What I actually got was:

TransPlate Harness and SS Backplate
2x Large Weight Pockets
Crotch Strap
Rec Wing

Total: $638

So although I may have gotten screwed a bit, its not as bad as it first seems :D
 
https://www.shearwater.com/products/teric/

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