Stainless steel travel backplates: pros and cons

[d^2b]

I'm interested in (eventually) getting a lightweight stainless backplate and single tank wing for travel.
I'd like to collect current information into one thread.

What I know about

1. The Thin Stainless Steel Freedom Plates by @Eric Sedletzky . About USD235. Not sure about weight, maybe 2-3 lbs depending on 14g or 16g steel
2. Golem Gear Stream Golem Stream Backplate. 2 lbs, US120-USD150
3. Oxycheq Travel plate 2.8lbs list at USD170.
   
4. Diverite XT Lite Stainless. 3 lbs, about USD110

I guess I'm not counting 4lb plates, but there are certainly a few more choices in that range.

There's a nice thread already about people's experience with the Travel Freedom Plates.
I'm curious how comfortable the dogbone style plates are, or if there is any general advice other than getting in line for a freedom plate (I'm not saying that's bad advice, but I'm curious about what the options are).

 

[runsongas]

i have a golem gear stream. it works well with an older travel wing that does not have roll control. but it wasn't finished as well as it could have and i had to work some of the edges myself.

i would just get a regular aluminum plate or a soft plate if you don't need ballast.

 

[divad]

Are you anti-aluminum? It's cheap,light, and strong.

 

[d^2b]

i have a golem gear stream. it works well with an older travel wing that does not have roll control. but it wasn't finished as well as it could have and i had to work some of the edges myself.

i would just get a regular aluminum plate or a soft plate if you don't need ballast.

Yeah, I currently wear 10-12 lbs in the tropics with a 3mm full suit. So some ballast is desirable, although not crucial I guess.

 

[tursiops]

Yeah, I currently wear 10-12 lbs in the tropics with a 3mm full suit. So some ballast is desirable, although not crucial I guess.

I hate carrying dead weight when I travel. Would much rather borrow it from the resort/boat.

 

[divad]

Yeah, I currently wear 10-12 lbs in the tropics with a 3mm full suit. So some ballast is desirable, although not crucial I guess.

In that case, I might think about a SS plate too..... either way I would take my comfy rubber weight-belt, or XS weight-pockets, and rent weights.

 

[d^2b]

I hate carrying dead weight when I travel. Would much rather borrow it from the resort/boat.

Sure. But the extra weight beyond an aluminum backplate is pretty small, as far as I understand.

 

[StefinSB]

I always traveled with a "regular" stainless plate. Considering all the crap I am schlepping the additional 2 pounds don't bother me one bit. That being said, I recently scored a new regular freedom plate and it's awesome. Hope to be able to use it for travel soon.

 

[-JD-]

If you are talking single tank only, Eric's thin SS plates are very close in weight to an AL plate, more compact, more comfortable, and more negative. that is =, +, +, & + for those counting.

I have a 14ga version and have added weight pouches for trim and use with 7mm/DS, without having to slap stuff on the cambands.

You are best served with a roll control wing, but using the wedge should be pretty good. I have a ghetto wedge (I got my plate before Eric's were available) and all was good with a HOG roll-control wing. My new wing does not have anti-roll tubes, but I'm not really expecting an issue given the wedge.

 

[tursiops]

Sure. But the extra weight beyond an aluminum backplate is pretty small, as far as I understand.

Maybe 5 lbs difference, for my AL and SS plates.