Alum or Steel for warmer water single tank diving

[g1138]

Halcyon has a STA with a removable 6lb coated weight for $219 MSRP.
DSS has pairs of metal plates (6-9lbs per pair) that you can bolt onto a DSS Bp for more weight (about $94-$109 a pair).
You can always go w/ trim weights as well.

If you want a versatile Bp, I say get an Al and some bolt on weights, like those I mentioned above. If you're going to be diving in just one destination then set up your Bp for that destination, in which case an Al would work fine in your warm water exposure protection.

 

[buddhasummer]

What do you guys think about the blended Kydex/Stainless models offered by Deep Sea Supply? It looks like a good idea as an aluminum substitution - the Kydex should be easier on the webbing than Aluminum or Stainless. Not sure if abrasion of the webbing is ever a problem anyway, but the Kydex seems like a good solution for that.

As Herman says as long as edges are smoothed properly wear is not a big concern. On a DiveRite and Hollis plate I used to/own the edges were not very smooth and would cut into the webbing, I used nylon sleeves from DGX and that solved the problem. On DSS plates I believe they use plastic inserts on webbing slots to eliminate this issue.

Personally I use an Ali plate when travel warm water diving and SS when diving local colder waters.