| Q: Do you make different
size plates? My wife is 5'2". I think she'll need a smaller
plate. A:
We only make one size plate because we found that by adding
an extra set of adjustment holes and also adding an extra
small bend at the bottom of our plate allows the plate to
comfortably fit people from about 5 foot to about 6'6".
Q: What is the exchange
policy if I do not like the Hammerhead?
A: Our exchange policy is rather
liberal. We will refund 100% of your money plus 100% of your
shipping if you are not 100% satisfied. We want people to
be happy. Being stuck with a plate that they do not like
would not do you, or us, any good. Our only rule on return is
the equipment has to basically be in the same condition as
it was when we sent it out.
Q: Why do you have
3 sets of attachment holes for the STA and wings?
A: We offer 3 sets of attachment
holes so that you can decide where the tank and STA fit you
the most comfortably. Moving the tank and STA up or down an
inch or two affects your center of buoyancy and your comfort.
Q: I also have a pony
tank. Do I need any special mounting unit to attach it to
the plate?
A: Pony bottles are typically
mounted to the single tank using pony tamers or similar type
brackets. Argon bottles can be mounted directly to the attachment
points on the backplate, using standard Marine grade clips.
Our attachment points are located to handle virtually any
accessory.
Q: How different is
the 2 piece STA on the Aluminum plates to the one-piece STA
on the Stainless Steel tank?
A: The 2 piece STA is identically
shaped but cut into two pieces so that we can eliminate material
and thus make the 2-piece STA lighter.
Q: I am looking to
buy my first plate. I need help to get my setup going.
How do I find out how to rig a plate?
A: Rigging the plate is not
difficult, although you will probably have about an hour invested
in rigging the plate and another 1/2 hour or so adjusting
everything to be where you like it (e.g. moving the D rings,
etc.). There are various web sites that will provide detailed
instructions on rigging a plate.
Lately a lot of people that
are concern about having to rig the plate for the first time.
In response, we started offering to pre-rig the plate for
an additional $28.50, however you will still need to go through
the effort of adjusting everything to fit. Having the plate
pre-rigged will save you about an hour the first time.
Q: Where did you find
your model?
A: She is the bartender at
a local pub that my business partner and I visit from time
to time. She knows nothing about diving but she does have
all of the right equipment to show off our plate.
Q: What wings will
fit your plate?
A: Our plates will fit every
major brand wing. The bolt holes are set at the industry standard
11” spacing and we have 3 sets of holes so that you
can locate your center of buoyancy.
Q: Should I order the
SS plate or Aluminum?
A: We find that most people
diving cold water go with our SS plate and one-piece STA so
that they can move more weight off of their belt. Most warm
water divers go with our Aluminum plate and 2-piece STA. We
suggest that if you dive both cold and warm water that you
invest in both our Aluminum and Stainless Steel Plates. We
also suggest you purchase two harness kits so after you rig
both plates you are only swapping the wing from plate to plate when you travel.
Q: How do I attach
the STA and Wing to the plate?
A: The STA is bolted through
the holes in the wing and secured to the Backplate. In essence
the wing is sandwiched between the plate and STA.
Q: Can I dive with
out a single tank Adapter (STA)?
A: Yes, however I like to think
of it as going to work without underwear. Everything is free
and moves around a lot more, but it is much less comfortable.
The purpose of the STA is to hold the tank securely. A very
large percentage of our customers that originally bought plates
without an STA subsequently order an STA after a dive or
two.
Q: How much weight will
I lose from my belt by wearing a plate?
A: Moving weight from the belt
to the back is one of the big advantages of diving with a
plate. Our SS plate with our 1 piece STA and harness kit will
weigh in at a tad under 11 lbs. Our Aluminum plate with our
2-piece STA and harness kit will weigh in at about 4 lbs.
These totals can be deducted from the amount of weight you
currently dive with. We strongly encourage all divers to keep
some ditchable weight on the waist straps. This can be accomplished
by using any of the quick release weight pouches available.
Q: Do you ship to Canada
or other parts of the world?
A: Yes, we have sold plates in Canada, UK, Malta, Spain, Japan, Germany, Philippines, US military addresses, and several other countries. Shipping costs will be higher than our standard $15.00 delivery charge within the US. We typically suggest shipping internationally via the US Postal Service (USPS) Priority Mail International but will use whatever shipping method you prefer. For shipments to Canada, the shipping charge will be $39.00. For shipments to any other part of the world, you will be billed the actual shipping cost plus $7.50 for handling. You can get an estimate of the USPS shipping cost by assuming a 14 lb package and visiting www.usps.com/tools/calculatepostage. The USPS web site states the estimated delivery time for Priority Mail International is 6 – 10 business days. However, we cannot guarantee delivery times or the length of time to go thru Customs. If no shipping method is specified, we will ship international packages via USPS Priority Mail International.
Q: I am a little on
the large size and have dove with other plates and they dig
into my back. Is there anything special about your plate that
will keep it from digging into my back?
A: Our plate will not cut into
your back unless of course you are a contortionist and get
yourself into some weird configurations. Seriously, we add
an extra set of bends to the bottom of our plate for the purpose
of reducing the potential for the plate digging into your
back or hips. I dove the Florida Keys this summer for 3 days
with only a swimsuit and had no problems. I have a big fat
belly and had no trouble at all. except when the restaurant
closed the buffet line early!
Q: Your plate has a
lot more holes around the edge than most other plates. Why
do you do that?
A:The more
attachment points you have the easier it is to get everything where you want it. We add a lot of holes around the perimeter
of our plate to make sure there is an attachment point that
is convenient and comfortable for you to attach your gear.
It is expensive to put the holes in which is why most of our
competitors limit the number of attachment points.
Q. Where can I buy
cam bands?
A: Just about any local dive
store, or major mail order vendor such as Leisure Pro or Diver’s
Supply will stock them.
Q: Approximately how
much further away (from a person's back) does the STA position
the tank--I'm thinking about the ability to still reach a
tank valve.
A: The STA will move the tank
about 3/8 to 1/2" further off your back, however, you
will know exactly where the tank is because the STA will be
holding the tank securely. . I would expect that you would
not have a problem reaching the valve.
Q: Does your plate work well with doubles?
A: Our plate works equally well with doubles or a single tank. Just be sure to purchase the correct tank boards to fit your tanks. Your local dive shop should be able to order your tank bands.
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