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". My Daughter is just a hair over 5' tall and has comfortably used my plate.

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 and 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 up 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 $25, 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. If you’ve purchased a wing with a different spacing let us know and we will customize a plate for you at no additional charge.

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 wings. We also suggest you purchase two harness kits so after you rig both plates you are only swapping the wing from plate to plate.

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 with out 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 with out an STA subsequently order an STA after a dive or two.

Q: How much weigh will I loose 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 part 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 $12.50 delivery within the US. We typically suggest shipping internationally via the US Postal Service (USPS) but will use what ever shipping method you prefer. You can get an approximation of the USPS shipping cost by assuming a 12 lb package and visiting http://ircalc.usps.gov/default.asp. You will be billed the actual shipping cost plus $7.50 handling. Most people choose Economy (surface) parcel post and are finding the delivery times to be less than stated on the US Postal Service web sight; however we can not guarantee delivery times. Please specify your preferred shipping method when placing your order. If no shipping method is specified we will ship international packages via USPS Economy.

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 your self 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 ass and had no trouble at all. except when the bastards 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: My partner is very particular about everything being in exactly the right spot. The more attachment points you have the easier it is to get everything to 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: How did you get started at making plates? Was it a lot of work to develop?

A: My partner and I own a metal fabrication shop and we are both into diving. When my partner decided that plates were the greatest invention since canned beer he began a year of researching plates. He is the type that does not buy anything including toilet paper with our conducting extensive research. Well, after he bought and looked at nearly every plate on the market he was still not happy with something about each plate. So he decided that we could make a better plate for a lot less money than other people are charging. I tried to talk him out of this since I knew this would mean making plate after plate after plate until he was happy with the hole spacing, material, the finish, the size of the plate, the placement of the slots, the exact angle of the bends, etc. To say he was anal about our having to make the best plate on the market is a major understatement. Well after many trials we finally came up with a plate design that he liked and introduced the Hammerhead I. I thought the story would end there. Wrong, when one of our customer commented that someone made a plate that was slightly heavier and stronger we had to go back and create the Hammerhead II which is stronger and heavier than any of our competitor’s plates.

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.