Any difference in the material the back plate is made of is very small and
best left for engineers.  It's just a hunk of steel.  Either will be here
100 years after you are gone.

It must be a national problem not knowing the difference between "then" and
"than".

Unless Halcyon has changed their evil ways... ah, er, I mean, changed
their "business policy" (yeah, that's it...) ... you will probably find
a better price from a Dive Rite dealer who is allowed to discount from
suggested retail prices.

Any more-or-less standard wing should work on either plate.  Likewise,
a standard, one-piece harness should work on either with no significant
differences.

If you are installing some very specific accessories from one brand to
the other there may be some "adjustment" required.
(In my opinion, such accessories are best avoided.)

Both Dive Rite and Halcyon have acceptable quality or better.
Any differences in the actual metal ore not worth worrying about.
With either, you may find a rough edge or two -- this is quickly and
easily taken care of with a small file -- which is a good idea to
check for before you rig your plate.

--
     Charlie Hammond -- Hewlett-Packard Company -- Ft Lauderdale  FL  USA
         (hammond@not@peek.ssr.hp.com -- remove "@not" when replying)
     All opinions expressed are my own and not necessarily my employer's.

The biggest differene between the two is that Halcyon has a slightly
higher profit margin.

You may also want to consider:

http://oxycheq.com/backplates.html

Scott is also selling a couple of his plates right now for $75.00 plus
shipping (but no sales tax).

I've owned several backplates so far and there isn't much difference in
them. You just need to decide what type of diving you'll be doing so you can
pick between aluminum or stainless steel. I went with steel every time just
to get the weight off my belt and in a better spot for trim.

My most recent backplate I got from Hammerhead Scuba (
http://www.hammerheadscuba.com/ ) and I've loved it so far. The slots didn't
need de-burring and it fits all my various wings just fine. Just make sure
you get the version without "handles" when you order it because there ain't
no way in hell you can lift a tank by 1/4 inch piece of metal without
cutting your fingers off.

PS: The big breasted bimbo on the website is definitely "D.I.R." for those
that just want to browse.

Scott has a couple for sale CHEAP!!!! I have one and it is excellent!
Email him quickly (he only has 2. Priced at $75) pugetsounddiver@gmail.com