New...Aluminum Prototypes

New...Aluminum Prototypes!
Finally!!! Three beautiful new aluminum prototypes of The Pterodactyl Backplate/ Harness System have arrived. They are anodized in a different color each (black, red and blue). Pictured to the left is the red prototype...against a stunning hardwood floor. My interest in producing a Pterodactyl in aluminum is, of course, to provide a lighter model. This would be of value to Dive Travel. The original stainless model weighs 6-1/2 pounds (plate only) while the aluminum model weighs only 2 pounds. After rigging with harness and all the harness "D" rings, Mega Buckle and crotch strap, they weigh 8-3/4 and 4-1/4 pounds, respectively. That's a 4-1/2 pound difference. My partner, John Glodowski, has been instrumental in funding the production of these prototypes. Initially, I was concerned about the aluminum plates standing-up against the weight of the tanks without the plate bending. Clearly, the stainless model has no problem with this. Well, after mounting to twin 100's and hanging two stage bottles, wreck reel, lights...the aluminum plate didn't bend...VICTORY! Also, you may notice the absence of harness rollers on the mounting bars. There was a problem with the anodizing process and it was necessary to eliminate the rollers. However, this in no way effects the performance...the harness slides through the "harness sliders" just as easily as when there were rollers. In fact, I have been thinking of eliminating the rollers in favor of the "harness sliders" for some time. The harness "D" rings and Mega Buckle are continued as stainless as with the original model. If all goes well, I hope to have this new aluminum Pterodactyl in production and available for sale by year's end or early next year. That's all for now!

New York State Divers Assoc. Dive Show

On April 16th, I left my house at the insane hour of 3:30 AM and drove for five @!#$#!!? hours to the town of Rome, NY. The location was the First Presbyterian Church of Rome. The occassion was the 50th. anniversary cellebration of the New York State Divers Association. They were hosting a small, one day dive show. At said location, I met-up with my esteemed colleague and friend...John Glodowski. John is an aeronautics engineer working for Boeing and he also works for Indian Valley Scuba in Harleysville, PA. The show was great! Very informal and full of interesting people all day long. Several dive shops were signed-up as Authorized Dealers of "All Things Pterodactyl". This event was well worth the long drive and it was a pleasure spending the day with John. New York State Divers Association rocks!

Aluminum Pterodactyl?

Yes...it's true! Several years ago I looked-into the possibility of making a Pterodactyl backplate from aluminum. At the time, I thought that the plate would bend and flex too much under the weight of doubles, stages, etc. But now I think it is achievable. The reason why The Pterodactyl backplate might be subjected to excessive forces from the weight being carried when made from aluminum (whereas other backplates do just fine) is very simple. Just look at the design of this backplate and you will notice the "wings" that extend left and right from the lower corners. These "wings" are where the harness rollers are attached. It is because of these "wings" that the weight of the tanks can exhert far greater force on the plate than what would happen with a "conventional" design. As I am writting this, my machine shop is preparing to produce a few prototypes in aluminum which I will dive and evaluate. I hope to duplicate The Pterodactyl in aluminum for dive travel. Finally, I am also planning to slightly modify the "longitudinal recess" of the plate so it will fit ALL tank bands perfectly. Currently, it fits most tank bands but has a "less than perfect fit" with twin 119's, 130's and any twin tanks spaced much closer than one inch. This modification will be carried-over to all upcoming production runs...stainless and aluminum.

Happy New Pterodactyl Year!

Hello everyone! It's been a few months since my last blog entry. The recession "rages on" but we here at Critical Aspect Inc. are looking-forward to this coming year with considerable optimism. E-mailed inquiries and sales of The Pterodactyl Backplate/Harness System have experienced a slight "up tick" recently. I would like to bring to your attention the existence of an excellent dive gear websight... ScubaGearPlus.com. This sight is owned and operated by Indian Valley Scuba of Harleysville, PA....an Authorized Dealer of "all things Pterodactyl". Log onto their sight and you can score a Pterodactyl for just $375.00 plus FREE SHIPPING to anywhere in the continental USA. NO KIDDING! The owner David Valaika, and his capable staff, will take good care of you. That's all for now.

Cayman Pterodactyl

Hello everyone! I know what you're thinking...I went on a fantastic vacation to the Cayman Islands with my Pterodactyl and stayed at Dive Tech diving resort. Not in this recession! However, one of my very happy customers did...Scott Action from Cincinnati, OH. Scott is seen here diving his Pterodactyl with the single tank adapter. He's also packing a stage bottle. Scott writes, "The Dive Master on the boat was really impressed. I also showed the gang at Dive Tech in the Caymans and they all liked the setup."

What a great endorsement! Thank you Scott for taking your time to show this innovative product to other divers.

Sale On! Time Is Wasting!

Yes...time is wasting! The June Sale will all be over after June 30th. Score yourself a Pterodactyl Backplate/Harness System and save yourself $50.00. Inquire at your local dive shop or contact me directly at info@criticalaspect.com and (508) 224-9180 (8 to 10 AM, Eastern time, USA)...Gary A. Cresswell, President.

June Sale!!!

Just a quick note to say...I am having a sale for the month of June! What a great time to upgrade your diving equipmentl. The deal is...any purchases of The Pterodactyl Backplate/Harness System during the month of June will be $50.00 off. After June 30th, the prices return to usual. All orders must be paid-in-full before the end of June. Orders of four Pterodactyls or more have free shipping to anywhere within the continuous 48 states. Dive shops, Dive Instructors and members of Search and Rescue Dive Teams qualify for wholesale prices as usual (with verification). The retail price for The Pterodactyl is $390.00...so knock that down to $340.00 and score yourself the most innovative and "user-friendly" backplate/harness system on the planet!