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.