Help needed in dating Sportsways dive gear

[simonbeans]

The earliest Sportsways catalong I have is 1961. In it is a backpack that I have illustrated before:


I recently acquired one, but it is a bit different. It has a raised "S" in the middle of the plate.


I know that this type of backback was not available after 1961, but without an earlier catalog, I can not date for sure the backpack with the "S". Does anyone have earlier catalogs than 1961 to give an idea when the "S" backpack was available?

Thanks.
Allan

[1969ivan1]

I bet Mike O can shead some light on that one....... I would just tell them that the S stands for simonbeans!

[standingup]

from a 1960 cat - sorry about poor pic- sorry again the pack I posted isn't even close to the other one. Will have to check out pics closer before posting.

[Bryan]

I can’t figure out why Allan is trying to date Sportsways gear??….I think Debbie is going to be pissed when she finds out.….I take some dating risks but even I don’t go to this extreme….

[ovalis]

So that's what the "S" stands for. I always thought it stood for STUDnicka!!

Allan, I do know that the Tank Pack was available in 1960 as well. I don't think it was available in 1959, but I can't say for sure. I have a 1959 sportsways tank that came with a regular back pack (bands). I researched the old skin divers new products section & advertisements a couple of years back looking for the exact question you're asking, and I feel confident that 1960 was the first year.

Congratulations on the win, Mike

[simonbeans]

Thanks Mike. I wasn't sure when Sportsways dropped the bands and harness and went the backpack route. This flat job didn't last long however as most of the crowd wanted the "shell" contour pack. Nice comfort, but I have a heck of a time getting the tank low enough to allow a double hose to be in the right position. I now have a healthways flat plate and this Sportsways to test as soon as the water makes it above 60 degrees.

Thanks for "allowing" me that auction. I did have an obscene max bid on it, so I am glad I finally out bid the champ. It is in almost pristine condition with its J-rod and clip intact. However, the way the harness is afixed to the pac, there is not alot of waist adjustment. I doubt if anyone with a waist 38" or more could use it. These are one of the few times I like being skinny.

So I will assume a date of 1960. Works for me.
Allan