Backplate, Harness, and Weight System

[IE_Diver]

I'm in the process of building a backplate and harness system, but I'm divided about what weight method to incorporate. I'm interested in buying some simple 2 inch webbing and customizing it with my own D-rings and buckle. But I would like to use a welt belt separate from the harness, as opposed to having the weights integrated into pouches on my harness.

My reasoning behind this is if for whatever reason im in a bind and need to remove my BP/wing, my wetsuit and I will be weighted and not want to acend. I've seen it happen, it made it more difficult for the diver to get back into the harness. Additionally, the ditchable integrated weights were very difficult to place back into the pouches on his harness, which required assistance.

Can i use a weight belt with my harness? Will having the two similar buckles (harness and weightbelt) be safe?

Oh, and what is the typical length of webbing needed to construct the harness?

Thanks

 

[Web Monkey]

I'm in the process of building a backplate and harness system, but I'm divided about what weight method to incorporate. I'm interested in buying some simple 2 inch webbing and customizing it with my own D-rings and buckle. But I would like to use a welt belt separate from the harness, as opposed to having the weights integrated into pouches on my harness.

I use about 10 Lbs with a drysuit. I tried a weight harness, but didn't like that the harness webbing and the BP webbing felt so similar. I was always going for a d-ring on the wrong strap. I don't like weight belts because they tend to not stay in place on me in a drysuit unless I really tighten it, which I don't like.

Finally I just put a couple of 5's in small weight pockets that go on the waist belt and it works nicely.

YMMV, but before spending any money on any of the solutions, you should borrow the equipment and try it to see what you actually like, instead of what you think you would like.

The "remove and replace underwater" skill you're worried about shouldn't be a problem no matter what you select. Regardless of what you do, if you and all your equipment were neutral when together, you'll still be neutral if you get out of the harness (as long as you hang on and are still breathing the same). You won't have the same trim, but you will still be neutral. You might want to play with it in the pool to get a feel for it.

Terry

 

[rstofer]

I'm in the process of building a backplate and harness system, but I'm divided about what weight method to incorporate. I'm interested in buying some simple 2 inch webbing and customizing it with my own D-rings and buckle. But I would like to use a welt belt separate from the harness, as opposed to having the weights integrated into pouches on my harness.

My reasoning behind this is if for whatever reason im in a bind and need to remove my BP/wing, my wetsuit and I will be weighted and not want to acend. I've seen it happen, it made it more difficult for the diver to get back into the harness. Additionally, the ditchable integrated weights were very difficult to place back into the pouches on his harness, which required assistance.

Can i use a weight belt with my harness? Will having the two similar buckles (harness and weightbelt) be safe?

Oh, and what is the typical length of webbing needed to construct the harness?

Thanks

One scheme for the belt buckles is to have the weight belt right hand release with the buckle more or less centered on the body. Perhaps a yellow belt and a metal buckle will help. The buckle for the BP/W is left hand release and placed over to one side, usually the right side (I think?).

Or, you can use a weight harness. I have been using the DUI Weight & Trim Classic DUI Weight & Trim "Classic" Weight Harness System Ignore the picture, the top of the harness pocket should be even with the top of the hip bone and this will almost certainly ride below a BC or the harness belt of a BP/W

You need about 12' of web https://www.deepseasupply.com/index.php?product=12

Depending on how much ballast you need, you may want to use a stainless steel backplate that might weigh about 6#

Richard

 

[IE_Diver]

One scheme for the belt buckles is to have the weight belt right hand release with the buckle more or less centered on the body. Perhaps a yellow belt and a metal buckle will help. The buckle for the BP/W is left hand release and placed over to one side, usually the right side (I think?).

Thats a really good idea. thanks

 

[maged_mmh]

The buckle for the BP/W is left hand release and placed over to one side, usually the right side (I think?).

Richard

FWIW, BP/W is right hand release ideally on the right side

IE_Diver: if you're using a crotch strap make sure the weight belt goes over it not under, obviously.

 

[rstofer]

FWIW, BP/W is right hand release ideally on the right side

IE_Diver: if you're using a crotch strap make sure the weight belt goes over it not under, obviously.

Yup! Right hand release according to GUE and others. It's not an issue for mine because it is a snap buckle. It really wouldn't matter if it failed.

There are a number of folks who recommend the weight belt be under the crotch strap for the reason that they don't want it to fall off should the buckle fail. I can see both sides of this argument but since I use a weight harness the relative location of the crotch strap is unimportant.

Richard