Backplate Webbing.

[a4lod]

I have decided to purchase a FredT SS backplate and will be ordering it in the next few weeks. I now need webbing and D-rings for it. What would be the most 'economical' way of buying it and the required D-rings? I want it to be a DIR configuration. Dive Rite offers a basic harness setup for around $40.00. Would this be the best way to go? Are Dive Rite's D-Rings DIR (I know there was a discussion about DIR D-rings)? This harness does not have a crotch strap so I will have to make one. Is it difficult to build? Would I be better to build the entire thing myself? If so, what is the going rates for webbing and D-Rings? Any good suppliers? Please respond. Thanks.

 

[Boogie711]

FredT offers a harness kit, and his D-Rings and stuff are top notch. Make sure you ask for the proper hardware - you don't want billyrings (which are welded in place.)

 

[docmartin]

FredT offers a harness kit, and his D-Rings and stuff are top notch. Make sure you ask for the proper hardware - you don't want billyrings (which are welded in place.)

why do you not want billyrings?

 

[WreckWriter]

why do you not want billyrings?

Because the original poster said he wanred DIR compliant hardware. Billy rings are not.

WW

 

[Bob3]

As said, by all means go with Fred's accessories; the hardware is laser cut out of flat stock, SEAMLESS. You won't find anything better out there & they're not hardly any more cost that the cheezy stuff.

 

[Uncle Pug]

why do you not want billyrings?

... is the rational. Since the welded rings stick out to the side they could snag on stuff and hang you up. Less chance of that happening with a ring that lays flat.

It really isn't that hard to clip off to a moveable D-ring... if it is laying flat you can lift it up with a finger as you clip off. It can be done easily even with heavy drygloves.

The moveable chest D-rings have a bend put in them using a vise and hammer so they stick up just a little bit but not enough to pose a snag hazzard.

 

[yogi_tala]

One for me and a short AL for my wife; I traded my Halcyon so that we could have perfectly matching equipment. I ordered some of his D Rings and keepers, but wound up buying mostly from Reef Scuba. BTW, they were great; called to check subbing one part that was backordered and shipped same day. I ordered a collection of regular and heavy duty Drings, triglides, webbing, and bungie/shock cord. Nice selection. I don't think they are made of the same steel FredTs, so I am betting these will rust faster. FredT's are seamless and flat, not rounded like typical. Which was the reasoning behind the Reef purchases. In hindsite, I wish I had finished with the higher grade steel...

Fred does have nice buckles and tank straps.

BTW, I ordered Blue webbing; I am no longer DIR :-( But, it looks great

Just an FYI, I had FredT finish the plate since it was a time issue, and the plates were beautifully done. Not elegant, but not a burr to be felt. Both Plates had a ton of grease on them that took a while to clean off. Our plates should be christened (in salt water) in 2 weeks...

Hope this helps...

jwh

 

[LUBOLD8431]

The absolute most economical would be reef scuba. I got 18 ft of webbing, SS buckle, five d rings and five keepers for $30 plus shipping. That was enough to make a harness, crotch strap, and I had enough left for a weight belt.

I also have another BP with a FREDT harness, which you can get with all drings and keepers if you want (no billy rings) and a nice SS buckle, and webbing for $42.

$12 difference, I think I would go with the FredT harness...

 

[yogi_tala]

Oh, yeah, REI makes a 2" nylon tubing material (at least, I believe it is nylon) that makes great crotch strap. Try this link:
http://www.rei.com/online/store/Pro...00&productId=30075&parent_category_rn=4500700
or do a search on REI for BlueWater 2-Inch Climb-Spec Tubular Webbing. .55 /ft.

Softer than the typical nylon 2" webbing but stronger, cheaper and lighter than seatbelt material. The tubular webbing holds up great; we use it on our kayaks, and it just keeps on ticking... BTW, I made two straps each for my wife and I; one with bolts and one with just keepers. They both seem strong and secure, but I don't want to be in Mexico needing a new crotch strap...

In addition to the usual suspects, I found these fairly helpful:

http://www.ukrecscuba.org.uk/ukdiver/harness/index.html

http://www.ukrecscuba.org.uk/ukdiver/harness/kl_harness/index.html

Not DIR, but helpful in the different views...

jwh