Backplate/wings for women?

[DiverAnderson]

Over the last week or so I have been researching BP/wing systems for myself and explaining the thought process to my girlfriend. Well she happens to be in the market for a BC herself so sure enough all my waxing poetic about the streamlined BP system has rubbed off on her and now she can't even look at a BC without seeing all the padding/D-rings/nylon as unnecessary.

I don't have a lot of experience with BPs in general and even less with women's dive gear so some advice would be helpful. I was thinking the 2" webbing might get in the way of her *ahem* boobs so would a more structured comprimise like a Transpac II be suitable? I know she should just try 'em on and see what she thinks is comfortable but some anecdotal data sure would help.

Thanks again!

 

[Wendy]

The 2" weebing for the harness hsould be no where near your girlfriend's boobs, since the harness webbing run more from the shoulders to uder the arms. I have a harness and and I got more than my share of boobs, and I have no problems at all, not even when I have my backup lights clipped off to my shoulder d-rings (that sounds perverted somehow).

Just get her a plan harness of 2" webbing and she will be more than happy.


If you have any questions feel free to PM me, or have her write me.

 

[Dee]

The one piece 2" webbing was uncomfortable to me. No matter how I adjusted it, it chafed and pinched my armpit. I'll mention now that I normally dive in only a tank top and t-shirt. But even with a skin on it was uncomfortable. Then I tried a Dive Rite Deluxe Harness. In the photo (which is really bad!) the D-rings where the chest strap is attached, form a pivot point that keeps the webbing laying flat against her chest wall and directs it to the BP, missing the actual armpit. I find it extremely comfortable. It also allows me to have the shoulder straps a bit looser than recommended making it easier to remove; the chest strap takes up the little bit of slack, maybe 1/2".

 

[JohnF]

Dee once bubbled...
The one piece 2" webbing was uncomfortable to me. No matter how I adjusted it, it chafed and pinched my armpit. I'll mention now that I normally dive in only a tank top and t-shirt. But even with a skin on it was uncomfortable. Then I tried a Dive Rite Deluxe Harness. In the photo (which is really bad!) the D-rings where the chest strap is attached, form a pivot point that keeps the webbing laying flat against her chest wall and directs it to the BP, missing the actual armpit. I find it extremely comfortable. It also allows me to have the shoulder straps a bit looser than recommended making it easier to remove; the chest strap takes up the little bit of slack, maybe 1/2".

I know of at least one female diver who's using a scaled down plate to compensate for her small stature. Scott Koplin has made some of these. I can't remember if Oxycheq is actually marketing the small plates or not, but the shoulder strap part of the harness will come under your armpit at a sharper angle possibly reducing the strain on certain delicate parts of the female anatomy.

Not that I can speak from experience, being of the male persuasion, but I would think the chest strap would aggravate the problem.

My contribution to boob welfare 8)

JohnF

 

[ElectricZombie]

I would get her a standard size backplate...simple continuous webbing...none of the other stuff you don't need.

I always wear at least a 3 mil wetsuit so, I don't have any problems with the webbing cutting into my arms.

Once she warms up to the idea of a BP/Wing, and actually tries it out, she will not want to dive anything else.

 

[victoriawtx]

that I have a BP/W and I love it, and would never go back to a jacket BC. The one piece webbing makes for a perfect fit, since it is totally adjustable. I have never had any problems with chafing under my arms, but I do always wear a wetsuit.

I am 5'4", petite, and I have a standard size backplate. I also am not...well...flat chested.....and that has not been a problem with fit either. The webbing runs over the shoulders and under the arms by the sides (if that makes any sense). LOL

I would strongly recommend looking into one for your girlfriend.

 

[Dee]

Dee once bubbled...
I'll mention now that I normally dive in only a tank top and t-shirt.

I also have on a swimsuit!

FredT also makes an excellent shorter BP for short waisted people. I know several women who have switched to them from the standard with better results.

The continuous webbing vs the Deluxe harness is a personal preference thing. If your GF tries and doesn't like one, have her try the other. For me it made a huge difference. I'm sure it also depends on her body shape. Mine is more , ahem...rounded than some!

 

[diveski01]

I'm a petite female not flat chested and I LOVE my bp/wings! It's SO much more streamlined than a bcd. The tank is very secure against my back so no more back strain getting to/from the water. My air consumption is improved since the amount of drag vs bcd is significantly reduced. Nothing like the long glide after a nice big frog kick

I always wear at least 1.5mm wetsuit but haven't even noticed the harness above or below water. My first thoughts were quite the opposite - until I tried it for myself and was amazed at how comfortable it is. I sometimes get minor "wiggle bites" on my upper arms when getting in or out of it when there's not enough elbow room due to tightly spaced tanks on dive boats. I've gotten them w/ bcd too so can't blame that on the harness. I use a standard length bp and have no issues.

Although I see why the DiveRite harness might be more comfortable for some (I initially thought it appealing), it has several potential failure points that aren't present in a one-piece continuous webbing - namely the quick-clip on the cross-chest piece and the "swivel points" due to the sewn in metal rings near the armpits.

Since harnesses are relatively inexpensive, you could see what works best for your shape.

 

[Raven C]

I have a custom made short heavy SS backplate by Gary Hodley with a Halcyon 27 Pioneer wing from EE with standard 2" webbing and I love it. As Wendy mentioned, the webbing doesn't come anywhere near the breast area so it can't get in the way. I were a 3 mil wetsuit so I really don't have problems with it rubbing. R

Edited to say::: I am 61 1/2 inches tall so there was enough webbing trimmed off to make a second custom free diving weight belt. That's the best part about a BP&W, you customize it to fit you.