Backplate/wings harness system

[ColdH20diving]

I've been using an OMS IQ Pak, SS backplate and STA for the past couple of years. I'm looking to go to the basic SS backplate and harness system but I have a few questions I'm hoping some of the members of this board can answer for me. I was considering a harness like the Halcyon with either a Halcyon or a oxycheq SS backplate. My question has to do with the harness itself. When using a continious 1 piece webbing system are the adjustments to your upper body all done through the waist strap?And how does the crotch strap attach and adjust?

All of the systems I've used in the past have had some sort of shoulder, chest, waist, and crotch strap adjustment. I'd sure like to simplify things and eliminate what isn't necessary.

 

[JohnF]

ColdH20diving once bubbled...
I've been using an OMS IQ Pak, SS backplate and STA for the past couple of years. I'm looking to go to the basic SS backplate and harness system but I have a few questions I'm hoping some of the members of this board can answer for me. I was considering a harness like the Halcyon with either a Halcyon or a oxycheq SS backplate. My question has to do with the harness itself. When using a continious 1 piece webbing system are the adjustments to your upper body all done through the waist strap?And how does the crotch strap attach and adjust?

All of the systems I've used in the past have had some sort of shoulder, chest, waist, and crotch strap adjustment. I'd sure like to simplify things and eliminate what isn't necessary.

The arm loops are adjusted by pulling the harness thru the lower slots on the plate, effectively lengthening the waist part of the strap. The waist strap is simply the extension of the two shoulder loops, or in other words the opposite ends of the 10-12' piece of webbing that makes up the harness, and it's length is determined by how tight you adjust it in the buckle. Generally there will be a keeper at each of the lower pairs of slots which will fix the length of the shoulder loops.

The crotch strap is a separate piece of material with a large loop at one end to fit over the waist strap in front and is fastened at the rear thru a 2" horizontal slot at the middle bottom of the plate by looping it thru the slot and attaching it to itself by means of a keeper. This is a good spot to include a D-ring for attaching items like reels so they're kept out of the way.

JohnF

 

[ColdH20diving]

So if I understand correctly, once the arm loops are adjusted they are pretty much set in place with a keeper and the only adjustment is made at the waist. I'm going to have to give it a try. thanks.

 

[JohnF]

ColdH20diving once bubbled...
So if I understand correctly, once the arm loops are adjusted they are pretty much set in place with a keeper and the only adjustment is made at the waist. I'm going to have to give it a try. thanks.

When I'm diving single tanks and swapping back and forth from wetsuit to drysuit, I often leave the keepers off altogether to facilitate quick adjustments. With my new doubles setup I use the keepers. Besides keeping things in adjustment they provide some insurance against the weight of the doubles causing the harness to slide thru the slots and crash to the ground, or to my heels as I'm gearing up. 8)

JohnF

 

[agstreet]

You also don't need to buy a new BP if you don't want to. The SS OMS BP you already have in the IQ Pac will work fine.

 

[pdoege]

Full instructions and parts list is here

http://www.gasdiving.co.uk/pages/misc/kit/harness_2.htm

The parts can be ordered from

http://www.reefscuba.com/

To just play around, get 30' of webbing from

http://www.reefscuba.com/ropewebbing.htm

$.60 per foot is pretty cheap

Pull your SS BP out of the IQ and rig it up.

Worked for me

Peter

 

[JohnF]

pdoege once bubbled...


To just play around, get 30' of webbing from

30'. WOW! He's a big guy, huh? 8)

JohnF