Basic vs Comfort Harness

[Centrals]

I prefer the simple harness but I do understand that others might have different ideas. There is no such thing as absolute, best etc etc.
What is wrong of having extra padding, D-rings, bell and whistles etc etc? Look at Halcyon line of products nowadays as compare with those they produced 10 yrs ago!!!!!

 

[DevonDiver]

What is wrong of having extra padding, D-rings, bell and whistles etc etc?

• Additional expense
• Complexity
• Task-loading
• Encumbrance
• Entanglement hazard
• Increased buoyancy

Those are all oft quoted negatives...

At technical-level diving, there are two main principles that need to be applied to selection:

1. NEED - You must identify an absolute need for a function/item of equipment. This differs from 'wanting something'. The item must fulfill a specific purpose, without which there would be compromise to safety or completion of the dive mission.

2. BALANCE OF RISK VERSUS REWARD - You must weigh the pros and cons of the function/item of equipment. The capability provided must outweigh any negatives that the item adds. This includes failure points, risk of entanglement, increased complexity of use etc. The item absolutely must not jeopardize safety - if so, an alternative option/solution should be sought.

 

[Centrals]

Some of the manufacturers shouldn't be allowed in the market for selling "unsafe" products!!

---------- Post added December 31st, 2013 at 06:17 PM ----------

At technical-level diving, there are two main principles that need to be applied to selection:

1. NEED - You must identify an absolute need for a function/item of equipment. This differs from 'wanting something'. The item must fulfill a specific purpose, without which there would be compromise to safety or completion of the dive mission.

2. BALANCE OF RISK VERSUS REWARD - You must weigh the pros and cons of the function/item of equipment. The capability provided must outweigh any negatives that the item adds. This includes failure points, risk of entanglement, increased complexity of use etc. The item absolutely must not jeopardize safety - if so, an alternative option/solution should be sought.

Which SM system is the best?
I am pretty sure plenty of SM divers would have other IDEAS!! Right or wrong or just personal preference!

 

[DevonDiver]

Best is defined by the user and the use. I merely encourage an informed decision making process to be applied to that selection.

 

[CT Sean]

I started out with a Dive Rite deluxe harness seen below. I assumed I wanted a chest strap because i like them for hiking packs. As you can see there's no padding, but there is a little extra bulk plus some extra metal. I did a few dives and forgot to connect the chest strap, so that told me I didn't need it - so i ditched the whole harness in favor of a basic harness (which I already owned)

As far as D-rings - I already only use 3 of the 4 (my right hip never has anything clipped to it) so any more would be unnecessary.

Another benefit of starting with a basic harness (36.00 for the Dive Rite), is they are cheap and easy to upgrade if you think you really do need more D rings ($1.25 per D-ring and tri glide) or padding ($12.95).

 

[Centrals]

Best is defined by the user and the use. I merely encourage an informed decision making process to be applied to that selection.

Bungee has not much application in BM except for tying up loose end. But for SM it is different story!!
"Best" is indeed defined by the user and the use.

 

[lv2dive]

I bought a comfort harness when I first bought a BP/W and it was the most UNcomfortable thing I have ever experienced. There were weird angles that ended up poking me in the arms and it was one of the best feelings in the world to replace the contraption with a one piece webbing with regular d-rings and such.

Crotch strap keeps my tank/s exactly where I want them, which is a big deal for me as a height-challenged person when talking about double 130's. Of course, an absolute requirement when one gets to dpv's.

I have never felt the need for padding even when diving with nothing but a bathing suit, the harness shouldn't be tight enough to cause friction burns or anything.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[DevonDiver]

Bungee has not much application in BM except for tying up loose end.

Bungeed (sidemounted) stage/deco:

Non-bungeed (conventional) stage/deco:

 

[Centrals]

Bungeed (sidemounted) stage/deco:

Non-bungeed (conventional) stage/deco:

I have seen plenty of other interesting applications on SM eg. HOG and Hollis just to name of couple.

 

[Peter_C]

Bungee has not much application in BM except for tying up loose end. But for SM it is different story!!
"Best" is indeed defined by the user and the use.

What about using bungee for holding the inflator in place? Or as a loop on a can light? Or to hold an Argon bottle in place? If all the rubber inner tubes break for holding backup lights, bungee works great to hold them. Or are those considered loose ends?