Best deal on "deluxe" harness?

[runway1]

Ok, although I shore dive socal every week, I'm going softie on this.

I'm switching to a Hammerhead BP/STA with a Mach V wing. I was going with a simple, one-piece, single harness but.... I think I want more cushy. I like "shoulder pads", quick releases and I do like a chest buckle:11:. With 50+ lbs on your back when hoofing from the beach, up the hill to your car 1/4 mile away from your exit, I can just see those straps, from a simple harness, digging into my pits without that chest strap holding them parallel - see what I mean?

Anybody ever dive the Hollis deluxe harness? I'm trying to stay <$100. Any other suggestions? Thanks

 

[sclakediver]

I havn't seen the Hollis in person yet. However I know a few people with the OMS comfort harness that are very pleased. I personally don't like the idea of a plastic buckle breaking while lugging a set of doubles up the boat ramp. With a wetsuit on, I don't find the hog harness the least bit uncomfortable.

 

[Rainer]

see what I mean?

No. I've done those walks many, many times. You don't "need" all that crap on the harness. If anything, I find the hog harness MUCH more comfortable as the buckles on my "deluxe" harness used to dig into my sides.

Look, why not just save the $50+ and try the simpler harness first. If you really can't stand it, feel free to sell it (you'll get your money back, unlike with a deluxe harness) and then buy the deluxe. I assure you, most of us doing those CA shore dives with BP/Ws much prefer the hog harness. Do yourself a favor and try the simpler solution first before you decide you need something "extra".

 

[bryanmc57]

Some folks just gotta find out for themselves....

 

[runway1]

No. I've done those walks many, many times. You don't "need" all that crap on the harness. If anything, I find the hog harness MUCH more comfortable as the buckles on my "deluxe" harness used to dig into my sides.

Look, why not just save the $50+ and try the simpler harness first. If you really can't stand it, feel free to sell it (you'll get your money back, unlike with a deluxe harness) and then buy the deluxe. I assure you, most of us doing those CA shore dives with BP/Ws much prefer the hog harness. Do yourself a favor and try the simpler solution first before you decide you need something "extra".

Ok, seems like a reasonble plan. I'll do just that. Thanks!

 

[DennisS]

I had a hog harness, it was a pain in the butt getting into and out of with the ol chicken wing maneuver. I bought a dive rite deluxe and installed in on the plate about 3 years ago and really like it. I can leave the straps loose. The chest strap isn't a failure point as I have done dives where I forgot to hook it with no problem. It's just a lot easier getting on and off.

 

[scuba_moron]

Have you looked into Oxycheq's adjustable harness? The price is similar to the Hollis and includes a QD crotch strap.
Wings-BackPlates

 

[runway1]

I had a hog harness, it was a pain in the butt getting into and out of with the ol chicken wing maneuver. I bought a dive rite deluxe and installed in on the plate about 3 years ago and really like it. I can leave the straps loose. The chest strap isn't a failure point as I have done dives where I forgot to hook it with no problem. It's just a lot easier getting on and off.

A buddy dives a Halcyon setup with a Hog. He actually needs a second person to help him in and out.

I'm reconsidering the one-piece Hog. I can't see a disconnect and an extra strap or two being much of a negative to the whole concept. These few extra goodies have to be a negligible impact to buoyancy, weight, streamlining, etc.

Any suggestions? Dve Rite, Oxy, etc?

 

[runway1]

Have you looked into Oxycheq's adjustable harness? The price is similar to the Hollis and includes a QD crotch strap.
Wings-BackPlates

Yes, and I think I'd like that but, LP has Dive Rite on sale. What do you think about the
deluxe $40:
Dive-Rite Deluxe Harness with Quick Release Buckles (1080Q) from LeisurePro.com

and Transplate $77:
Dive Rite Transplate from LeisurePro.com

 

[scuba_moron]

Runway1,

Those prices are hard to beat, especially on the Transplate, which would have been my second choice had I not purchased an entire Oxycheq package. Most will tell you to jump right into a hog harness, but I plan on doing beach dives in the feature with twin tanks, and I'm not ready to back pack 90+ lbs on plain nylon straps.

The Deluxe doesn't come with padding, though you could add slip on paddings to them.