Best Harness and Why

[lundysd]

I'll be converting to a BP/W in the near future and am looking around at the moment for the best system. I know there are major differences between the one-piece hog rig and the quick-release system, but I wanted to ask everyone at once: what is the best harness system and why? Please comment expecially if you have experience with more than one harness system, as I'm looking for differences. The systems I'm considering are as follows;

--Halcyon
--DSS (the hardware on this rig looks really different -- what material are they? comments?)
--OMS standard and deluxe
--Zeagle (convenient since I won't have to buy a new wing)
--Dive Rite Transplate

Thanks for the input

 

[divad]

what is the best harness system and why?

The least complex one? Because its less complex?

 

[amascuba]

K - Keep
I - It
S - Simple
S - Stanley

Simple backplate with 2 inch continous webbing. I've used several BCD type systems including a softpack harness and from my experience a simple HOG harness is the most secure and comfortable system that I've worn to date.

BTW, most backplate systems have a standard configuration, so if you already have a zeagle backplate then you would just need the backplate, webbing, and the STA would be recommended for single tanks.

 

[lundysd]

Unfortunately the Zeagle wing isn't compatible with the standard backplate I wish it was...

 

[Hoosier]

Halcyon because it has "H" logo on it... LOL~~~~~ Sorry...

 

[amascuba]

maybe this would work?

http://www.compactscuba.com/conversion.htm

 

[Hoosier]

Seriously.....

Depending on your need, I found out that the quick release buckle on the harness is really helpful after having an elbow surgery. I know it isn't a DIR set up though. Many members don't mind as long as it works. The buckle on the chest can be a failure point though, I am not sure how many accident reports we have about the buckle broken.

 

[in_cavediver]

Seriously.....

Depending on your need, I found out that the quick release buckle on the harness is really helpful after having an elbow surgery. I know it isn't a DIR set up though. Many members don't mind as long as it works. The buckle on the chest can be a failure point though, I am not sure how many accident reports we have about the buckle broken.

Hoosier hit the nail on the head. For me, I dive a halcyon plate with the one piece webbing. My wife started there but never could get it to fit well with her chest. She tried the transpac and it worked. (we originally wanted to try the trans-plate). Get what is most comfortable for you. (try as many as you can).

That said, if you do the more complex dives, caves/deco, and you have a harness with a quick disconnect, you should practive drills with the buckle(s) unclipped to simulate a failure.

 

[karstdvr]

I am not sure how many accident reports we have about the buckle broken.

More likely zero....this has been one of those lets fix a nonproblem

 

[homo maris]

I have tried DSS, DiveRite and the regular continuous hog webbing (for which you should add Hammerhead to your list http://www.hammerheadscuba.com/).

I now own a DSS harness. I found it more ergonomic. The convenience of the release buckles on the DSS and DiveRite cannot be underestimated, particularly when you undo your gear prior to getting back on the boat.

I liked Tobin's (DSS) design of the rings, both shape and placement, much better than the DiveRite. He also uses softer (seat belt like) webbing on the waist which is comfortable but different. I like his use of velcro for adjustment as well.

I would not get a chest strap. When any harness is fitting well the shoulder straps naturally stay on the shoulders. I found a chest strap to contrain my breathing. For that matter I wear the waist strap low using th ecrotch strap to keep it in place (one more benefit of the soft webbing).

While DSS is the best system for me, I recommend that you try multiple as I did. There are places that rent DiveRite rigs. You can borrow the others from friends for a trial dive. Remember that you can always install a single webbing on a plate later if needed.

Good luck and let us know what you end up with.

JL