Best system for shore dives?

[HybridDiver]

I been doing alot of looking around on the forums i live on here go with Golem Gear i just orderd my system 2day should be here in a week coming from them to canada Jakub is unreal

 

[kidspot]

Probably the most important thing in regards to long hikes is to make sure your harness (whichever you use) is fitted and adjusted properly. FWIW - I've done the same hike TSandM mentioned in my doubles rig, I thought it was going to be a lot harder than it was, but it turned out to be no problem.

Aloha, Tim

 

[Scuba_Canuck]

And don't forget Halcyon and OMS and...lol! Really, all good stuff. It will likely come down to a fashion choice, cost, and VERY small design difs. that you may like more than others. The good news is you will probably be very pleased with your choice of a BP/W. BTW, have fun diving in BC you lucky dog! It's on my list!

Yes, diving is awesome here, but you live in a very cool city!!

 

[Scuba_Canuck]

I been doing alot of looking around on the forums i live on here go with Golem Gear i just orderd my system 2day should be here in a week coming from them to canada Jakub is unreal

I looked at Golem Gear too. What made you go with them over DSS or the transplate? Do you dive out here on the coast?

 

[Scuba_Canuck]

Probably the most important thing in regards to long hikes is to make sure your harness (whichever you use) is fitted and adjusted properly. FWIW - I've done the same hike TSandM mentioned in my doubles rig, I thought it was going to be a lot harder than it was, but it turned out to be no problem.

Aloha, Tim

Thanks Tim - my concern with the harness is how it handles "scrambling" over, up and down rocks etc. I think any BC can handle a casual hike out to the shoreline. I'm talking about having to slide down rocks on your rear-end and then climb back up after the dive. It has to hold the tank and backplate really tightly but comfortably. Maybe I should start a new thread on harness comfort!

 

[kidspot]

Scrambling would be different - the trail I mentioned above is an old stream bed, so not a lot of scambling. I have done a few dives in my singles rig where I had to go on hands and knees over 3-4ft boulders. The problem was never my harness or the stability of my gear on my back, but my feet slipping on rocks. Then again I was probably so busy concentrating on my footing and not falling that I wasn't paying much attention to comfort. Generally speaking I have never had any discomfort caused by the webbing. FWIW I use a standard Hog harness.

 

[SeanQ]

I use an Oxycheq BP/W system. I really like how close to your back a BP/W holds your tanks. By having the weight closer to your body it keeps your centre of gravity closer which makes you more stable while walking. It's also quite comfortable for walking long distances - the weight is well supported and secure. I've hiked out the the second corner of Ogden Point a few times and it makes a big difference while climbing the blocks.

As for harness options you will have to decide which one you like best. One peice harnesses, called Hogarthian (Hog) harnesses, are very simple and easy to replace. I found mine to be surprisingly comfortable. With the thick exposure suits we have to wear there is plenty of padding. Adjusting the harness is more difficult but once you get it set up perfectly you rarely need to adjust it.

I haven't used an adjustable harness but the benefits seem to be that it is easier to put on, remove, and adjust. It also appears to be more comfortable for someone not diving with exposure protection but I am just guessing.

 

[Hoosier]

Do you guys really believe that there is a difference between an ordinary BC and BP/W for some decent hikes? What is the main concern when you hike a long way, weight, grip or what? For example, SP Classic Plus or Knighthawk are about the same weight as SS BP/W. I believe that the jacket style BC gives much more comfort because it will distribute the weight, not only on the shoulder... Am I missing something on the topic? We aren't talking about a streamline in underwater......

 

[m3830431]

That's a good point in favour of BP/W - it's a real pain to have to hike 1/2 mile in full gear with a fully stocked weight belt.

PAIN!! You would die if you where wearing a wetsuit. We carry all our gear to the water and then suit up.

 

[Scuba_Canuck]

Do you guys really believe that there is a difference between an ordinary BC and BP/W for some decent hikes? What is the main concern when you hike a long way, weight, grip or what? For example, SP Classic Plus or Knighthawk are about the same weight as SS BP/W. I believe that the jacket style BC gives much more comfort because it will distribute the weight, not only on the shoulder... Am I missing something on the topic? We aren't talking about a streamline in underwater......

This is what I am trying to confirm. I think the weight of the BP/W would be better distributed though because of the backplate which is located right against your back. The TOTAL weight will remain the same but the way it is distributed makes it easier to carry. You also need to have your hands free which means the system has to be snug against your back. I have found (granted I have an old jacket) that my tank tends to flop around a little and even if the jacket is snug, it is not secure.