BP harness choice

[jagfish]

Been reading through past posts to get a feel for harness options.

I see that the Dive Rite (transplate harness) might look particularly attractive to people who previously used a traditional BC. I also see that some webbing harnesses also offer a chest strap, while many past posts I have read indicate that the chest strap is not needed. Same for quick releaase, and there are safety issues there as well.

For those who have the time and inclination, could you indicate what harness style you use, and why...possibly reflecting on any specific opinions/exprience you have regarding different harness styles and features?

Many thanks in advance...

JAG

 

[DA Aquamaster]

I currently use an aluminum OMS backplate with a "deluxe" harness with the pivot rings and chest strap.

I planned on a transplate but got tired of waiting for the backorder to be filled. As it turned out I just added a set of shoulder pads to the deluxe harness and it works just fine whether I am wearing a t-shirt, a 7mm semi-dry, or a drysuit. It is not quite as comfortable on land or on deck with doubles as a wider harness strap would be, but the difference is small and there is no difference in the water.

Some people will debate the need for shoulder pads, but they do take the bite out of the stiff nylon shoulder straps and spread the load a bit better over the bony parts of your shoulders. It's a personal thing and does not present a saftey issue so you can take it or leave it at your discretion.

I also like the pivot rings and chest strap as they keep the straps a bit closer to the midline and, in my opinion, allow more unrestricted arm movement with less chafing. I started diving with a back pack with a traditional harness and in my experience and opinion, the pivot rings are nice to have on a harness. But again it is a personal choice. As for saftey, the attachments at the pivot rings are strong enough that no one is going to break a deluxe harness any sooner than they would a hogartian style one piece harness in the real world. The harness is admittedly weaker than a one piece harness, but is still more than strong enough for the job.

The possible exception is the quick release buckle. It is rare that one is needed if the harness is properly adjusted so it is a vestigial piece of equipment that could and arguably should be eliminated if you have access to a heavy duty sewing machine. But on the other hand, it is also rare for one to accidentally release and it is undeniably easier to get someone out of a harness with a quick release (and cutting is not always called for or the most desireable approach.) So I personally don't view leaving it on as neccesarily a bad idea or a serious saftey issue. If breakage or accidental release is a concern for you, you can use cave line or even a zip tie to secure the buckle to prevent the ends from separating if the buckle breaks or if the release is unintentionally activated.

I debated the merits of an aluminum versus SS plate and went with aluminum as it is lighter for traveling and better suited to diving steel doubles in a wet suit.

 

[OneBrightGator]

I use a continuous webbing harness on my SS plate and will have one on my AL.

The continuous webbing is the toughest harness and works well for me. I like the simplicity, I don't need any do-dads on my harness, just a few D-rings.

Ben

 

[TazTheSpaz]

Once I got the harness adjusted correctly, I found it quite comfortable, stable and it does not restrict my arm/shoulder movement in the least - once I'm in the water. As for shoulder padding - I dive in a drysuit with undies, so no extra padding needed.

I just had to replace the continuous webbing harness on my BP - cost me a whopping $12 and a little time with the dremel tool to smooth the edges that caused the need for the replacement in the first place. I did re-use the crotch strap and hardware

 

[cys]

Steel Halcyon plate with continuous webbing, couple of D-rings, scubapro buckle. This is a minimalist system that takes some getting used to but one that I wouldn't trade for any other rig. I can get in and out of it fine. It's stable. It's comfortable. Normally dive with a dry suit. Took the same rig to the tropics with an aluminum backplate and it was comfortable with a 3 mm suit. I don't find it lacking in any way.

 

[Boogie711]

One piece of continous webbing, with 3 d-rings, and 2 d-rings on the crotch strap. Rugged, simplistic, and comfortable as all get out.

 

[glbirch]

Basic Halcyon setup. SS bp/wing, continuous webbing, crotchstrap. The third BC I've bought and likely the last I'll ever buy. It's a clean, comfortable, non-restrictive setup, tight to the body. Brings the weight up off my waist and makes it easier to maintain whatever position I happen to adopt in the water. Thinking about getting an Aluminum or ABS one for travel. Having a correctly adjusted harness is definitely key to comfort with a bp.

 

[fdog]

I use a long FredT plate with an OMS Comfort harness. I believe this is the OMS equivalent of the TransPlate harness.

I chose the OMS (instead of the TransPlate) because it has the little velcro flaps on the shoulder (for the inflator hose) on both sides, and I dive wet with Dual Rec wings.

No problems with breakage of the buckles that I've seen, nor have they opened accidentally. They certainly seem to carry the weight fine.

For me it has been far more comfortable than continious webbing, like DA Aquamaster I have entirely too many dives in the past on a backpack, 2" webbing and horsecollar, and this beats plain 2" webbing. The swivel rings on the chest have kept the webbing out of my armpits.

I did replace the shoulder d-rings with Millworks Drop Dees. Otherwise, it's stock.

It has been plenty simple, very reliable, and quite comfortable for me.

All the best, James

 

[RiverRat]

I use a FredT 9# SS plate with Fred's harness kit which includes standard webbing and Billy rings. I built the crotch strap and weight belt out of the same standard webbing.
Seems comfortable to me before I jump in the water but I wear a wetsuit most of the time anyway (acts as padding) I don't see a need for a chest strap with my setup as the webbing "rolls" around my shoulder and under the armpit tucked in close to the body. No need for it. Simple but effective. Less is more as far as I'm concerned.

 

[Hop Devil]

I use 13' of 2" heavy duty webbing routed through my Hammerhead backplate in one continious piece. In fact I keep a Stainless plate and Aluminum plate rigged all the time so I only have to swap the wing if I go on a trip. Can't beat the simplicity or the cost. Very comfortable in the water and you can tweak it any way you want. If you do any dry suit diving you don't need any of the fancy do-dad style harness set ups.
Keep it simple!
Have fun!