BP/W singles...need crotch strap?

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Jason B

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Can someone tell me if I'll need a crotch strap for diving singles on a BP/W. Oh, and if needed, what do you recommend, 1 inch or 2 inch. Thanks to all.
Jason
 
Jason B:
Can someone tell me if I'll need a crotch strap for diving singles on a BP/W. Oh, and if needed, what do you recommend, 1 inch or 2 inch. Thanks to all.
Jason
Can't say I have ever needed a a crotch strap with single al80 but since I use my bp/wing for both single and double I find a 1" crotch strap very useful. I have not used 2" but they don't look comfortable.
 
Several people dive without them. I like mine.

2 inch webbing, but make sure it's really really soft. The stuff on mine is as soft as cotton and does not chafe or anything. I honestly don't know where to buy it, it came with my harness from Halcyon.
 
I find the opposite, actually - 2" spreads the load and is more comfortable whereas a 1" crotch strap reminds me too much of a thong.

Not that there's anything wrong with that. :)

And I don't have one on my singles plate. I should put one on there, I know, but I just haven't gotten around to it.
 
Dive Rite sells both 1" and 2" crotch straps.

To answer the question ... no, it's not necessary. Many of us prefer to use them because they make the rig more comfortable for surface swimming (we do a lot of that here in the PNW), and can stabilize the rig on your back when inverting.

Both widths are reasonably comfortable if you choose the correct material and you adjust them properly.

For the 2" strap, as Jonnythan said, select a soft webbing. If you're making your own, you can get the proper webbing at a boating store like Boats U.S. or West Marine. You'll need a couple of triglides and one or two D-rings (depending on whether you think you'll need a scooter ring or not). I find it easier to just purchase one from someplace that sells Dive Rite or Halcyon products.

Dive Rite also makes the 1" strap. It comes with a front (scooter) ring, but no ring in the back, which some might find limiting. It also has a quick-release buckle, which some people prefer not to have in their gear.

When adjusting the crotch strap, be careful not to make it too tight ... it should be just slightly snug when you're standing up with your rig completely buckled.

Hope that helps.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)
 
I have the 2" on my plate which I used for a year as a singles rig. Perhaps I didnt' adjust it tight enough, but I've never ever had "issues" with the crotch strap. As a matter of fact, if my previous dive had been in my drysuit and I was doing a pool dive in just a shorty wetsuit the crotch strap is quite loose and the only time I feel it there at all is when floating vertically at the surface, which is pretty rare.

To be honest I've never tried the plate without the crotch strap, so I don't really have a way to compare........

I agree with Boogie, if you're going to have "thong" issues they'd more likely happen with a thinner strap.
 
Boogie711:
I find the opposite, actually - 2" spreads the load and is more comfortable whereas a 1" crotch strap reminds me too much of a thong.

Not that there's anything wrong with that. :)

I can rip my eyes out, but that image will never go away.
 
jonnythan:
I can rip my eyes out, but that image will never go away.
I was thinking the same thing!

I got a 1-inch with my first harness and replaced that with a 2-inch as i had another go over my rig. Part of it was the desire to have a butt ring to store reels on, also the aesthetics (sp?) of the 1" on 2", and it actually feels more secure (subjective) to me. You can get away with a 1" - in fact i have a couple if you need them ;)
 
jonnythan:
I can rip my eyes out, but that image will never go away.

Oh that's nothing...

Now, if I started talking about a 1" crotch strap accented with a lovely Victorian lace, THAT would be disturbing! :11:
 
Thanks guys, you've helped tremendously. For no more than they cost, I'll pick one up.
Hey boogie, what is the length on your spring straps?

Jason
 

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