BP/W typsy rig

[oversea]

It is not clear what you mean by typsy. If the rig is sliding back and forth from side to side, then the shoulder straps are too loose. If you are having trouble with your trim (e.g., head heavy), then you may need to adjust your weighting system. The location of your tank straps will make a significant difference in your trim. Also, as JeffG already mentioned, body position is important. If you can, go to a pool and experiment. It will be worth it.

Good luck,

Mike

I am pretty much sure that is what is happening. Sliding side to side so it is rolling me more than if the harness is tight. I have finished another plate setup that is adjustable (simply) so that I may pull it tighter. In addition, I intend on trying to shift some weight to my body to help with trim. Aside from the loose harness problem, I was looking to find out if there are other inherent problems that go along with a steel tank.

 

[Mandy3206]

IMO, your biggest problem is the adjustment of the harness, in the new rig that problem should be solved so just work with your trim until you feel confortable.

Since you're using the confort harness in the new setup, the sternum strap should take any slack from your shoulder straps, that's the reason I don't like the single piece webbing harness, once it's setup, it's dificult to adjust for another exposure suit.

 

[mwpowell]

I am pretty much sure that is what is happening. Sliding side to side so it is rolling me more than if the harness is tight. I have finished another plate setup that is adjustable (simply) so that I may pull it tighter. In addition, I intend on trying to shift some weight to my body to help with trim. Aside from the loose harness problem, I was looking to find out if there are other inherent problems that go along with a steel tank.

Everyone that I know prefers steel tanks to aluminum for back gas. Once you get that harness fitted properly, you shouldn't have any problems switching back and forth between the steel and AL tank. I also dive a one-piece hog harness. I have the same setup for all my diving, which includes AL singles, steel singles, and doubles. The only adjustments that I make is the amount of weight on my belt, and slight adjustments to the shoulder straps to switch between a 3mm wetsuit and a drysuit with thick undies. The rest is all about body position.

FWIW, I went through the same problems that you described when switching over to a backplate. I think that it's pretty normal, and nothing that a couple hours in a pool can't fix. Aside from the harness being too loose, I suspect that you need to shed a little more lead, but you'll be able to figure that out with a good buoyancy check.

Take care,

Mike