Chest Strap: Necessary or Not?

[Downing]

A recent thread over in Basic Scuba about crotch straps got me thinking about this.

I recently bought a Zeagle Express Tech Deluxe, which comes with a chest strap. This would be my third BC, all with chest straps, but this is the first removeable one.

So I took it off.

I've never had a shoulder strap slip or even come close to slipping off, so I don't really see the point of a chest strap. Besides, I think I'd rather deal with a slipping shoulder strap than get choked by a chest strap.

A friend of mine suggested that a chest strap might be good for when you're sitting on a rocking boat with the tank strapped on. I think I'd rather take my chances.

I saw an AquaLung Zuma recently, and the chest strap struck me as particularly flimsy and not well attached to the BC. That's not the issue with the ETD. I just don't like more dangly things than are necessary. And since the "non-deluxe" version of this BC, the Express Tech, does not come with a chest strap, I'm thinking it's not really necessary.

But is it useful?

I'd appreciate anyone else's input, though, as I could be persuaded to put it back on if I'm, um, all wet.

 

[DennisS]

I have the dive-rite "deluxe" harness,http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?product_id=DiveRiteDlxHarness, it has a chest strap. I like it because it allows me to have my shoulder straps loose enough when I'm putting on my gear that I don't have to do the "chicken wing'. I have a sore shoulder so it works good for me. I started off with the straight "hog harness" and switched. The chest strap hasn't choked me and doesn't dangle, unless I forget to clip it, . It's just personal preference. Put it on, take it off, whatever you are most comfortable with.

 

[SolarStorm]

I have tried both crotch strap, that I dont like, and a chest strap that I do. So much depends on body shape and actual fit that this is really a personal choice. I feel though, that if a chest strap chokes you, I would check the sizing. Once all of my straps are tightened, my BCD doesnt move.

 

[tbone1004]

Use a crotch strap and no risk of being choked.
Have you recently seen a backpacking pack without a chest strap? The strap centers the straps on your shoulders to where your traps are supporting the weight instead of cutting off circulation in your shoulder joints. This is more of an issue with 2" webbing and doubles, but it does make carrying the gear around a lot more bearable.

http://www.diverite.com/tv/gear/36
Scroll to about 2:25 and watch that. It's not really all that helpful but it shows how by keeping the shoulder straps centered that you distribute the weight more evenly.

Necessary? No
Helpful? For me and others yes, others don't like it

 

[fire_diver]

I suppose there are few people who trully need a chest strap, but for most folksI thinks a complete waste. If your shoulder straps aren't falling off while standing, you don't need them.

 

[Ann Marie]

I've been a hiker and couldn't imagine a pack without the sternum strap. When they started putting them on BCs I was thrilled. I know for me, the sternum strap helps to keep the BC up on my shoulders and distributes the weight. I have a feeling that this probably makes more of a difference to the female divers that don't have the shoulders that some of you guys have. :blinking:

 

[PfcAJ]

I just my backpack for backpacking, and my bc for diving.

Underwater, my harness isn't under much (if any) load. No need to a sternum strap.

 

[DiverLS]

I use a BP/W with 2" webbing. If I don't use the chest strap, either one or both of the shoulders fall off. Yep - with doubles and 2" webbing you need a chest strap. I also use a crotch strap. It's no fun in a cave when you go head down to get through a small place and the whole rig slipps up.

 

[knowone]

A sternum strap is where you clip your fins
when you need somewhere to clip your fins.

If shoulder straps exited a bc or bp closer together
The entire traps would be correctly utilised with less
digging or any slipping off, despite shoulder shape.


A sternum strap when walking a distance with tanks holds
your shoulders together giving you one less force to fight.

Even a short distance.

A small price to pay for being cooler than being cool.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

Whether you need a sternum strap or not generally depends on how the harness is built ... the other major consideration is the physiology of the person wearing it.

If you need/like one, use one ... if you don't, don't.

Next topic ... does your BCD use bent D-rings or straight D-rings? Which is better?

... Bob (Grateful Diver)