Continuous webbing vs adjustable harness for first BPW

[DunningKrueger]

If you currently dive a basic, continuous webbing harness on your BPW, have you ever wished you had an adjustable harness?

I'm buying my first BPW setup. All of the configurations I have had a chance to try have adjustable harnesses (e.g. Diverite Transplate harness and the Scubapro S-Tek).

I'm looking for something as simple as possible and thus leaning toward a basic, continuous webbing harness. But I don't know what I don't know about that arrangement. There must be a reason why all of these respected tech brands offer an adjustable or "comfort" harness as an option.

Warm water rec diving only--no coldwater or tech diving.
Typically, in a 3mm shorty wetsuit (maybe a rashguard/shorts sometimes).
Newly recertified after a long break. Trained in a rental jacket BCD (Aqualung Wave) but have been trying out various BPW configurations (and love them).

Thanks!

 

[Divin'Papaw]

If you currently dive a basic, continuous webbing harness on your BPW, have you ever wished you had an adjustable harness?

Never. Been diving a continuos one piece harness since dive #6, now at #820 over 18 years. Singles & doubles. I never wished I had anything else.

 

[lexvil]

I don’t dive continuous webbing but neither do I have an adjustable harness. I use a modified H type but if you are more normal sized the one piece works well, there is a place for adjustable and for quick release but see how the one piece works for you first.

 

[Kendall Raine]

If you currently dive a basic, continuous webbing harness on your BPW, have you ever wished you had an adjustable harness?

No. Not once. Ever.

 

[NothingClever]

There must be a reason why all of these respected tech brands offer an adjustable or "comfort" harness as an option.

Funny screen name

Welcome to SB and your question is not at all unreasonable or obtuse.

The first thing I’d proffer is that I wouldn’t characterize ScubaPro as a respected technical brand. ScubaPro is a great brand and their regs have been on many technical dives since the early days but I think ScubaPro was pretty late to the BP/W market.

Second, I spent my teenage and entire adult life (career) in life-preserving equipment with Fastex buckles but I’ve enjoyed the journey of simplifying my dive kit (I started with rec gear) and haven’t felt a need to add them back. For me, the trick to an optimized rig is keeping the shoulder straps somewhat loose.

 

[lowwall]

I went from a "comfort" harness to continuous webbing and much prefer it.

I think the reason everyone offers it is simple marketing. The profit margin is higher and if a brand doesn't offer it, some people won't even consider them.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

I’ve been diving a BP/W now for 25 years and started with a one piece harness from day one.
I don’t know anything else and have never had a reason to explore any other option.
I figured out a way to get out probably different from the way I’ve seen demonstrated on videos.
Most people put their arm(s) back and try to wiggle out of it. I put my hand under the harness strap and slide out forwards lighting fast.

 

[rongoodman]

If you currently dive a basic, continuous webbing harness on your BPW, have you ever wished you had an adjustable harness?

Nope, not once.

 

[Imla]

Nope. The times I have tried it... I have hated it.

 

[JoeTPhilly]

I started out with a rental Halcyon Infinity System which has a cinch system. Although it is a continuous webbing it is adjustable. I purchased the same system but after Fundies I removed the cinch plate. Once you have it set up properly you really don't need to make adjustments.