Continuous webbing vs adjustable harness for first BPW

[crofrog]

I've used my plate with and without the cinch system for years. I appreciate the cinch for the ease of changing between undergarments in the drysuit.

Going from 3mm wet suits, to light under garments to heated 400s requires a pretty significant amount of change. There are easy ways to setup the cinch with a triglide on the shoulder strap so that you won't over tighten it and it makes it really easy to adjust between different exposure systems.

That being said, the compatibility with rental doubles get's frustrating so you gain easy adjustment, but you aren't guaranteed to have it fit on all doubles. You can use the bolt extender on some of them, but the ones with the bigger bolts don't work.

So in the end after 100's of dives I've finally ditched it for now...

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

That will work with a back pack but not a back plate/STA with wing nuts/bolts. If using a back plate/STA you’ll risk tearing your skull open as the bolts land/slide on your head.

Good point.
I don’t use conventional back plates so I forgot about that.

 

[boqurant]

That sounds like a pretty good way.
The other way if you’re strong enough to lift a tank over your head is to do the Mike Nelson over-the-head don, but you might activate the divemasters to start yelling “Hey hey NO!!” and people will begin to scream and take cover like you’re swinging a machete around. So maybe that method is best reserved for your private beach excursions.

I've seen this go wrong before... chap lost his balance and plopped backwards right off the speedboat, at night

 

[inquis]

My "easy-in": insert left arm as is typical (hand through while facing, turn & sit). Longhose is already clipped to the R shoulder D-ring, so just lift it with your left hand to open the right arm strap. Insert the right arm -- elbow first -- and you're done.

The cool kids work the long hose with the right hand while inserting the elbow.

 

[Altamira]

One thing that has not been mentioned by the Op or other posters, is whether or not the user has any current, or can expect some near future shoulder or arm mobility issues. When I first started diving from 1965-74, I was using a blue plastic backpack (wings were not available) with a continuous harness except for a triangle of three snaps on the front left shoulder strap that could disconnect the two segments of the strap to ease doffing. I loved it, and never had to use the snaps with my 7mm wetsuit. Fast forward to 2010 when I returned to diving, shoulder arthritis on both sides demanded a flexible harness type which allowed me to easily loosen and then tighten the shoulder straps, not only to doff, but to don the bcd. Without the adjustable harness, I would just be a snorkeler.

 

[inquis]

whether or not the user has any current, or can expect some near future shoulder or arm mobility issues

Technique plays a huge role. There is very little stress if you doff by running your hand forward next to your ribs. Trying to don/doff the rig like a coat can definitely aggravate shoulder issues.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

Technique plays a huge role. There is very little stress if you doff by running your hand forward next to your ribs. Trying to don/doff the rig like a coat can definitely aggravate shoulder issues.

…and if you have stuff on your wrist like a compass/computer/timer etc. you can turn them in before you slide your hand/arm under the strap so they catch less, or pull the strap away with the opposite thumb then slide your hand/arm under and out. Once one arm is out you’re essentially free. It takes seconds to get out and no shoulder drama whatsoever.

 

[Divin'Papaw]

My "easy-in": insert left arm as is typical (hand through while facing, turn & sit). Longhose is already clipped to the R shoulder D-ring, so just lift it with your left hand to open the right arm strap. Insert the right arm -- elbow first -- and you're done.

The cool kids work the long hose with the right hand while inserting the elbow.

I do something very similar to what @inquis mentions here. I have limited counter rotation in my left shoulder due to issues and past surgery on that shoulder. This technique works best for me. I then remove the rig in a similar way but in reverse.

 

[JoeTPhilly]

I've used my plate with and without the cinch system for years. I appreciate the cinch for the ease of changing between undergarments in the drysuit.

Going from 3mm wet suits, to light under garments to heated 400s requires a pretty significant amount of change. There are easy ways to setup the cinch with a triglide on the shoulder strap so that you won't over tighten it and it makes it really easy to adjust between different exposure systems.

That being said, the compatibility with rental doubles get's frustrating so you gain easy adjustment, but you aren't guaranteed to have it fit on all doubles. You can use the bolt extender on some of them, but the ones with the bigger bolts don't work.

So in the end after 100's of dives I've finally ditched it for now...

I experienced the same as it seems Highland Bands seem to be the most popular and they use a 3/8th inch bolt for which there is no extender.

 

[Altamira]

Technique plays a huge role. There is very little stress if you doff by running your hand forward next to your ribs. Trying to don/doff the rig like a coat can definitely aggravate shoulder issues.

Trust me, I have tried every trick available to get my arms through continuous shoulder straps. Of course I can get the first arm in OK, but the second is a no go. Hopefully you will never have to get both shoulder joints replaced, and have to deal with this problem of getting old. Thankfully there is an easy fix called a flex harness, and I don't have to sit there on the dive boat saying "I'm stuck."