Crotch straps are awesome!

[Addicted2H2O]

I'll give another 3 snaps in a "Z" formation to crotch straps. First thing I added to my Zeagle Brigade and it makes all the difference in the world. I actually dove this past weekend during my Rescue course without it (split saddle strap) connected and I felt a bit off in the water. Had to cinch the shoulder straps way down to keep my BC from riding up on teh surface and it still did a bit. Just made me uncomfortable. But for training purposes, I felt it easier to leave them disconnected as it's one less thing to worry about during a rescue. Of course in a real-world situation, one would have to deal with them, but for the purpose of the course, I elected not to make my buddy have to worry about them. But I swear by the thing and I've never gotten any chaffing from it whatsoever. Best $28 I've spent on my kit thus far!

 

[CathyE]

What gives you so many blisters? No booties?

No, I have booties. There is still some movement in them though.
I have wide feet and had to upsize the boots. My fins are the same size as my husband's even though his booties are two sizes bigger.
I tried four or five different boot/fin combos, but none were ideal.

 

[gcarter]

No, I have booties. There is still some movement in them though.
I have wide feet and had to upsize the boots. My fins are the same size as my husband's even though his booties are two sizes bigger.
I tried four or five different boot/fin combos, but none were ideal.

Socks in your boots are the best things ever. Never any chafing, even on intense dive filled vacations. Easier donning and doffing a wetsuit. All around more comfortable. I was introduced to them 300+ dives ago. My first few dives this season I did without them - didn't know where they were - but quickly bought another pair. Best couple of bucks you can spend on gear IMO.

 

[Neilwood]

Socks in your boots are the best things ever. Never any chafing, even on intense dive filled vacations. Easier donning and doffing a wetsuit. All around more comfortable. I was introduced to them 300+ dives ago. My first few dives this season I did without them - didn't know where they were - but quickly bought another pair. Best couple of bucks you can spend on gear IMO.

I am the same - I will never again consider a wetsuit dive without socks on. Don't have to be dive socks IMHO - just a decently thick pair that will take up the slack between the wetsuit boot and the foot.

My evidence of the difference - one liveaboard in Egypt (21 dives) where my ankles were cut to ribbons by joints in the booties and another a year later (21 dives again) using the exact same booties and fins but with socks on where my ankles were completely intact (not even redness).

 

[gcarter]

I am the same - I will never again consider a wetsuit dive without socks on. Don't have to be dive socks IMHO - just a decently thick pair that will take up the slack between the wetsuit boot and the foot.

My evidence of the difference - one liveaboard in Egypt (21 dives) where my ankles were cut to ribbons by joints in the booties and another a year later (21 dives again) using the exact same booties and fins but with socks on where my ankles were completely intact (not even redness).

All I actually use is lycra liner socks, work perfect for me.

 

[Mike Townsend]

I'll give another 3 snaps in a "Z" formation to crotch straps. First thing I added to my Zeagle Brigade and it makes all the difference in the world. I actually dove this past weekend during my Rescue course without it (split saddle strap) connected and I felt a bit off in the water. Had to cinch the shoulder straps way down to keep my BC from riding up on teh surface and it still did a bit. Just made me uncomfortable. But for training purposes, I felt it easier to leave them disconnected as it's one less thing to worry about during a rescue. Of course in a real-world situation, one would have to deal with them, but for the purpose of the course, I elected not to make my buddy have to worry about them. But I swear by the thing and I've never gotten any chaffing from it whatsoever. Best $28 I've spent on my kit thus far!

Agreed!! Saddle style crotch strap on my Zeagle Ranger makes for a consistently comfortable dive in all phases above and below

 

[Kimela]

Re: socks. I use the lycra socks as well. I'm one of those people who can't stand seams and tags. One pair of my socks has seams sown on the outside, but if they're inside seams I have to turn them out. Do what works.

 

[Rusty Shackleford]

Would not own a BC without one.

 

[Greg NAUI Diver]

Thanks for this awesome thread - it was the decision maker ... just added a crotch strap to my Bella BC (after considering it for a year trying to figure out how I was going to attach it, especially a three-point) and it is definitely a game changer. Trim at depth (especially looking for fish under ledges), safety stop and surface dramatically improved with no other adjustments. I'm 5'2" 66 year old female ... 1" single strap attached with a quick link at the velcro loop where the back of the jacket attaches to the tank plate - only quick option! Loving it! Thanks!

I know this is an old thread, but if you could provide more detail on both the front and back of your Bella crotch strap that would be great. Thanks Greg

 

[blueclearsky]

I know this is an old thread, but if you could provide more detail on both the front and back of your Bella crotch strap that would be great. Thanks Greg

Just saw this ... I no longer have the Bella or I would attach photos (great jacket BCD but lost weight and went with a much smaller bcd). The strap I used was a Dive Right 1" strap with the quick release and the extra stainless steel ring ( UPC# 879642004628 - don't know part #)
The quick link I used in the back was stainless steel similar to the one in the attached document. I tried the Bella on for length of strap needed with plenty of room for adjustment and sewed a loop in the end without the quick release and threaded that through the quick link. I attached the quick link to the velcro wrap that attaches the tank support to the back of the BCD ... it was tight working quarters but two wraps around and it was very secure. The front of the strap was the quick release attached to the loop that goes over the quick release on the cummerbund. I had my husband cut off the stainless steel ring on the strap ... didn't need it and felt it would get in the way spearfishing or lobstering and in the event someone needed to unhook the crotch strap in an emergency. The loop over the BCD release was roomy enough to be moved aside quickly to access the BCD quick release. Hope this helps.