Dive Rite Transplate, the sequel

[andre14]

As a follow up to this thread, I'd like to report that I went with the following setup:

• Dive Rite Transplate harness
• Dive Rite weight pockets
• Dive Rite Rec Wing
• Dive Rite tank bands
• Hammerhead SS BP and STA

I checked out my new setup during a shore dive yesterday in the Bay of Fundy. Not a stellar dive: surge, wind, rain, fog. However, my first experience with a BP/W setup was very positive. I can now predict that a Mares Frontier jacket-style BCD will appear on eBay in the near future.

However, as I'm trying to bring some refinement to my harness fit, I'd like to consult fellow Transplate users regarding shoulder strap base plates. The instructions provided by Dive Rite state that they should be positioned "...directly under your armpits and inline with your pants seam."

I was wondering if anyone ever tried to position the shoulder strap base plates at the rear of the waist strap, right next to the backplate? Was that a good idea? Any counter-indications to that, like excess wear on the harness?

I welcome your advice and opinion. However, final decision will be mine.

Thanks and have a great day!

---
André in Fredericton

 

[wunat]

I was wondering if anyone ever tried to position the shoulder strap base plates at the rear of the waist strap, right next to the backplate? Was that a good idea? Any counter-indications to that, like excess wear on the harness?

André in Fredericton

After some trials, I had the shoulder strap base plate right next to the backplate. I would use the analogy of the buckle-seat with the racing safety belts. It helps to firmly keep your back onto the BP.

I don't see how it will bring excess wear to the harness itself. But if you are using DiveRite BP-which is know to have rough edges on the cutting, you can wrap the section of the harness which you thread through the cuttings with bicycle-tyre-inner tubes (not sure if this is how they actually call it). This was suggested by one of the member on this board and I applied it to my setup. Works great!!!!!

Hope this helps.

 

[zboss]

Like everything diving, I think that's just a rule-of-thumb. I don't fasten mine in place at all and they do just fine.

 

[trevinkorea]

The innertube through the slots is a great suggestion.

My Oxycheq BP was eating its way through my harness webbing after only a couple of pool sessions. After I put on some innertube wrappings, no more problems.

My only suggestion is that you put the innertube onto a cassett tape cover or similiar sized object then us this to pull it along the webbing. This will stretch the tube to slightly larger than the strap. It's really hard to pull a 4" peice of tube over a 2" webbing strap and I found that when I tried it, the friction either cut the tube or caused it to be too worn to be of use.

 

[andre14]

Hi everyone,
Thanks for the replies. I did go back to my Transplate and moved the shoulder strap base plates next to the backplate. The first try, on dry land, was promising.

I also take note of the bicylce inner tube to prevent wear and tear on the harness.

Thank you all and dive safe.

---
André in Fredericton

 

[andre14]

Last night, I went down to do a second test dive of my Transplate. I have moved the shoulder strap base plates next to the backplate. The BP and harness now feel a lot more comfortable and snug, almost like a big backpack.

I found buoyancy control was superb, although I may be just 2 or 3 pounds too heavy.

The only thing I realized is that although I got a Transplate because of the quick release buckles, I have yet to use them.

Cheers from New Brunswick!

---
André in Fredericton