DSS Pro-fit vs. DiveRite Deluxe Harness?

[rickyd]

I've pretty much decided on the Hammerhead SS backplate + STA - can't beat the price, and great reviews on the board.

About a harness, I'm not too keen on a one-piece hog style. I currently use a Transpac, with all of the back padding removed. I find it much easier to don and doff by loosening the shoulder straps, or releasing the fastex connector on one side. I'm a big guy, diving dry, so, lots of bulk in the way!

I'm thinking about either the DSS Pro-fit, or the DiveRite Deluxe with the shoulder release. Any comments/comparisons on these two harnesses?, or others with some type of shoulder disconnect or adjustment?

I also noticed the DSS harness uses a fastex for the waist, and not a standard SS buckle. Any concerns?

Note also, I'm diving singles, with no plans for doubles, stage bottles, etc.

 

[Captain CaveMan]

with lots of gear i realy donttrust the plastic clips. thats why i went with the one pice and i am 6'6 and i dive dry with a long hose with all of my gear and i find putting the one pice on easy. imo

 

[halocline]

I have the dive rite deluxe harness and it's okay. If I were doing it over I'd get a hog style harness but with a single disconnect on one shoulder strap. Man, can I hear the flame throwers heating up....

You don't really need the sternum strap, but with a drysuit it might be a nice thing. Most of the time I don't buckle mine. People tend to confuse the difference between how a harness fits and how a typical backpack harness might fit. Once you're in the water, there's no weight load pulling everything down on your back and this makes a huge difference in how it fits. I also feel that people are overly concerned about the potential failure of the quick release. The only time there's any stress on these is when you're out of the water. Since plastic buckles and quick releases are used all the time in backpacks designed to carry very heavy loads over long distances, I thinks it's highly unlikely that one will fail in use in the water with essentially no weight load. You could drop a tank on one a break it, I suppose.

The DSS supply stuff sure looks terrific. Maybe you could get Tobin to sell you a hog style harness with a quick release on one side, preferably down near where it attaches on your side. This way you'd still have the clean, uncluttered area in front but it would be easier to don/doff. (I'm already feeling the heat...)

 

[Quaff King]

Rickyd,
Great choice on the Hammerhead, I have their ss and aluminums. I know you were considering a more elaborate rig then a one piece Hog but I don't find it hard to get on or out of at all. As with any rig you just have to be careful when your putting it on with your dry suit that you don't scuff your shoulder valve. Its actually extremely easy to get in and out of. I also use some weight pouches on the belt and as long as you wait to stuff the weights in last, its no worries!

 

[rickyd]

The donning and doffing problem I have is probably due more to limited mobility I have in my right shoulder; because of that I usually get into the right arm first. Then of course, the dump valve on my left is a pain... I've tried the "both arms together" trick. I've also tried the chicken entrance -- both elbows in at the same time. Alas, I guess I'm just a klutz, or not limber enough.

Even with a buddy's help, its a real chore without first loosening the straps. That's really why I'm looking for something adjustable, or detachable.

I also use the DUI W&T II weight harness, so no lead is on the straps.

Captain... I understand the plastic clips concern. This is debated ad-infinitum on the board, and, although I agree, they are a potential point of failure, it's one I can accept.

 

[wunat]

The donning and doffing problem I have is probably due more to limited mobility I have in my right shoulder; because of that I usually get into the right arm first. Then of course, the dump valve on my left is a pain... I've tried the "both arms together" trick. I've also tried the chicken entrance -- both elbows in at the same time. Alas, I guess I'm just a klutz, or not limber enough.

Even with a buddy's help, its a real chore without first loosening the straps. That's really why I'm looking for something adjustable, or detachable.

I also use the DUI W&T II weight harness, so no lead is on the straps.

Captain... I understand the plastic clips concern. This is debated ad-infinitum on the board, and, although I agree, they are a potential point of failure, it's one I can accept.

I am not sure how it will be getting into and out of a one-piece webbing rig. I will leave it to you

Prior to switching to a one-piece webbing, I was using DiveRite's TransPlate system. I enjoyed it alot. It's more or less the TransPac + BP. Since you are already using TransPac, it shouldn't bother you at all adapting to a TransPlate.:05:

 

[rickyd]

I am not sure how it will be getting into and out of a one-piece webbing rig. I will leave it to you

Prior to switching to a one-piece webbing, I was using DiveRite's TransPlate system. I enjoyed it alot. It's more or less the TransPac + BP. Since you are already using TransPac, it shouldn't bother you at all adapting to a TransPlate.:05:

One thing I don't like about the Transpac is the shoulder pads. The left one always seems to come loose from the Velcro on the shoulder; so it always rides up or gets twisted. I've re-connected, cleaned the Velcro, and all else I could think of. I've adjusted the lengths of the strap, to make sure the webbing is taking the weight, and not the shoulder pad. Can't seem to get it right.

I don't really need or want the shoulder pads - they add unnecessary bulk for me -- but, I can't remove them either, unless I cut them from the webbing.....

 

[wunat]

One thing I don't like about the Transpac is the shoulder pads. The left one always seems to come loose from the Velcro on the shoulder; so it always rides up or gets twisted. I've re-connected, cleaned the Velcro, and all else I could think of. I've adjusted the lengths of the strap, to make sure the webbing is taking the weight, and not the shoulder pad. Can't seem to get it right.

I don't really need or want the shoulder pads - they add unnecessary bulk for me -- but, I can't remove them either, unless I cut them from the webbing.....

I do not remember that there are Velcro on the shoulder strap of the TransPlate (except the pad to secure the inflator). I have never really look into a TransPac in detail but I imagine that the Velcro you are referring to is for securing after adjusting the shoulder strap length. When I was using TransPlate with the BP, I ran the shoulder straps through 2" S/S belt slides which secure the the straps from the top side. In this case, I don't think you will be experience that problem with a TransPlate.

 

[RICHinNC]

I have the DR and it works ok for me. I do no multitank diving so the plastic clip concern is not one of mine.

 

[tstonedvr]

I have both and perfer the DSS....I cross the top straps and thus a chest strap is not needed....it has a nice adj. for your shoulders that once I got it set I wrapped it with electrical tape....if it don't have tape or wire ties somewhere it ain't right....as for the plastic waist buckle it had to go I cut it off and replaced it with a SS one....it is better to get in and out of than my Hog ....so I use the DSS pro fit/SS plate on my drysuit....the webbing he uses is softer than most...his bp's by the way are a notch above anybody else IMHO....they feel better on my back in a single or a double....
Yarg