First bp/w set up

[nordiques]

I have been peer pressured by all of you to get a bp/w set up!!!! (and to say that when i started navigating on SB i swore never to give in on the bp/w set up)

I chose the HOG 32 pound wing with a SS backplate and single 2 inch webbing with crotch strap. It looks fantastic!

I have spent an hour or so adjusting it but will only dive with it this week-end.

I was wondering, is it normal that the webbing doesn't stay in place. I mean by that, that i have adjusted the proper length for the harness but each time i try it on with a tank, it loosens up abit. It loosens on the bottom of the plate (the last place the webbing is weaved... where the two ends finish)

Can i do something to prevent the webbing from loosing up. Is this a common problem?

 

[Bubbletrubble]

You need to use some tri-glides (also called "belt slides," can be serrated or non-serrated) to hold the webbing in place.

See this webpage for assembling/adjusting the BP/W properly.

 

[StevenN]

This is a timely thread, I'm using a bp/w rig for the first time myself this weekend.

 

[Splitlip]

Yup. Triglides where the webbing passes through the lower slots on the plate.

As far as I can see, buubble's link did not have a pic. If need be, I may have one I can post.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

Yup. Triglides where the webbing passes through the lower slots on the plate.

As far as I can see, buubble's link did not have a pic. If need be, I may have one I can post.

It's not the best of pics, but I think the OP will get the idea:

 

[Gombessa]

View of the backplate (from the back, of course) with triglides in place to maintain the length of the shoulder straps:

There's a whole series of backplate sizing pictures and procedures at the BAUE site.

 

[Scott L]

It is my strong opinion that you seek a trained source to properly fit before use...

 

[nordiques]

Thats why there was two triglides left after i assembled it. It makes alot of sense putting those in!
I would love to have someone that is trained with a bp/w that would teach me the ropes about properly fitting it but for now i can't so i guess i'll be doing some dives in max 25ft untill it is all sorted out!

Thanks for the pics!!!!

ps: is it normal that i can just barely reach my Al 80 valve with the bp/w on? I thought that it would be so much easier with it compared to my old jacket bc?

 

[Bubbletrubble]

ps: is it normal that i can just barely reach my Al 80 valve with the bp/w on? I thought that it would be so much easier with it compared to my old jacket bc?

It all depends on how flexible you are. Do some stretching exercises...seriously. Another factor is how restrictive your exposure suit is.

A couple of different maneuvers might help. You can push up the bottom of the tank with your left hand while you operate the tank valve with your right. Alternatively, you can put your left arm in front of your face and use your left hand to push the right upper arm or elbow backward.

 

[Aqua-Andy]

Don't worry about reaching the valve while standing up, once you are in the water and horizontal it should be much easier.