From BCD to BPW: The Evolution

[Akimbo]

Cool. Any problem getting the two layers through the three upper slots?

 

[uncfnp]

Cool. Any problem getting the two layers through the three upper slots?

It was tight through the uppermost slot where both straps exit the plate but very doable.

The down side I have noticed is that the soft webbing allows the harness to twist more when donning.

 

[lowviz]

Try hooking your opposite index finger through the shoulder D-ring first. Same for other side...

 

[divad]

Any problem getting the D-ring keepers over the two layers?

 

[uncfnp]

Any problem getting the D-ring keepers over the two layers?

Great question and I had to go check. I had not tried any hardware yet. Mixed results. The standard triglide went on fine but my special d-ring keepers from lowviz did not work. I'll have to use rings to connect the webbing, much like in the original photo but without the releases. I think this may actually be more comfortable at the arm then the solid webbing. I'll let you know...

 

[Akimbo]

Problems using standard keepers would be a bummer. OK, here is another idea to try.

What if you take a continuous length of stiff webbing and cut away some material in the location where you have soft webbing sewn now? You could experiment with a short piece of scrap to get a sense of how much flexibility you get out of the cut. Webbing that is 1¼-1½" wide still has plenty of strength. If that works you could reinforce the edges by sewing and melting.

 

[divad]

What if you step away from the sewing machine-life-fixing-device, try a continuous piece of medium stiff /soft webbing, as proscribed, IN WATER with wetsuit on and then decide if the plate/harness really still "needs fixing"?

---------- Post added December 30th, 2013 at 08:33 PM ----------

And then, after that, have at it.

 

[maniago]

I know I'm late to the webbing discussion, but I was looking at the strapworks stuff last week and noted that the flat nylon specifically says its not good for water apps - even they recommend the polyprop stuff for water. And for what its worth, I have a yellow trident weight belt. That stuff is crazy stiff, at least what I got. Maybe it would loosen up over time, but it definitely has a mind of its own. Cheap though, so probably not going to break the bank to try it.

BTW, thanks Eric for shipping my plate today!

 

[lowviz]

...//... my special d-ring keepers from lowviz did not work. ...//...

Could be a communications error here. I didn't send any keepers.

Does this help?:

 

[uncfnp]

What if you step away from the sewing machine-life-fixing-device, try a continuous piece of medium stiff /soft webbing, as proscribed, IN WATER with wetsuit on and then decide if the plate/harness really still "needs fixing"?

---------- Post added December 30th, 2013 at 08:33 PM ----------

And then, after that, have at it.

Spoken like someone without the soul of a true DIY'er. But I get your point. I have webbing from 4 different online shops and they are all super stiff. After reading other's reviews, I have hesitated ordering from strapworks. One more try with the rings then I'll wait till after I get wet to make any firm decisions...

Problems using standard keepers would be a bummer. OK, here is another idea to try.

What if you take a continuous length of stiff webbing and cut away some material in the location where you have soft webbing sewn now? You could experiment with a short piece of scrap to get a sense of how much flexibility you get out of the cut. Webbing that is 1¼-1½" wide still has plenty of strength. If that works you could reinforce the edges by sewing and melting.

A possibility but I like the idea of the ring. Think I'll try that first.

Could be a communications error here. I didn't send any keepers.

Does this help?:
View attachment 174468

My error. Still learning. It is the nonslip shoulder ring that will not thread over the double layers. Triglides to hold D-rings will work. Guess I don't know what a "keeper" is. Sorry.