Harness questions

[espruell]

I am purchasing a Dive Rite b/p and wing, and I was just wondering what kind of harness people recommend; the basic webbing, deluxe, or possibly the transplate. Also, what do people think about the crotch strap? Is it an absolute for your harness? Thanks

 

[Tassie_Rohan]

I went with the deluxe on my cold water steel plate - the extra rings on the harness are not needed but the shoulder release is useful for getting out of the harness when wearing a thick drysuit....

However - on my warm water Aluminium plate I use basic (one piece) webbing as getting out of the harness isn't a hassle in a 3 mm, and I will go this way with the steel plate when the deluxe webbing wears out.

Are you changing size much between dives: if not then an adjustable harness isn't really needed, and adjusting webbing length is a 2 minute job anyway.

If you are planning any GUE/DIR training then go with a basic webbing set up to get use to it. Ditto if you start with basic webbing and still find it hard to get out of after a few dives you can always add a release to the shoulder later.

The crotch strap is very useful to stop the wing/plate riding up when vertical on the surface. I use the 1 inch diverite one rather than the 2 inch wide webbing codpiece preferred by others.

Cheers,
Rohan.

 

[RJP]

I had "deluxe" originally, but ditched it after about 10 dives. I never used the quick release buckle - which annoyingly sat right on my collar bone. I also found that there was "too much going on" when I was trying to clip off bolt snaps or something - hard to find the right spot without fiddling around.

Now with hog style, my hand just finds the d-rings no problem.

Getting in and out of it is ZERO problem, even as a big guy in a drysuit.

 

[Jim Baldwin]

I am purchasing a Dive Rite b/p and wing, and I was just wondering what kind of harness people recommend; the basic webbing, deluxe, or possibly the transplate. Also, what do people think about the crotch strap? Is it an absolute for your harness? Thanks

The basic harness IMHO works great. I have three BP/W setups and they all have the standard harness. The rig I use for my drysuit is simply adjusted a little looser to allow me to get arms out easier. The crotch strap holds the rig in place. It keeps you from falling out of the rig on the surface or the tank from riding up your back. When you are diving it keeps everything from shifting around. When the harness is properly adjusted it will stay in place without the need for extra buckles and snaps. Four D-rings gives you plenty of places to attach things.

 

[SDAnderson]

Stick with basic webbing. With a little practice, you won't need the QR and adjustments. You can further cut down on the clutter by all but one D-ring on each shoulder. If you split your time between a 3mm wetsuit and a heavy drysuit, its easy to adjust the shoulder straps at the start/end of each trip.

The crotch strap is an important stabilizer and should be retained. I've found the 2" soft webbing to be the most effective and comfortable, YRMV.

 

[theskull]

The basic harness is great if you always wear your BP/W setup with the same suit, as do I. (I use a regular BC when diving wet.) If you are going to use it for wet as well as dry you will really appreciate the quick adjustability of the Transplate. You'll also appreciate the padded straps of the transplate if wearing a heavy tank/tanks over a thin wetsuit.

The crotch strap is strictly optional with a single tank, and most folks don't actually need it with doubles, either. On the occasions that I have forgotten to attach mine I never noticed it. I only keep it because the extra D-rings on it are useful when I am making dives that require multiple jump reels or am diving a scooter.

theskull

 

[wunat]

I am purchasing a Dive Rite b/p and wing, and I was just wondering what kind of harness people recommend; the basic webbing, deluxe, or possibly the transplate. Also, what do people think about the crotch strap? Is it an absolute for your harness? Thanks

I started with a DR TransPlate system and later on switched to the basic webbing and never look back. I think that happens to lots of other people so you might be better off going for the basic webbing.............just my view........

As for the croth strap, I would say that it makes everything lovely. I personally find it making the rig more stable. I would recommend you use it.

Enjoy!!!

 

[RICHinNC]

Have the plate and delux harness.....no c-strap......dont need it. I have enuf tummy the belt will not rise up.

Now, if i were to go more techie...and hang 300 bottles off me.....I would probably switch to a hog strap.....but I am all wuss diving.

 

[ZzzKing]

Now, if i were to go more techie...and hang 300 bottles off me.....I would probably switch to a hog strap.....but I am all wuss diving.

WOW! 300 bottles! Impressive! I wonder what kind of bottom time and depth you could get with that setup?

I have the deluxe harness but the basic one would work just as well for me. I do like the QR on the crotch strap. I use the 1" one as well. I'm thinking if I were to use the 2" it would have to be some sort of softer material than the harness. Never tried it though.

 

[theskull]

. . . I use the 1" one as well. I'm thinking if I were to use the 2" it would have to be some sort of softer material than the harness. Never tried it though.

Real men use the 2" crotch strap in the same stiff material. It wears through the crotch area of your drysuit faster. LOL

And DUI does a beautiful job of patching it back up and applying a reinforcing patch to help delay the next breakthrough!

theskull