HArness setup

[DCDivenut]

I searched here and on google and could not get a definitive answer... I know someone here can answer these pretty quickly

I am setting up my new BP+W setup and I have a question (not that it matters, but it is a hybrid rig with an OMS backplate and a Halcyon 30# wing and protector [with the logos cut off ])

On the setup I rented the keepers at the bottom on the waist strap were behind the plate (on the wing side). When I got this one the keepers are on the front side holding the D-rings in place.

Questions...
1. Which side do the keepers belong on?
2. I know there are arguments on both sides for 1 vs 2 D-rings on the waist strap but exactly where does one or both of them go?
3. I have a Halcyon pocket on the left side so the logical place to put a knife/shear is on the right?
4. Is there a preferred location for the buckle? I would imagine just to the left of the crotch strap but I wanted to double check.

I have attached some pictures to help illustrate

 

[ocpaul]

1. Which side do the keepers belong on?
The keepers should be behind the plate

2. I know there are arguments on both sides for 1 vs 2 D-rings on the waist strap but exactly where does one or both of them go?
One should be on the left side to attach SPG, bottles, etc.. There is usually a D-ring on the front and back of the crotch strap. If you do not use the front ring, simply run the crotch strap through the ring so it is not a snag point.

3. I have a Halcyon pocket on the left side so the logical place to put a knife/shear is on the right?
Usually the knife is on the left side. What is the Haycyon pocket going to be used for?

4. Is there a preferred location for the buckle? I would imagine just to the left of the crotch strap but I wanted to double check.
The buckle should pass through the crotch strap loop and should end up right of the crotch strap. You want to be sure the crotch strap cannot open the buckle inadvertently.

Hope this helps.

 

[Scubaroo]

If you haven't got a canister light, put the pocket on the right, and run the long hose under it. Otherwise, everything ocpaul said.

 

[DCDivenut]

If you haven't got a canister light, put the pocket on the right, and run the long hose under it. Otherwise, everything ocpaul said.

Sorry, pocket is on right (not left) side. Currently it has a safety sausage, whistle and a small backup light that used to be on my old BC. Also, I just like to have a pocket in case I need to stow something, pick up a piece of trash off the reef etc.

What is the purpose of the rear D-ring on the crotch strap? I am not necessarily trying to create a DIR setup but I cannot find a explanation of the use of that D-ring anywhere including JJ's book.

Also, if I put the buckle on the right of the crotch strap, then there is very little room to move the pocket up front for access. I tried to move the crotch strap over to get it to open the buckle but could not do so despite multiple tries. It simply will not get over enough to engage the buckle plate. Is this really a big issue or a DIR placement issue?

 

[jagfish]

Rear D ring...Isn't that frequetly used for reel?

JAG

 

[reubencahn]

Rear D ring...Isn't that frequetly used for reel?

JAG

reels, spools, attaching the smb you have behind your plate. The serious cave divers also use them for towing other scooters, etc.

 

[JDostal]

This is a copy of a post I put on another board....it's got some handy links on how to do all this stuff in it:

I've just recently finished up getting a backplate.

I was diving a ScubaPro RecTek, which is essentially an old DiveRite TransPac. I bought a DiveRite SS backplate and standard harness. I was able to take my RecTek wing (which is just a relabeled DiveRite RecWing) and my Scubapro tank straps and use them to build a full BP/Wings setup. It's definitely very nice - I got to dive it this weekend and I definitely enjoyed it.

I wanted to post a few links that I used to get my backplate webbed and adjusted. This page here:

http://www.gasdiving.co.uk/pages/misc/kit/harness_2.htm

is GREAT for doing a completely DIY webbing. I used it's tips to build my own crotch strap out of some extra webbing - I didn't bolt it to the plate, I just made the loops shown on the page on both ends of the webbing. One loop went through the two inch slot on my plate, and the other loop is the front of the crotch strap.

I only put one d-ring on each shoulder - I don't really have a need for two...and I definitely liked their idea for using an innertube as a backup light holder. I picked one up for $3.50 from a bike shop in town (they just emptied out their garbage, so they didn't have any used ones).

Another good tip I got from this page was to use the metal weight belt stops on the lower part of the plate where the webbing feeds through to make the waist strap, like this picture here:

http://www.gasdiving.co.uk/images/kit/Harness/rhs_bottom.jpg

On Saturday, I found that my webbing was sliding through these slots a little and killing all the adjustments I had made. I put a weight belt stop on both sides and it made everything very secure.

Also, if you need help in adjusting the fit of your backplate, here is a good guide:

http://www.dir-diver.com/en/equipment/backplate_adjustment.html

I'm not advocating any style of diving with this link, it's just got some very nice pictures on how you should set up your plate and harness.

Hope these help someone out!

 

[gfisher4792]

Here's another useful link:

http://www.baue.org/faq/backplate_sizing_inline_images.html

Check out the whole site, there's lots of good stuff.