Harness with pull-tight buckles?

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mello-yellow

Contributor
Scuba Instructor
Divemaster
Messages
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Location
Gloucester, MA
# of dives
500 - 999
I got a double-tank rig, and yesterday tried it out in Newton YMCA pool. The entire rig was not properly secured -- it kept shifting side to side on my back. If I tightened the straps some more the rig would be secure, but it would be an absolute ****** to put on. Paul ("P" in PG Dive) told me harnesses exist with pull-tight buckles (is that even a correct term?) similar to those on regular BC's. Can someone recommend me a model of such harness? Thanks.
 
Are you currently using a BP/W with crotch strap?
 
Hi

To clarify, I said a harness existed with QR buckles, to make it easier to get on and off. I have never seen a BP setup that you could tighten when it was on, like a BC. Mello-Yello you just need to get all of the straps a lot tighter and then accepet that it's going to be a little harder to get on then the BC that you are used to. You are dealing with a lot more weight with the doubles and the whole thing has to be tigher than a BC with a single tank, to keep things from shifting around.

I would give the setup you have some more time, readjust the straps and then take it for a dive. That's the nice thing about a BP set, you can make adjustments as needed.

Paul
 
I see. I may still prefer QR buckles to none at all, but for the time being I will try just to tighten the straps as they are.
 
mello-yellow:
I see. I may still prefer QR buckles to none at all, but for the time being I will try just to tighten the straps as they are.

It takes water time to get the adjustment correct, but once you're done, they don't change.

Unless you are very lucky, you'll have slippage when you first use a BP/W until you get the adjustments nailed down for you.

Unlike some I don't have a problem with the "comfort harnsess" or quick release, but I've found that for me they don't add any comfort or ease of donning the gear, so I use continous webbing.

If you have access to a pool, try doing your adjustments there, just make sure you are wearing the same exposure gear you'll be diving in.

Seriously, once you get it fitted properly you'll be amazed at the stablibity of the BP/W.
 
I don't recommend it, but I have seen one person with a SS buckle (just like on your waist strap) down low on the shoulder part of the harness. He had it on just one shoulder to ease donning and doffing. You could put them on both shoulder harnesses to adjust for different exposure suits. They could be an alternative to the "failure point" complaint of quick release buckles.
 
I think I found the reason my tanks were shifting, and it is not the straps. The bolts I used to attach the BP/W to the tank bands do not have threads all the way to the bolt head, and apparently the total thickness of (BP + wing grommet + 1-2 washers) was less than that threadless length. IOW, the backplate was not tight to the tank bands!

Makes me feel pretty stupid. I need either different bolts or thicker washers.
 

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