Hog vs Comfort style harness

[atlas750]

I am changing from a jacket BCD to a Bp/Wing set up. Not sure if I should get an Hog or comfort style (DR Transplate) harness. Most of my diving is here in Texas in warm water. I usually wear a 3mm full wetsuit. As of now I only dive singles. I need to know a good starting point. Thanks.

 

[TSandM]

My experience has been that the people who order the more complicated harnesses often switch after a short time to the simple harness. The advantages of the simple one are infinite adjustability, and the ability to place the D-rings on the harness where they are the most comfortable and convenient to use. Especially if you are diving in a thin wetsuit, getting in and out of a properly adjusted harness is trivial. (Not quite so trivial in a dry suit with thick undergarment and dry glove rings!)

 

[ucfdiver]

My experience has been that the people who order the more complicated harnesses often switch after a short time to the simple harness. The advantages of the simple one are infinite adjustability, and the ability to place the D-rings on the harness where they are the most comfortable and convenient to use. Especially if you are diving in a thin wetsuit, getting in and out of a properly adjusted harness is trivial. (Not quite so trivial in a dry suit with thick undergarment and dry glove rings!)

She described me. I bought a transpac II, and ever since I used a bp/w it's sat in the garage.

 

[alexxred]

Also worth mentioning that 'comfort' style harnesses are actually no more comfortable. Sure they might feel better on dry land but in the water, there is zero difference.

The HOG harness is also much cheaper and as others have said much simpler.

 

[Teamcasa]

I use a Apeks WTX harness. The system is very flexible, adjustable, fits perfect and is very comfortable. I have zero regrets about using it.

 

[ArcticDiver]

OK, many people convert. But, I wonder how many try the hog harness and decide the "deluxe" harness is more suitable?

I notice that in the Hollis forum the manufacturer recommended his Elite harness with an aluminum backplate rather than his Solo harness. So, there must be pluses and minuses.

 

[ae3753]

I notice that in the Hollis forum the manufacturer recommended his Elite harness with an aluminum backplate rather than his Solo harness. So, there must be pluses and minuses.

More $ for the manufacturer?

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

It's interesting to note that Tobin (DSS) recommends his HOG harness.

 

[digital_steve]

buy a backplate and both types of harness and see what's best for you
My opinion - single piece = uncomfortable and annoying above water, a dream below. Deluxe harness = easier to don and doff, more bits and pieces on your rig, plus the pinch clips can get in the way of backup light storage
I went from hog, to deluxe and back to hog.
FWIW you can rig a pinch clip on a hog harness for donning and doffing that still keeps it single piece... it's no longer a hog harness then though

 

[ArcticDiver]

buy a backplate and both types of harness and see what's best for you

Must have more money over there than in my bank account. In any case that is one of the nice things about this Board; we can share experiences and not need to spend lots of money trying and discarding stuff.

My opinion - single piece = uncomfortable and annoying above water, a dream below. Deluxe harness = easier to don and doff, more bits and pieces on your rig, plus the pinch clips can get in the way of backup light storage
I went from hog, to deluxe and back to hog.
FWIW you can rig a pinch clip on a hog harness for donning and doffing that still keeps it single piece... it's no longer a hog harness then though

Thanks for your experience. I assume a "pinch clip" is one of those quick release buckles on the shoulder straps?

 

[cavediver08]

Atlas, this subject was brought up a few months ago and I argued that I really liked my transpac... But I recently finish my basic cave and I find that the quick release clips can be a pain in the ass for storage of backup lights --- I am going to buy a hog harness and see if I like it more, but its all down to preference... I think the transpac is much easier to don/doff topside, in the water I think its comfortable, but I wouldn't feel much of a difference through my 7/5 mil wetsuit.Try them both out, see what works for you.

-Tony DC