Hog vs Deluxe vs Transplate

[jc2]

After reading these boards I bought a Hog Harness Kit and SS Backplate setup. All this equipment I'm buying is really adding up so naturally I'm fearing some buyers remorse. I carefully read a lot about the harness setup but I fear I've gotten too caught up in the whole DIR thing considering I envision myself doing 90% recreational open water diving.

If I remember right, one of the major benefits of the Hog Harness besides being DIR was that it is cheap to replace. I also recall someone said something about the shoulder pads on the Transplate don't work that well (move around or something?)

Anyway I haven't put my Hog harness together yet. I've decided making sure everything is DIR is not that important to me based on the type of diving I'll be doing but definitely want to stick with a BP/W setup.

Should I return the Hog kit and get a Transplate to get the more comfortable easier to don/doff harness or should I just stick with the Hog. I guess the Hog kit was so cheap if I don't end up liking it and get a Transplate Harness, it is a minimal cost relative to the total investment in gear. I just fear getting the Hog on/off in my drysuit will be a pain. Adjusting it when I go on trips will be a pain. And wearing it witha 3mm shorty will be uncomfortable. The webbing is so dang stiff! There's that DSS Pro-Fit Harness too (does it work with any BP?). It's just when you see thing on sites like DSS saying "No more weight belt webbing sawing at your neck! " It gives me pause as to whether I should have spent the extra money on a Transplate or Profit or even Deluxe harness and not been obsessed with going DIR.

 

[crlavoie]

I have the pro fit from DSS and it works very well with my dry suit. I've never used a HOG so I really can't compare it for you but I don't think you'll be disappointed either way.

As far as the Trans plate... Well, I've never used on of those either but it's safe to say that it's much bulkier than any harness (deluxe or HOG).

 

[wunat]

I have started my BP+Wing setup with a TransPlate and has switched to the continuous webbing after discovering DIR. Here some personal experience which might help you think through. I haven't been able to officially take a Fundies class so my comments are based on my understanding of DIR via research and readings.

I carefully read a lot about the harness setup but I fear I've gotten too caught up in the whole DIR thing considering I envision myself doing 90% recreational open water diving.

I understand that DIR is not specifically for technical diving so I don't think adopting DIR philosophy for recreational diving should be a concern. Though I do see myself stepping into tech in the near future, currently, all my divings are 100% recreational openwater dives.

If I remember right, one of the major benefits of the Hog Harness besides being DIR was that it is cheap to replace. I also recall someone said something about the shoulder pads on the Transplate don't work that well (move around or something?)

I understand that one of the more benefitial advantages of the continuous webbing is the removal any unnecessary potential failure points such as the quick releases on set ups such as the TransPlate. Never had problems with the shoulder pads when my setup was with TransPlate.

Anyway I haven't put my Hog harness together yet. I've decided making sure everything is DIR is not that important to me based on the type of diving I'll be doing but definitely want to stick with a BP/W setup.

I prefer diving in my BP+Wing setup (with the continuouse webbing) more than with my bc jacket. Only uses my bc jacket when I need to assist in the pool.

I just fear getting the Hog on/off in my drysuit will be a pain. Adjusting it when I go on trips will be a pain. And wearing it witha 3mm shorty will be uncomfortable. The webbing is so dang stiff!

Can't say much about adjusting my harness but gearing up is never a problem with the continuous webbing. I dive with a 0.5mm wetsuit and the non-padded continuous webbing works just great.

 

[TSandM]

If a hog harness is correctly adjusted, it is not uncomfortable, even in a 3 mil suit, and it is very possible to get in and out of it, even in a dry suit, with just a little effort. Adjusting the harness between dry suit and wetsuit settings takes about five minutes (and a barbecue skewer helps). Replacing the harness webbing takes about a half hour, and probably will take less next time I do it.

You do have a couple of options on how to weave the harness to make it most comfortable -- either bringing the straps directly over the shoulders, or crossing them behind your neck. I found crossing them moved the straps a little inward on my body, and got rid of the pressure I had on the insides of my arms, which was a little uncomfortable. If you have broad shoulders, it probably wouldn't bother you.

If you put it all together and find you are having serious trouble getting in and out of the harness, have somebody who uses this type of gear check it for you -- it's probably too tight.

 

[Tassie_Rohan]

I'd go with the hog: if you want to make it easier to get out off you can later add a quick release to one shoulder strap (basically the DR deluxe - but without those unnecessary rings).

If you have to, after trying the above, you can always add two adjustable buckles to your hog harness kit (making it the same as the transpac without all the unnecessary padding and rings): saves shelling out for a second harness.

Start simple and work backwards: if it doesn’t work then adjust to make a harness that suits you and your style of diving.

I use a deluxe on one plate and a hog on the other. I find I don’t need the padding of the transplate. The adjustable straps add dangle points and are not required: the hog harness is easy to get into once correctly set.

Cheers,
Rohan.

 

[scubadobadoo]

Chances are you will eventually sway towards the hog style after using a deluxe or a transplate. I am at that stage as well after using the transplate for a year. I am now thinking it is too cluttery however the ability to dive ONE bc system without the hassle of only slightly irritating adjustments from dry suit to 3mm diving may keep me with the transplate for some time. It is very versatile but no one bc system is PERFECT for all dive environments, IMHO. That is a very common evolution though, to go from jacket bc, to back inflate, to transplate, to hog. Where does it end??? LOL. IMHO, just stick with the Hog. This board has likely saved you tons of time and even more money by giving away the end of the "bc evolution" book.

As for DIR, it's hard to comment on that for you personally as your profile doesn't indicate that you have DIR training. DIR is more a method of diving, as you probably know, and the gear is just a way to realize the DIR method. Just because your gear is DIR standard doesn't make you a DIR diver so, based on my lack of your dive training, I don't suggest you make all your gear DIR standard unless you are planning on getting the training first. If you have DIR training, please disregard my comments and forgive me if my comments seem preachy. I hate to seem preachy.

The good news is that you will enjoy diving in whatever you do decide upon! Have fun and congrats on your purchase!

 

[daniel f aleman]

Get the quick release buckles on whichever system that you buy.

 

[jc2]

Thanks for the advice. I think the idea of starting with the simplest (and coincidentally least expensive) solution and then working up from there if necessary is an excellent perspective to take. I'll start with the simple Hog. I've got a tech diving friend who can help adjust it properly.

 

[radinator]

After reading these boards I bought a Hog Harness Kit and SS Backplate setup. All this equipment I'm buying is really adding up so naturally I'm fearing some buyers remorse. I carefully read a lot about the harness setup but I fear I've gotten too caught up in the whole DIR thing considering I envision myself doing 90% recreational open water diving.

If I remember right, one of the major benefits of the Hog Harness besides being DIR was that it is cheap to replace. I also recall someone said something about the shoulder pads on the Transplate don't work that well (move around or something?)

Anyway I haven't put my Hog harness together yet. I've decided making sure everything is DIR is not that important to me based on the type of diving I'll be doing but definitely want to stick with a BP/W setup.

Should I return the Hog kit and get a Transplate to get the more comfortable easier to don/doff harness or should I just stick with the Hog. I guess the Hog kit was so cheap if I don't end up liking it and get a Transplate Harness, it is a minimal cost relative to the total investment in gear. I just fear getting the Hog on/off in my drysuit will be a pain. Adjusting it when I go on trips will be a pain. And wearing it witha 3mm shorty will be uncomfortable. The webbing is so dang stiff! There's that DSS Pro-Fit Harness too (does it work with any BP?). It's just when you see thing on sites like DSS saying "No more weight belt webbing sawing at your neck! " It gives me pause as to whether I should have spent the extra money on a Transplate or Profit or even Deluxe harness and not been obsessed with going DIR.

I've posted about this in more detail elsewhere (check the archives) but here is the upshot from my experience switching from Seaquest Balance back-inflate BCD to a DSS BP/W with hog harness.

My trim is much better.

It takes a bit to adjust, but you don't have to do it every time you dive.

You DO have to adjust it if you change your exposure suit.

It took me a bit to get the procedure down, but now it is no problem to put it on over my drysuit.

I've worn the BP/W with nothing but a swimsuit, and in the water I don't notice a difference in comfort.

Out of the water, the BP was slightly more uncomfortable on the shoulders (again, no exposure suit) because the straps were carrying the weight of the tank. However, just as I don't judge skiing gear by wearing it on the beach, I don't judge dive gear by how it feels when I'm walking around out of the water. How long am I wearing it out of the water anyway? (This doesn't apply to booties of course)

WITH my exposure suit, there is no comfort difference out of the water.

I DO have more psychological comfort in my BP/W because it is less cluttered. I therefore feel less claustrophobic in my gear.

The BP is simpler and the hog harness is less cluttered.

Those are my experiences. I was one of those who immediately felt the BP was a better system for me - based on the simplicity and lack of clutter.

Ray

 

[matt_unique]

I would suggest the Deluxe harness with the quick release. It's more manageable to get in and out of above and below the water for you or a buddy.

--Matt