Hollis Elite 2 Harness

Please register or login

Welcome to ScubaBoard, the world's largest scuba diving community. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions.

Benefits of registering include

  • Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions.
  • A Free photo gallery to share your dive photos with the world.
  • You can make this box go away

Joining is quick and easy. Log in or Register now!

Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Location
Cleveland OH
# of dives
Hollis Elite 2 Harness 208.1222 with reviews at scuba.com

Can some tell me the advantage and disadvaantage of using this vs. a vest BC.

I'm a newbie and looking a dive equipment.

Thanks

Ken Devorak
 
I'm sure you'll get plenty of "do a search" responses.

That said, the elite harness used with a bp/w (backplate and wing) is modular and more streamline (reducing drag). It allows you to move things around to allow placement of weights and such to improve trim, among other things. You can add pockets to the harness to place things in, like a spool, back up light, SMB, weights, etc. Or you can just keep it minimal and reduce drag in the water. You can also use a stainless backplate which will reduce the amount of lead you need, plus the jacket is probably has more positive buoyancy so it already requires less....even with an aluminum plate. I currently dive with only 1 pound more using my drysuit than I did diving wet with a jacket bcd.

I used a jacket BCD for about 20 dives. I switch to a backplate and wing and now probably going to sell the jacket style. Some don't like them because a wing can cause you to be face forward on the surface. Personally, I've never experienced that. Having used both, the jacket style is easy in, easy out. It was comfy and had lots of room for stuff. However, since switching I realized I didn't need that much storage. I think most that have used both will tell you bp/w is the way to go. Whether you use an Elite 2, IQ pack, traspac or just webbing. Take your pick.

Just remember, if you buy the harness, you still need a backplate and wing to go with it. Then you will either need to lace weights onto the belt or purchase weight pouches (available in releasable if desired). A good "rig" will cost you a lot more but is soooo much better IMO. There's deals to be had on here, too.
 
Greetings Ken it is great to hear of your interest in diving.
Dive gear especially Bc's you need to try out before you buy one. I have been doing this quite since the start of my diving.
I trained in a jacket and a harness both functioned well but were quite different in the feel. I felt confined in a jacket and quite free in a harness.

Most dive trainers use jackets but not all. Seek out some different ones to try to decide for yourself. One bit of advice, the basic harness is tough to beat. Simple is always a winner. BC's need to be functional but not over engineered. Streamlined while well fitted and most of all comfortable to you.
I was fortunate to have a instructor who insisted on trying different styles to allow us to make up our mind. For me it was immediate and I still have my original BC that has been converted into a Nomad for side mount. My Dive Rite Trans Pac has been an awesome BC with many dives to prove it.

Have fun and enjoy the research just be careful and take your time.
CamG Keep diving....Keep training....Keep learning!
 

Back
Top Bottom