How can I configure my BPW harness to have adjustable shoulder straps?

[alexis_tree]

Hi, I have a BPW setup with continuous webbing (like pictured, but mine is Hollis brand).

I just read that some people have it setup so the shoulder straps come looser when the waist belt is unbuckled...? Can someone explain to me how you thread it that way?

Currently, I have a hard time getting in and out of my harness while wearing a neoprene drysuit (that is also just a bit too big for me). So would to know any tips/tricks you have!

(Also, looking to try getting rid of the crotch strap since I don't use DPVs.)

 

[tryerson64]

Loop adjusting ring - where the webbing feeds through the backplate to the buckle side of the waist belt

DGX S/S Loop Adjustment Ring

The DGX Loop Adjustment Ring (LAR) is a simple device that allows the left shoulder strap of any 2-inch continuous webbing harness to be freely adjustable, making your harness much easier to doff and don.

www.divegearexpress.com

 

[lexvil]

You see this area

Run the webbing only through the outer slot and you’ll be able to make it looser or tighter.

 

[Badger7]

(Also, looking to try getting rid of the crotch strap since I don't use DPVs.)

Also, highly advise reconsidering this. Most of the stability comes from the waist and crotch strap and how they make a triangle over your hips. The crotch strap isn't just for DPV use, its what makes a BPW so stable. Without the crotch strap, you'll find that the plate moves around a lot more than you'd like.

The shoulder straps actually do much less than you'd think in the water. You might also just consider loosening up the shoulder straps a couple inches before you do anything else at all.

 

[h2o_hamilton]

This. I would like to add more but this is spot on

 

[landphil]

I use one of these SubGravity harness sliders on my right-side strap for that little extra room.


And if you feel like you don’t need a crotch strap you’re probably running your shoulder straps way too tight, which is also making it harder to get your arms through.

 

[johndiver999]

Probably best to make one change at a time... add the adjustable straps and keep the crotch strap for a while and see how it feels. After a few dives, then remove the crotch strap.

I think ALL of my BP/w's have adjustable shoulder straps, it just fits the way I dive better. I also generally use a crotch strap and it does aid in stability but I dove for several years without one, primarily because it is a simpler rig.

 

[johndiver999]

I use one of these SubGravity harness sliders on my right-side strap for that little extra room.


And if you feel like you don’t need a crotch strap you’re probably running your shoulder straps way too tight, which is also making it harder to get your arms through.

WOW that looks really cool. I wonder if it works as well as it appears to. So simple!

 

[landphil]

WOW that looks really cool. I wonder if it works as well as it appears to. So simple!

Tightening it is exactly like the video, super easy. I have a triglide on the shoulder straps so it doesn’t over tighten. Loosening it with the tank and some weights hanging on the rig is more fiddly, since you’re pulling the shoulder webbing at an angle. But you can make it loosen up enough to get some extra arm space. And it works better as the webbing gets broken in and softens.

 

[lowwall]

Currently, I have a hard time getting in and out of my harness while wearing a neoprene drysuit (that is also just a bit too big for me). So would to know any tips/tricks you have!

(Also, looking to try getting rid of the crotch strap since I don't use DPVs.)

The second part is the clue. If you don't need the crotch strap then you have the shoulder straps way too tight. That's not how a BP/W is supposed to work.