I admit it! I need help!

[Jcrain33]

So I wanted to take an introduction to tech diving class within the next 6 months. I went down to my local dive shop and asked what equipment they would recommend, and of course they recommended a bp/wing setup. I also got on the Scuba Board and asked what you guys thought. I bought a Dive Rite system: Aluminum backplate, transplate harness, 2 wings (classic for doubles, venture for single). One week after my gear came in my dive shop closed down and the owners left town immediately (still not sure what happened; it was kind of shady).

Last week I went to a friend's swimming pool to try and get used to my gear. I feel stupid for asking this, but I just can't seem to get my setup and webbing right. I've had no help, and I'm used to using a jacket bc, so this is all quite new to me. How do I set this thing up? I've put the webbing through all of the right places on the plate, and the wings and tanks are easy to screw on. However, I can't seem to get this setup harnessed to where:
1) It's comfortable
2) It doesn't slide around when I'm in the water and swimming in different directions

I'm not sure where the backplate should fall on my back. Should it ride high or low? Is there an internet tutorial I could follow? I've done searches, but most of what I've found merely talks about hose placement, etc. I have a crotch strap that I haven't used yet. Would that add stability? Help! I want to get out in open water and get some practice, but I'm not going to do that until I feel comfortable with the setup in a pool first.

 

[mania]

I'm not an expert but here are few tips.
First - use the crotch strap - it keeps the whole thing stable. The harness should be rather tight on the surface - in water with proper trim it would be OK. I mean tight - that it's difficult to put it on. In horizontal position uw you should be albe to put max two fingers under the shoulder straps.
Here are some photos of how the harness should be done:
http://www.wkpp.org/articles/Gear/equip_moreimages.htm
And this one is probably even better:
http://dir-diver.com/en/equipment/backplate_adjustment.html

So to summerize - the harness on the surface - to be honest - is not comfortable (as for me it's way to tight comparing to the jacket I used to have). But together with the crotch strap uw it's much better.
Hope I helped a bit.
Mania

 

[El Orans]

Hello & welcome (Scub)aBoard! :happywave

Where are you located? There are plenty of divers around here who are familiar with your kind of equipment and who could give you a hand with getting a proper fit.

Laurens

 

[Diver0001]

So I wanted to take an introduction to tech diving class within the next 6 months. I went down to my local dive shop and asked what equipment they would recommend, and of course they recommended a bp/wing setup. I also got on the Scuba Board and asked what you guys thought. I bought a Dive Rite system: Aluminum backplate, transplate harness, 2 wings (classic for doubles, venture for single). One week after my gear came in my dive shop closed down and the owners left town immediately (still not sure what happened; it was kind of shady).

Last week I went to a friend's swimming pool to try and get used to my gear. I feel stupid for asking this, but I just can't seem to get my setup and webbing right. I've had no help, and I'm used to using a jacket bc, so this is all quite new to me. How do I set this thing up? I've put the webbing through all of the right places on the plate, and the wings and tanks are easy to screw on. However, I can't seem to get this setup harnessed to where:
1) It's comfortable
2) It doesn't slide around when I'm in the water and swimming in different directions

I'm not sure where the backplate should fall on my back. Should it ride high or low? Is there an internet tutorial I could follow? I've done searches, but most of what I've found merely talks about hose placement, etc. I have a crotch strap that I haven't used yet. Would that add stability? Help! I want to get out in open water and get some practice, but I'm not going to do that until I feel comfortable with the setup in a pool first.

This website: http://www.baue.org/ has some pictures showing how to get the fitting about right. The rest is fine adjustment from there.

Good luck

R..

 

[Doc Intrepid]

So I wanted to take an introduction to tech diving class within the next 6 months. I went down to my local dive shop and asked what equipment they would recommend, and of course they recommended a bp/wing setup. I also got on the Scuba Board and asked what you guys thought. I bought a Dive Rite system: Aluminum backplate, transplate harness, 2 wings (classic for doubles, venture for single). One week after my gear came in my dive shop closed down and the owners left town immediately (still not sure what happened; it was kind of shady).

Last week I went to a friend's swimming pool to try and get used to my gear. I feel stupid for asking this, but I just can't seem to get my setup and webbing right. I've had no help, and I'm used to using a jacket bc, so this is all quite new to me. How do I set this thing up? I've put the webbing through all of the right places on the plate, and the wings and tanks are easy to screw on. However, I can't seem to get this setup harnessed to where:
1) It's comfortable
2) It doesn't slide around when I'm in the water and swimming in different directions

I'm not sure where the backplate should fall on my back. Should it ride high or low? Is there an internet tutorial I could follow? I've done searches, but most of what I've found merely talks about hose placement, etc. I have a crotch strap that I haven't used yet. Would that add stability?

Dude, no one can fit your harness to you over the internet. Generally speaking, when your harness is tight enough your rig won't slide around. Getting it there often takes someone else who can assist you. What you need is a mentor in your local area. As noted, there should be a few - either off the board or in a local club.

But no one knows what 'your local area' is.

Take a minute to fill out your profile. This lets people respond to your questions in a more meaningful way...all sorts of questions can then be put into context.

It takes awhile, tweaking the harness straps this way and that way, but you'll get it eventually. Use some SS keepers on your webbing to ensure the harness doesn't creep after you've got it right. You want it pretty tight at first. Be advised, (if its one continuous webbing strap) its going to be difficult to get on and off. This is normal, don't sweat it.

Find someone in your area and begin working with them. I suspect this won't be the only issue or question you're going to think up.

Best,

Doc

 

[SeanQ]

One thing that is easy to forget is the orientation of the arm section as it goes into the bottom of the plate. You want the webbing to lay flat against your shoulders and sides. I forgot this step and couldn't figure out why it wasn't comfortable until I saw the drawing I've included.

http://www.gue.com/equipment/backplate6.html


Another site with good sizing information is this one:

http://www.dirdiver.com/en/equipment/backplate_adjustment.html