Is a crotch strap needed on a harness

[ericfine50]

I think the idea behind the crotch strap is to allow you to have the shoulder straps looser than you would think to and the strap anchors the kit to the diver's body.

Eric

:idea

 

[Divesherpa]

I don't concur with that point. I keep my shoulder straps very loose, and don't have any problems with my gear riding up. I dove yesterday morning backmount with my waist strap very loose as well, and had no significant movement of my gear. i think that maybe people should spend a little more time in the water in their gear to get accustomed to the harness feel. The main people I learned (and continue to learn) from dive with very very loose harnesses.

 

[Lost Yooper]

I keep my crotch strap snug, waist belt tight, and shoulder straps loose, and the rig doesn't move at all. AL 80's tend to ride up when they empty too. The crotch strap simply helps to stabilize the rig. If you don't think you need it, or don't like it, then it's not critical to have it. I like it and use it all the time.

Mike

 

[trymixdiver]

Bit of a touchy subject this one.

Thanks Yooper thats all i was really looking for.

1. is it required
2. Whats everyone else doing

It would seam its pretty well divided. I cut mine off my diverite wings and never had any problems with it being unstable. I just re webbed my harness and added a 2" crotch strap on it. Im going to dive it a few times and see how i like it.

Andy

 

[Lost Yooper]

I have to replace my strap too. My 1" strap came with my Halcyon rig about three years ago -- it has all those grommets and stuff on it. It's basically starting to fall apart. One of these days, when I'm bored enough, I'll make up a 2" strap. I used a 2" strap when I had a Dive Rite plate and wing (before I bought the Halcyon) and thought it was fine too. I have some soft 2" laying around here somewhere.

Take care.

Mike

 

[Divesherpa]

I guess it's a personal preference issue.

Cheers

 

[trymixdiver]

Yooper

You bring up another question i have:

I used regular Weight belt material to re web the harness, but i used soft 2" seat belt material for the crotch strap. Not only did it seam like it would be more comforable, i was concerned about that heavy weight belt material cutting into my Viking Dry suit.

has anyone had a problem with a crotch strap damaging there drysuit ??

Andy

 

[ericfine50]

No problems with the heavy 2" stuff and my CF 200. Divesherpa - Did not mean to offend. That is what I was told a while ago. It is all up to you.

Take Care,
Eric

 

[Lost Yooper]

Hey Andy,

I had a black Viking military style suit for a while a long time ago. I kept poking holes in it. I used the soft stuff for the crotch strap, and I wouldn't have used the stiff webbing with that suit. I suspect you are probably using the Pro 1000 (very popular up here) which is tougher than the suit I had, though they still poke a lot holes in them on the wrecks. I would probably use the soft webbing if I had a Viking.

Take care.

Mike

 

[Divesherpa]

no, I never imply Offense. If taken that way, then I apologize.