Just got my new BP/W! A question though?

[Ice9]

I finally did it. I retired my SeaQuest Balance BC and bought a Dive Rite TransPlate. Wow! This baby is really comfortable! However, I do have one question:

Is the crotch strap really necessary, or is it some strange piece of bondage gear that people don't normally use/need?

Also, how many use the optional weight pockets?

 

[johnny_bravo]

I have less than a dozen dives on my new BP/W setup after switching...the first couple were w/o a crotch strap...that was a mistake...the stability both UW and a the surface that the crotch strap provides is priceless.

I'm still debating the weight belt vs pockets issue (i switch back and forth).

Cheers.

-J.-

 

[Belmont]

Absolutely needed, and not too slack either even if the tought of it sounds scary...
The first dive I did, the crotch strap was pretty loose, bad decision, after tightening it it worked like a charm and did not feel uncomfortable.

 

[keruxts]

Yeah....the crotch strap is a must. That is, unless you are playing the victim in a rescue class scenario in which other people will be removing your gear quickly. I found out first hand that failing to release that particular piece of equipment can lead to serious discomfort and a temporary change in the pitch of your voice.

 

[ClayJar]

You don't even realize it's there (except in keruxts type of situation). From what I've read, you would likely realize if it *wasn't* there. (Some people dive without it, but they are in a slim minority -- they do exist, however.)

It's really not a pain in practice (and certainly nothing compared to overlooking an inadvertent fold in precisely the wrong place on a trilam drysuit ).

 

[Blackwood]

Yeah....the crotch strap is a must. That is, unless you are playing the victim in a rescue class scenario in which other people will be removing your gear quickly. I found out first hand that failing to release that particular piece of equipment can lead to serious discomfort and a temporary change in the pitch of your voice.

However, for the sake of the rescue students, it would be better to not falsify your configuration (especially if you think that they may someday rescue YOU ).

 

[Ice9]

However, for the sake of the rescue students, it would be better to not falsify your configuration (especially if you think that they may someday rescue YOU ).

OOOOOW!!!

 

[willembad]

Hi,

I dive with the crotch strap to keep everything in place. I also use two 4# trim weights high on the plate and the 16# integrated pockets with between 4 and 10 lbs total. I don't use a belt and I dive an Al80. My trim is perfect which is so much nicer than the jacket I trained in

Good luck and have fun

Willem

 

[spacemanspiff1974]

I've gone diving without fastening the crotch strap. Didn't feel as in control of my equipment as when I am wearing the thing. You will hardly notice if you are wearing a wetsuit. Might be an issue if you were going commando.