Metal Backplate vs Comfort Harness for Doubles

[DevonDiver]

WTF is a "Comfort harness"??.

a.k.a. "wallet lightener".

The only 'comfort' it provides is to your retailers profit margin

To the O.P.... Try doing some searches for 'Balanced Rig'. You need to have an awareness of your weighting requirements, plus what amounts of that weight should be ditchable before deciding on ali or steel backplates... or whether to add other non-ditchable weights to your rig. There are plenty of online resources that will help you work out your requirements. It can be time-conuming to do that research - but hey, who ever said that approaching diving from a technical mindset was going to be uncomplicated?

As a general rule, start simple and only make your kit more complicated if you have to. Metal backplate and HOG harness fit that critieria. You'll appreciate the reduced task-loading when you take the tech courses.

 

[mikecotrone]

I am using the DiveRite Transplate with the Classic EXP wing. My Backplate is SS and it is very comfortable. I am doubling two steel HP130 tanks which again is very comfortable in this kit setup. I am also using AL40 stage bottles using a choker and a bungee ring to sling it up tight in my armpit. It is a very comfortable setup.

 

[tr3a]

"a.k.a. "wallet lightener".

The only 'comfort' it provides is to your retailers profit margin "

Not always true.
I have a bad back & it does help with the load. I also have arthritis (have all my life) and sometimes the quick releases are a godsend for getting out of gear.
In 40 years of active diving I have NEVER had a buckle fail.

 

[cool_hardware52]

There is a persistent perception that "Tech Gear" and more specifically a Back Plate and Wing with simple harness is hard to use and uncomfortable.

Perception is not reality.

Single Piece Harnesses are not more difficult, simply different. The fact that a properly adjusted "Hog" harness need not be eye popping tight is missed by many conventional BC users who are accustomed to cinching their bc very snug in (largely ineffective) attempt to keep their tank from flopping around. This is just not necessary with a back plate. and Hog harness.

Comfort? Consider that many technical divers routinely conduct 2+ hour dives with many far longer. If Backplates / Simple Harnesses were uncomfortable they would find something else.

Tobin

 

[modzs]

When he said "Comfort harness" I was thinking something like the DR Transpac.

 

[rlynch]

I recently switched from a Jacket BC to a BP/W setup that does have "padding" for the shoulder webing - the setup is extremly comfortable - more so than my jacket style BC.
you don't need the padding that mine has and it will come off for next dive. The system makes sense for what you should be carring with you (only what you actually need for the job at hand)

I am using an AL back plate with a 6lb keel weight, 2 trim weights on the tank and 2 small ditchable weights on the harness for my 7mm - this gives me max flexability to go from my 7mm full Wsuit to a 2.5mm shortie and keep some ditchable weight (my target is 4lbs ditchable which i am at now with my rig balanced for the 7mm wetsuit)


the jacket BC is now for the pool only

 

[LakeCountyDiver]

I have a Hog Harness with a steel BackPlate that I got from www.deepseasupply.com. It is so far the most comfortable rig I have and the cheapest too. Call Tobin he will get you what you need.