Need BP/W Harness Advice

[Eric Sedletzky]

Stability Strap.
But don't worry it will never catch on in the mass market....they will make sure of it. The closest you will get is something like the hydros.

 

[rhwestfall]

if you need the hole, you can punch one and burn the edges, or get a grommet tool from the hardware store (or craft store) and punch and install your own.

As to webbing sources, Randy @PiranhaDiveMfg is a great source. He also has all the parts and pieces, and some alternative pieces (different rings and sliders) too. Good guy to deal with.

Piranha Dive Mfg.

 

[stuartv]

After using the "normal" stuff for a while, I found several things about it that I did not like, so I now buy my harnesses piecemeal to get exactly what I want. These are the bits I use:

2" webbing ($0.80/ft x 12):
Flat Nylon Webbing, per {1 ft | 30.5 cm} | Dive Gear Express®

Rigid D-ring for shoulders ($3.50 ea x 2):
Extra Large S/S Rigid D-Ring | Dive Gear Express®

Rigid D-ring for waist belt ($2 ea x 2):
S/S {2 in | 5.1 cm} Rigid D-Ring, Perpendicular on Slide | Dive Gear Express®

Offset rigid D-ring for shoulder strap, to clip SPG to ($2 ea x 1):
Offset S/S Rigid D-Ring | Dive Gear Express®

Serrated belt slide behind shoulder D-rings to ensure they can't slide down ($0.65 ea x 2):
S/S {2 in | 5.1 cm} Serrated Belt Slide | Dive Gear Express®

Belt slide ($0.65 ea x 3):
S/S {2 in | 5.1 cm} Belt Slide | Dive Gear Express®

Dive Rite 2" crotch strap with padding ($18.50 x 1):
Dive Rite Crotch Straps | Dive Gear Express®

Glass-filled Nylon waist belt buckle ($11.95 x 1):
http://www.leisurepro.com/p-xsscbu/xs-scuba-clear-path-buckle

If I were to insist on metal, I would get the OMS matte finish buckle ($10.80 x 1):
OMS Anodized Aluminum Weight Belt Buckle | Dive Gear Express®

I really like the glass-filled nylon buckles. But, my issue is to have a buckle that's not shiny. I used to use a shiny buckle and it seemed to attract way too much attention from barracuda. I have not had a single "curious" barracuda since I switched to the black buckle.

To that rig, I add:

Rubber bands I cut off on old bicycle inner tube (x 8)

a loop of thin bungee cord to retain the LP inflator. ($0.25/ft x 3):
Shock Cord - Thin { 1/8 in | 0.3 cm } per { 1 ft | 30.5 cm } | Dive Gear Express®

Titanium EMT shears ($6.95 x 1):
DGX Titanium EMT Shears | Dive Gear Express®

Sheath for EMT shears ($8.00 x 1):
MSM Shear Pouch - MIL-SPEC MONKEY STORE

Ceramic blade Sharp Cut ($17.95 x 1):
DGX Sharp Cut | Dive Gear Express®

That works out to $56 and change for the harness and $33 for the add-ons, for an actual total just under $90 (not including any shipping). And no floppy D-rings to try and hit with a bolt snap when you can't see it and you can barely feel it through your gloves, and no shiny buckle to attract unwanted attention.

For single tank diving, I add a suitable wing and:

ScubaPro-style quick-release tank straps (on sale for $30/pair x 1 - normally $20 ea x 2):
DGX Tank Straps (PAIR), Quick Release with S/S Hinge Buckle (Last One - Shop Demo Unit) | Dive Gear Express®

Book screws to hold my wing in place when I'm changing tanks - not required, but convenient ($1.25/pair x 1):
Assembly Screws, Plastic, Set of TWO | Dive Gear Express®

 

[stuartv]

Any suggestions on where to buy decent webbing? I like the idea of making myself just because I enjoy DIY. Not a real big deal, but can I buy webbing with a grommet already installed? Is some webbing less stiff than others? I've got some weight belts that I would hate the thought of making a harness out of; however, I want want something too floppy.

BTW, the stiff webbing is stiff because it's resin-impregnated. Being stiff has some advantages, e.g. making it easier to get the shoulder straps on and off, and also making it easier to thread the end through a loop in a waist belt sheath or whatever. I use the DR crotch strap, which is soft, but the stiff webbing for the harness itself. I have noticed any discomfort whatsoever from the webbing. But, I have to disclaim that I have never died without a wetsuit or drysuit on. I.e. I've never dived bare-chested or with only a t-shirt or rash guard on.

 

[divad]

Here's an in-between size that is still a "real" crotch strap.




Dive Rite Crotch Strap 1.5" (3.8 cm) -SS Ring

SKU: DIV105815

List: $9.50
Your Price: $8.25
In Stock

 

[stuartv]

Here's an in-between size that is still a "real" crotch strap.




Dive Rite Crotch Strap 1.5" (3.8 cm) -SS Ring

SKU: DIV105815

List: $9.50
Your Price: $8.25
In Stock

It's another $10 or so, but I think I would really rather have the 2" one because it comes with a nice neoprene sleeve to pad it, which also protects the crotch of your suit from having the edge of that webbing sawing on it over time. Just my $0.02.

 

[rhwestfall]

IIRC the DiveRite one is like "seat belt" material, so it isn't a danger to your exposure suit. I do like the sleeve though, just not essential.

 

[Diving Dubai]

That said, the padded 2" crotch strap from Dive Rite is probably my favorite.

You talked about padding.. On a BPW!! I shall instantly report this post for heresy and at the same time have you rounded up by people with pitchforks screaming "burn the witch"!!!

 

[tbone1004]

yeah yeah, I know. I don't use it on the actual harness bit, but the crotch strap is nice because it allows you to use the 2" stiff webbing, which is great on a DPV or really for general comfort, without the selvedge destroying your suit.

regarding the DIY concept, you still have to assemble it, so the harnesses you buy are still DIY in terms of assembly. The parts are literally just stuffed into a bag and nothing is connected.

 

[divad]

regarding the DIY concept, you still have to assemble it, so the harnesses you buy are still DIY in terms of assembly. The parts are literally just stuffed into a bag and nothing is connected.

Yes, but if you buy the assembled bag of stuff you won't drive yourself nuts trying to assemble the the absolutely most perfectest bag of stuff.