Need BP/W Harness Advice

[Jim Lapenta]

You can also use softer webbing for the crotch strap. I have made several with 2 inch webbing from Jo Ann fabrics. Nothing wrong with piecing a BPW together. You'll save money and you can buy just what you need or want.

 

[dmaziuk]

If the BP/W ever really catches on with the major recreational dive gear companies, their marketing departments surely can think up a more user-friendly name for this part.

I vote for breechclout.

 

[keb001]

Piecing together in my case just means buying a piece here there as I sell other gear. I found a used/returned scubapro ss backplate on leisurepro.com while ordering a scubapro STA/cam band combo. I have other scubapro gear and I really like their cam bands. I figure that I could web any harness in that backplate. I didn't necessarily intend to go all scubapro, but do intend to buy quality gear. My LDS is a scubapro dealer and I'd like to buy my wing from them since that seems to be (hopefully) the only piece that could have issues??

I like the idea of a crotch strap but was concerned about chaffing as mentioned above without a wetsuit, so the 1" may be a good option for me.

What I'm really chasing with the harness in general is how much should I invest in a quality 1 piece harness? I'm happy to buy one at $75, but if I can make one for much less, I'd prefer to go that route.

Again, thanks for all the advice.

 

[rhwestfall]

work up the price:

10'-12' of 2" webbing (you don't need the grommet in it but you can put one in or burn a hole)
3 (or more if you desire) d-rings and sliders
buckle
pieces of inner tube or ?
maybe some some bungie
Crotch strap (or make your own)

 

[tbone1004]

on the crotch straps, I really dislike the soft crotch straps because they ball up in the middle so dive a 1" strap if that's what you want. That said, the padded 2" crotch strap from Dive Rite is probably my favorite. Super comfortable, and stable when you need it to be. I.e. at the surface for extended periods of time, or behind a scooter

 

[seeker242]

I'm happy to buy one at $75, but if I can make one for much less, I'd prefer to go that route.
.

You can make one for like $25

 

[victorzamora]

You can make one for like $25

Or you can buy it here for $31 (I prefer the heavy duty buckle, but it's $27 without that upgrade).

 

[Neilwood]

When I first started talking with my wife about the possibility of us transitioning from our jacket-style BCs to BP/Ws, she said "CROTCH STRAP? Sounds like some kind of S&M thing!"

If the BP/W ever really catches on with the major recreational dive gear companies, their marketing departments surely can think up a more user-friendly name for this part.

Lower separation hitch?

 

[keb001]

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.

 

[Lorenzoid]

The grommet isn't a significant benefit, and I wouldn't bother. The high-quality harness from DSS doesn't have a grommet, and I have not felt inconvenienced. (And it does have a nice, soft crotch strap.) If you want to DIY, then buy a roll of generic webbing, the hardware, and have at it.