New OMS One Piece Harness System - opinions?

[VTernovski]

What do you think of the new OMS One Piece Harness System as pictured. I am considering getting up as a step up from the previous non-DIR OMS deluxe harness which was equipped with plastic buckles and a controversial cross-shoulder webbing...

I have a question about the crotch strap. On an old rig, the crotch strap was very soft and not as wide, which seems comfortable... how is it on the new one? is that form the same webbing? seems kinda harsh?

So, is this finally a DIR compliant rig or there is still some OMS vs Halcyon rivalry that would create points to make it non DIR?

 

[Bob3]

The part nobody tells you is that a GOOD sewn connection is much more secure than a shabby 1-piece harness... that includes having anti-chafing material in way of the slots as well as having the maximum amount of radius on the slot edges.
If the plate material is too thin there is no way to get a proper radius.
You can get the full 2000 lb rated strength from a good sewn connection, no so with a single piece of webbing going over a sharp corner.
Just ask any parachute rigger.

 

[SparkySFD]

I believe any bend greater than 90 degrees and you lose strength in the webbing. A thicker plate with smooth radi will always be better, but with the angles of the straps when worn by the diver, were going to lose some strength no matter what.

 

[oatmeal769]

IMO Bob's right. A properly sewn connection will give you full strength for webbing. The caveat is to have it sewn correctly, on an industrial machine capable of stitching with at least the same thread thickness as the fibers in the webbing.

A thicker plate with a good radius is wise too. The radius need not be more than .045 - .065. Just enough to round the edges is all that's neccessary.

One of the best ways to slow wear around the slots is to double the webbing thickness. Not only does this give twice the material to wear through, but it also keeps the webbing from moving around in the slot as much, which contributes to wear as well.

The biggest wear factor though is the material. Polypropylene webbing wears out far faster than Nylon, They look and feel nearly identical, so it's tough to tell the difference.

 

[divegeek]

VTernovski once bubbled...
What do you think of the new OMS One Piece Harness System as pictured. I am considering getting up as a step up from the previous non-DIR OMS deluxe harness which was equipped with plastic buckles and a controversial cross-shoulder webbing...

I have a question about the crotch strap. On an old rig, the crotch strap was very soft and not as wide, which seems comfortable... how is it on the new one? is that form the same webbing? seems kinda harsh?

So, is this finally a DIR compliant rig or there is still some OMS vs Halcyon rivalry that would create points to make it non DIR?

It looks like any other one piece harness. I got mine from Scott Koplin (Oxycheq) and my 2" crotch strap is a softer version of the harness. I haven't had any chaffing problems.

My guess is that it was designed to be exactly like the Halcyon so that they can get in on the DIR frenzy. Of course it doesn't have the ultra-hip "H" logos on the harness =-)

 

[LUBOLD8431]

divegeek once bubbled...

My guess is that it was designed to be exactly like the Halcyon so that they can get in on the DIR frenzy.

Halcyon doesnt own the rights to the one piece of webbing harness. They have been around since BEFORE halcyon. EVERY backplate manufacturer has a standard harness similar to this. DeepOutdoors, Koplin, FredT, GUTS, Zeagle, and lots of other people that sell BP offer them with a onepiece harness...

FOr many people, they dont want to have an extra failure point in the harness (QR). This does relate to DIR, but some people that are not DIR still dont like QR's... SO, OMS just wanted to expand their options for their customers. I dont see that as going after the DIR frenzy, although, I can see how other people may see it that way. I dont see anything wrong with the harness, its just like countless others out there. I for one, have been trying to get a MCGRATH harness for a few years, with no luck.

 

[VTernovski]

divegeek once bubbled...

Of course it doesn't have the ultra-hip "H" logos on the harness =-)

That's precisely why I want OMS instead of Halcyon... I hate those H logos on the harness.. I personally think it's tacky. Besides, OMS is so much cheaper. I kinda like their backplate better too.

 

[Charlie19]

I use an OMS backplate, but I rigged it with some generic weight belt webbing. For the crotch strap, I am using some industrial webbing that originally was a lifting sling. The webbing is thick enough that it won't slide through the weight keepers thus keeping the front and rear D-rings in place.

I also use the OMS welded billy rings (45 degree on the shoulders and 90 degree on the waist). They make clipping and unclipping very easy.

Finally, OMS has the coolest logo.


Seahorse19

 

[VTernovski]

Charlie19 once bubbled...


Finally, OMS has the coolest logo.


Seahorse19

Definatelly! Their logo is hot!

 

[divegeek]

VTernovski once bubbled...



Definatelly! Their logo is hot!

Do you really think so? If so, check out the front of their new reg.

http://www.omsdive.com/images/dp-reg.jpg

Yeow! That sucker's big