OMS IQ or SS

[Far_X]

I am looking at replacing my BCD. I am interested in the OMS IQ and was wondering if this system lacks anything that would be required once undertaking more technical dives. Reading on the OMS site OMS Harnesses doesn't give that much information so I was wondering what people thought, if they have experience of them. The SS looks basically like a backplate and straps whereas the IQ looks as if either aluminium or steel backplates can be inserted. Is it functional enough without a backplate? Thanks in anticipation.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

There is not really anything wrong with an IQ pack and a backplate can be inserted. But, if you are technically oriented and are going to be using a backplate anyway, it makes more sense to go with a backplate and harness.

A backplate, pivot ring harness and a pair of neoprene shoulder pads is just as comfortable and will cost a lot less.

 

[Scuba65]

My hubby has one and he loves it...he can't stop talking about how it's so comfortable and how great it is..it's the IQ backplate that you insert. he has it for doubles and just ordered a new smaller bladder for singles also.

 

[CRDiver]

I have used the IQ Pack and currently use the Dive Rite TransPlate (pretty much the same concept as the OMS Comfort Harness). I found the IQ to be very comfortable but not quite as secure as the TransPlate. The backpad seemed to give it a kind of "squishy" feel and could shift on your back a little more than a regular backplate.

 

[cmm1970]

I have just gone through this process and have a little opinion to share. I first purchased a Dive Rite TransPac II thinking that the padding would be comfortable and I was just plain old unsure about how 2" webbing and a plate could be considered "comfortable". I tried that out 3 weekends ago here in Lake Travis and was surprised at how much I like it. Withough a STA, however, the tank tended to move around on the pack and trim was a little less than perfect. Not to be discouraged, I figured I could tweak the rig and make it work. Well, about that time, my honey/dive buddy expressed interest so I ordered an aluminum backplate, STA, and wing to try so I could let her use the TransPac. I selected the OMS Comfort Harness to get a little closer to a pure BP/Wing configuration and still have the convienience of the latches to quickly don and remove the rig. Well, I tried it out this weekend, and it is a much more stable rig to dive with as compared to the TransPac. Long story short, try not to be scared off of the harness/BP/Wing thing. I was because it is difficult to make heads or tails of what you need when viewing the various websites. Instead, the OMS Comfort Harness, the Dive Rite Transplate, or just a harness and BP is the way to go IMHO. Be sure to add a crotch strap. That is the accessory that made the difference in addition to the outstanding stability the BP affords when used in conjunction with a wing and harness.

Hope this helps!

Mike

 

[msandler]

OMS Comfort Harness and SS backplate.

The OMS comfort harness is a great webbing type harness if you want a bit more than "bare bones" but want to maintain the benefits of HOG harness. If you dislike the quick disconnects they are easy to eliminate. I can tell you how. As mentioned, if you will be in doubles, even occasionally, get a true plate/webbing combo.

The transpac/transplate attaches the lower shoulder harness to the waist belt (instead of the backplate) via a cumbersome looking 3-point slider. IMO, an inferior system. The security comes from directly connecting the harness webbing to the plate, not a plate to the back of a "softpack" as in the IQ and Transplate soft systems.

 

[Far_X]

Thanks for all the info. Definitely made a difference as I don't think I will go with the IQ which I was leaning towards. If the backplate by itself is more secure then that seems to be the way to go. Any danger of using one and chafing a shell drysuit? Just a quick question regarding the lift capacity of wings - is that the max. weight they will carry or the ideal weight? I can imagine the scenario of having a fully inflated 60lb wing and only having one tank...but if the wing is only partially inflated, is there danger (or stupidity) in that? As a sling bottle is clipped on to the D-rings on the webbing, does that have to be added to the weight being carried by the wings? (I have searched for these questions so sorry if the answers are already on here.)

 

[msandler]

A well made Plate will not harm a drysuit. My Vulcanized (Viking) DS shows no signs of being used with a wing in over a decade of diving. DR, Halcyon and OMS plates are nicely de-burred, Oxycheq (Koplin) too, but the latter is a little "sharper" at the edges.

As far as lift, there is a raunchy thread in existence

Your question is hard to interrpret but... The advertised lift is a max figure. Therefore a 60Lb wing can support 60lbs of weight. This, actually, is IN WATER weight. Keeping that in mind, the 60 will be plenty for good sized doubles and a couple of stages plus other weighty items. I doubt you will fully inflate a 60, especially with a siingle tank.