Ok...maybe I'm just stupid, but I simply do not feel comfortable in any bc I have worn yet. I am 6'2" 190 lbs and everything so far is either WAY too big in the belly or the bottom of the cumberbun is about 1 1/2 inches above my navel. The LDS says that the cumberbun is supposed to ride that high but I am not sure. I seem to want it to fit like a belt... but maybe that is wrong. Where is the cumberbun supposed to go?
Proper BC fit?
- Thread starter harpstr
- Start date
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You're about to hear a chorus of that smash chart-buster, "Back Plate and Wings" by the Techie Divers. What it lacks in backbeat it makes up for in browbeat...
Just kidding - for those of us with long torsos, finding something that fits and doesn't make us look like a trailer park tart in a crop top BCD can be difficult. For what it's worth, the BCD will probably work with the cummerbund above your navel but it won't be comfortable and that's important, too. Anything that disrupts normal breathing ain't good and normal breathing is through the belly, not the chest.
I'm a back plate kind of guy, myself. Although they take more work to get set up and adjusted just right, once they're dialed in properly, they're da bomb. They adapt to a variety of diving styles and are part of (and encourage) a coherent minimalist esthetic. Find Fred T or Scott Koplin around here and ask them about long backplates - they'll be happy to help out. I've got a FredT in my collection and it's been my #1 plate since the day I got it.
Someday you'll thank me.
Just kidding - for those of us with long torsos, finding something that fits and doesn't make us look like a trailer park tart in a crop top BCD can be difficult. For what it's worth, the BCD will probably work with the cummerbund above your navel but it won't be comfortable and that's important, too. Anything that disrupts normal breathing ain't good and normal breathing is through the belly, not the chest.
I'm a back plate kind of guy, myself. Although they take more work to get set up and adjusted just right, once they're dialed in properly, they're da bomb. They adapt to a variety of diving styles and are part of (and encourage) a coherent minimalist esthetic. Find Fred T or Scott Koplin around here and ask them about long backplates - they'll be happy to help out. I've got a FredT in my collection and it's been my #1 plate since the day I got it.
Someday you'll thank me.
Nobody I know dives the bp/wing setup. So I am completely ignorant on the subject. I do like the look, but am not sure about the weighting system...does a bp/wing setup require a weight belt? I have 4 dives with a belt and like the feel of integrated much better. The OMS system seems to have a weight pouch to attach to the belt but I am not sure how it works. Whats the story?
Nobody I know dives the bp/wing setup.
Gasp! Where the heck are you? Is there electricity? Running water?
So I am completely ignorant on the subject. I do like the look, but am not sure about the weighting system...does a bp/wing setup require a weight belt?
Maybe, maybe not. There are keel weights, STA's, harnesses and other ways to secure weights to the plate, the plate itself is pretty heavy, etc. Even if you still need a belt, you won't need as much weight in it as you've been used to.
I have 4 dives with a belt and like the feel of integrated much better. The OMS system seems to have a weight pouch to attach to the belt but I am not sure how it works. Whats the story?
Yes, there are pouches that mount on the back plate waist strap, if that's what you need. This is probably the least optimal method, IMNSHO. You need to find a shop that sells Dive Rite, Halcyon or OMS gear and spend some time with them. At this stage, you need more than the internet can provide - a good relationship with a good local dive shop will do wonders for your learning curve.
Gasp! Where the heck are you? Is there electricity? Running water?
So I am completely ignorant on the subject. I do like the look, but am not sure about the weighting system...does a bp/wing setup require a weight belt?
Maybe, maybe not. There are keel weights, STA's, harnesses and other ways to secure weights to the plate, the plate itself is pretty heavy, etc. Even if you still need a belt, you won't need as much weight in it as you've been used to.
I have 4 dives with a belt and like the feel of integrated much better. The OMS system seems to have a weight pouch to attach to the belt but I am not sure how it works. Whats the story?
Yes, there are pouches that mount on the back plate waist strap, if that's what you need. This is probably the least optimal method, IMNSHO. You need to find a shop that sells Dive Rite, Halcyon or OMS gear and spend some time with them. At this stage, you need more than the internet can provide - a good relationship with a good local dive shop will do wonders for your learning curve.
harpstr:
I don't know where you were diving or what kind of exposure protection you had but the reason that many have trouble with a weight belt is that they try to put too much on it.
Iy you're in a heavy wet suit and using an Al tank you end up with too much weight on the hips to be comfy or trim. A steel tank and a steel plate when wearing a heavy wet suit cna leave you needing only a few pounds on a weight belt which is very easy to manage.
A light wetsuit and an Al tank with a steel plate may give you the same results.
When I dive an AL tank and half my 7 mil I add 4 pounds. Wearing the whole suit I wear 8 pounds with 4 on the tank cam bands and 4 on a belt. With a steel tank I can drop the 4 on the camband. Way better than bulky weight integrated system to me and without the velcro to fuss over.
One of the great things about the plate is it's weight and the fact that it puts it where many divers need it.
crpntr133
lost, even with a compass
harpstr:
If you don't want the BP/W set up then go with a Zeagle jacket. They are modulor(sp) so the cumberbun is down on the waist were it should be (one size doesn't fit all with Zeagle). Forwarning that their sight isn't the best when it comes to information. One good thing is that it can grow with your skill level. I am seriously thinking about one.
http://zeagle.com
My LDS is an OMS and dive rite dealer, but we are in the central US and everyone dives knighthawks and blackdiamonds. (our diving is strictly lakes with an occasional Cozumel trip thrown in) Anyway, would I do good if I had them order me in an OMS Comfort Harness System with back pad (no cumberbund), and the Non banded single tank 32 lb. lift bladder? PS...I dive a single steel tank or the occasional aluminum, but never doubles.
harpstr:
I'm 6'3" 190 and had the very same fit issue. My solution after spending the winter months researching and pool sessions trying a number of alternatives: A bp/w. Once adjusted, IT WORKS AND FEELS GREAT!! Very solid!! PLease rent or borrow one and try it yourself.
scunick
Registered
harpstr:
I am 6'3" and 220 and had a similar issue. The solution for me, and I stress for me, was an OMS S/S BP, OMS Weight Pockets, Oxycheq 45# wing. In this config I dive a heavy 125 cf Steelie and only carry about 8# of weight. The fit is fantastic and it is 100% more comfortable in and out of the water. JMHO but you can't go wrong with a BP&W because of the adjustability of the rig. The other advantage is you get to put everything where you want or need it eg additional pockets, light cannisters, etc etc etc.
Have fun making you choice.
Nick
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