DeadCactus
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What's the benefit of the Hogarthian style harnesses versus something like the Diverite Transplate harness?
Pros and Cons of the various BP Harness Styles
- Thread starter DeadCactus
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PriusDrIVER
Contributor
Simplicity.
Advantage? It's simple and cheap. It's infinitely adjustable. It's easy to replace. You can put the d-rings where they work best.
fnfalman
Contributor
No plastic quick-release buckles to fail on a Hog rig. But then no quick-release buckles if you have to rapidly ditch your gears either.
And no cushions on shoulder straps and waist straps on the Hog rig, so if you were to have to hump your gears for a long walk (say, cave diving or up and down a rocky area, or a long walk to a beach entry), it'll be less comfortable.
Otherwise, the TransPlate harness is also infinitely adjustable and you can put D-rings anywhere you like too.
beanojones
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Quoting this post because it nails a lot of things about things.
Think about this, thread author: Do you want to use a backpack (not a dive backpack, but a regular one) that has fixed straps with no padding, or do you want to be able to adjust it, and have comfortable padded weight bearing straps on your shoulders?
All the people who mention that plastic clips can fail seem to forget that people who spend years hiking don't use 'Hogarthian' harnesses. They use harnesses that look a lot like TransPac (or TransPlate) harnesses, complete with plastic clips and sliders. And those hikers are people who are actually depending on their backpacks to carry their food, shelter, and medical gear.
This translates very well. The Transpac is actually useful for carrying weight. Although tanks are not as heavy under water as they are above, they still have the same inertial mass. What carries better on land, will carry better underwater too. (Maybe add a crotch strap if you want but.)
cmburch
Contributor
I have a TransPlate. It is very easy to adjust in the water and on a moving boat. If I change my exposure suit from NorCal to a warmer SoCal, it is also easy to adjust.
For those that talk about equipment failure, I think preventive maintenance to check that all gear is in working order and replace any worn parts would be a good idea.
I have never had a quick release fail. I am just use to releasing my harness with the left quick release shoulder strap. Easy to do in the water and on a moving boat without having to go through contortions. IMO. It works for me.
The TransPlate it is very comfortable. There are more adjustment points and angles. It is easy to customize such as to add or remove D-rings, shoulder pads, etc.
Dive Rite makes high quality and reliable gear.
TransPlate about $85
http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/CategoryID_964/Context_954/Sort_Stock/DescSort_0/Filter_1%3d296/DIVTP.html?Hit=1#Configuration
I wish it had a cumberbund like my TranPac for when I am hiking the steep cliff trails of NorCal.
For those that talk about equipment failure, I think preventive maintenance to check that all gear is in working order and replace any worn parts would be a good idea.
I have never had a quick release fail. I am just use to releasing my harness with the left quick release shoulder strap. Easy to do in the water and on a moving boat without having to go through contortions. IMO. It works for me.
The TransPlate it is very comfortable. There are more adjustment points and angles. It is easy to customize such as to add or remove D-rings, shoulder pads, etc.
Dive Rite makes high quality and reliable gear.
TransPlate about $85
http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/CategoryID_964/Context_954/Sort_Stock/DescSort_0/Filter_1%3d296/DIVTP.html?Hit=1#Configuration
I wish it had a cumberbund like my TranPac for when I am hiking the steep cliff trails of NorCal.
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If you feel the need for a shoulder release, use two stainless steel twist-locks.
If you feel the need for padding, make a tube out of 1/8" neoprene and slide it over the shoulder straps.
If you feel the need for padding, make a tube out of 1/8" neoprene and slide it over the shoulder straps.
I used a OMS deluxe harness and haven't had or seen a quick release fail. I have seen them not clicked together completely and come apart but that is user error not a failure.
Those with shoulder or back problems may need the quick release for safe Donning and Doffing. I find that in rough seas doffing the Hog harness may require me to submerge. I do not like having to use this manuver in rough water so I prefer the deluxe harness quick release which allows me to slide out horizontally with my face out of the water.
Although the Hog harness is infinately adjustable it does require more time and effort to adjust. Transpak and Deluxe harness are quick pull adjustments.
The extra padding of a deluxe or transpak harness may make it more comfortable but also may add to the inherent buoyancy of the rig and require more balast.
It is a matter of personal requirements, needs, wants and tastes with some trade offs this isn't a matter of what is right but what is right for you!
Those with shoulder or back problems may need the quick release for safe Donning and Doffing. I find that in rough seas doffing the Hog harness may require me to submerge. I do not like having to use this manuver in rough water so I prefer the deluxe harness quick release which allows me to slide out horizontally with my face out of the water.
Although the Hog harness is infinately adjustable it does require more time and effort to adjust. Transpak and Deluxe harness are quick pull adjustments.
The extra padding of a deluxe or transpak harness may make it more comfortable but also may add to the inherent buoyancy of the rig and require more balast.
It is a matter of personal requirements, needs, wants and tastes with some trade offs this isn't a matter of what is right but what is right for you!
I use a Apeks WTX Harness system with a DiveRite 30lb wing. It is extremely comfortable, flexible and can adapt easily to any diving condition I undertake. I dive here in cold (50f-70f) water and switch between a wetsuit and a drysuit, steel or aluminum tanks. I also use the same system to dive in the tropics and it packs small for air travel. My wife uses the same system with the optional weight pockets, but I opted for a weight belt.
I can chose to slide in a steel plate should doubles be necessary or just use the plate pocket to add weight for trim. The only down side is cost vs a hog and plate setup but the added comfort and flexibility more than justifies the added cost.
I don't buy for a second that the plastic buckles are a significant failure point and in fact, should I need to doff the setup, I can do it quickly. Even if one of the buckles did fail, I could still control the rig without issue and surface safely. In addition, the chances of both failing on the same dive are nill.
If a hog setup makes your heart go pitter patter, terrific! But I like the comfort, security and flexibility of my WTX Harness.
I can chose to slide in a steel plate should doubles be necessary or just use the plate pocket to add weight for trim. The only down side is cost vs a hog and plate setup but the added comfort and flexibility more than justifies the added cost.
I don't buy for a second that the plastic buckles are a significant failure point and in fact, should I need to doff the setup, I can do it quickly. Even if one of the buckles did fail, I could still control the rig without issue and surface safely. In addition, the chances of both failing on the same dive are nill.
If a hog setup makes your heart go pitter patter, terrific! But I like the comfort, security and flexibility of my WTX Harness.
cool_hardware52
Contributor
My standard advice:
Start with a simple Hog Harness.
Why?
1) Hog harnesses are simple.
2) Hog harnesses are cheaper.
3) Hog harnesses are recognized by all the "Tech" training agencies.
4) In the unlikely event you find you really **Need** a quick release you can add one for ~$10-15 and trip to the shoe repair man for a little sewing
5) Same for pads, you don't need them, but you can always make some from an old wetsuit.
Many choose to start with a more complex (and expensive) harness. Over time most will either remove a good portion of the "extras" or will refit their plate with a "Hog" harness. Very few start with a Hog harness, and move to a more complex harness, that alone should be telling.
Tobin
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