Question on Changing BP/W Webbing in the Future

[jerrydascorpion]

I am considering getting a HOG Total Buoyancy Control System BP/W. I will be diving mostly cold water in a 7mm wetsuit, with occasional travel to warm water.

After looking at different BP/W setups, it seems like the most bang for the buck (32 lb wing, larger weight pockets, 2 cam bands, AL BP, etc) is the Total Buoyancy Control system. Eventually I would like to get rid of the deluxe harness and change it to regular webbing.

Being the setup I am looking at comes with D rings, triglides, buckle, etc. could I just order 12-15 ft of webbing and replace the deluxe harness with a basic webbing setup? When I look at other complete harness setups, they have a grommet in the middle of the length of webbing and some have pre-sewn parts on the crotch straps.

Is it worth the extra money to get the complete harness setup, or save some money and buy a length of webbing? I am sure I am over thinking things being I don't even have the setup yet, but it has been in the back of my mind for a while.

Thanks

 

[dlofting]

As I'm sure you know the BP/W system is designed to be modular. You can use any backplate or wing with whatever harness system you prefer. I have two setups. One is a Dive Rite wing and SS backplate. The other is a Deep6 wing with HOG aluminum backplate. Both use the basic harness purchased as individual packages from DGX.

I like the basic harness, but you have to decide for yourself. I honestly wouldn't worry too much about saving a few dollars but would concentrate on getting what suits you best.

 

[Bubblesong]

Another thing to consider is weight of webbing that you choose. The more flexible webbing is easier to thread, but floppier when donning doffing BP/W, while the stiffer webbing is a pain to thread, but stands up a bit when putting your gear on. I bought both types of webbing, (both in red) and am trying them both out to see which works best over all.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

I am considering getting a HOG Total Buoyancy Control System BP/W. I will be diving mostly cold water in a 7mm wetsuit, with occasional travel to warm water.

After looking at different BP/W setups, it seems like the most bang for the buck (32 lb wing, larger weight pockets, 2 cam bands, AL BP, etc) is the Total Buoyancy Control system. Eventually I would like to get rid of the deluxe harness and change it to regular webbing.

Being the setup I am looking at comes with D rings, triglides, buckle, etc. could I just order 12-15 ft of webbing and replace the deluxe harness with a basic webbing setup? When I look at other complete harness setups, they have a grommet in the middle of the length of webbing and some have pre-sewn parts on the crotch straps.

Is it worth the extra money to get the complete harness setup, or save some money and buy a length of webbing? I am sure I am over thinking things being I don't even have the setup yet, but it has been in the back of my mind for a while.

Thanks

Having set up over 100 BPW setups, being a HOG dealer and designer for some of the hardware on the TBCS, and setting up a few of those I can say you will have more than enough hardware to change to a standard one-piece harness. In fact, you'll have parts left over. Unless you plan to re-use the TCBS harness, you won't need to do anything except buying the webbing.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

I'd recommend a set of the small pockets to put on the cam bands as well. It'll help to distribute the weight with the al plate to mimic a steel.

 

[Centrals]

DGX Custom - DGX Gears Singles Harness / Backplate / Wing Package

Very reasonable price.

 

[FishWatcher747]

I bought the HOG TBCS with 32# wing and Stainless Steel Plate a few months ago and have 20 dives with it. Now I am going to fly to Cozumel next month so I bought the HOG Aluminum backplate to fly with.

I love the system but never had the spartan Hogarthian 1 piece harness. I was just switching the harness over to the Al plate and took off the shoulder pads. I don't think I need them for boat diving. I may change my mind if I am lugging my rig for shore diving but I am going to try without them. Advantage is less lead because the shoulder pads are buoyant.

Once the shoulder pads are removed it is very basic. Just has quick release buckles on the shoulder straps and a chest strap. Both of which I like but you could take the chest strap off if you don't like it.

2 tank cam bands which is nice for trimming weight by putting trim pockets on the upper band.

The ditchable weight pockets and accessory pocket for SMB and reel that go on the waist strap are very nice. Very well thought out gear in my opinion. Nothing hanging out like a christmas tree ornament.

 

[Altamira]

I own a HOG TBCS, and love it. I would strongly suggest you wait a bit before changing out the webbing and comfort harness. I know a lot of divers on SB like the continuous webbing system, but I find the TBCS comfort harness so much easier to don/doff and make quick adjustments to the tightness of the shoulder harness. Since I do not dive cold water any more, I only have to contend with making harness adjustments to a 5mm and 3mm wetsuits, and find it so much easier with a comfort harness than a single piece of webbing. At some points of a dive, I may want to loosen or tighten the harness, which is a snap with the quick release latches. There is a good reason it is called a comfort harness!

 

[Curious_George]

You guys with the 32lb wings and diving in cold water, will your BPW float on its own with all your integrated lead attached?

Not sure if that’s important or not.

 

[rjack321]

You guys with the 32lb wings and diving in cold water, will your BPW float on its own with all your integrated lead attached?

Not sure if that’s important or not.

It needs to be able to float - or many small boats that require you to ditch your gear at the surface (and haul it in behind you after) will be off limits.