Red mark from straps of BP/W

[Dogbowl]

We are new divers and have heard great things about BP/Ws so we were thinking of getting one for each of us. We had a chance to dive one (Halcyon Infinity) in a pool over a shell drysuit with no undergarments. We were just wearing a long-sleeved cotton shirt underneath the drysuit. After the dive, we both had red marks on our shoulders that correspond to where the straps were. I also had a red mark on one arm that corresponds to where the straps went under the arms. Looks like rubbing or the rig was just very heavy. The marks don't hurt, but that was only after one dive. I'm concerned that after a series of dives, it will hurt and/or bruise.

Is this normal with a BP/W?

 

[tbone1004]

only if the straps are way too tight or if you are walking around for a long time on land...

 

[guruboy]

The infinity comes with padding on the shoulder straps. Did you get the marks even with the padding?

 

[Dogbowl]

only if the straps are way too tight or if you are walking around for a long time on land...

I guess maybe they're too tight...we were at a pool so definitely not walking around...

The infinity comes with padding on the shoulder straps. Did you get the marks even with the padding?

Yup, even with the padding. That's why we were quite bummed, cause we thought this was the one! Maybe not for everyone?

We don't get these marks when wearing a jacket-style BCD...

 

[tbone1004]

They're probably just too tight. BP/W straps are supposed to be VERY loose, so it is likely the were just adjusted wrong, especially if you had them around your waist

 

[StefinSB]

When you wear the plate without a cylinder attached make sure you get your fist comfortably in between the chest strap and yourself. If you can't get your hand in there it is too tight

 

[Dogbowl]

They're probably just too tight. BP/W straps are supposed to be VERY loose, so it is likely the were just adjusted wrong, especially if you had them around your waist

Didn't know that, thanks!

When you wear the plate without a cylinder attached make sure you get your fist comfortably in between the chest strap and yourself. If you can't get your hand in there it is too tight

We didn't know to do that, now we do! Thanks!

 

[kelemvor]

I've certainly had my share of red marks and even a few minor bruises from bpw straps. Usually because I sling the rig up over one shoulder and then the other to don, and I use heavy lp108 tanks. I don't think I ever recall it happening when I was using the padding that came with my diverite deluxe harness. More care in the handling would likely prevent this, but it doesn't bother me that much. Also, more care would likely mean I need help to don/doff, which I don't really want.

Anyway, aside from the straps being too tight, it can happen from poor handling of a heavy rig. If you've got big tanks, or doubles, or a lot of lead etc...

 

[Dogbowl]

Hmmm...I don't think our rig was particularly heavy...we were only doing a pool dive with it using most probably an AL80 (sorry, I didn't check). Total weight of our weighted BP/W was approx. 18 lbs. plus the weight of the full tank.

 

[sadn3sss]

I'm still trying to get my rig adjusted too but here are some things I've learned that might help.

1. You're probably trying to fit it like a jacket BCD. Harness should be lose enough to fit a few fingers or a clenched fist under it. That should get rid of red marks.

2. After you loosen it, you may notice that the wing rides up your back or that the rig shifts from left to right too easily. It feels like you're missing the sternum strap on the BCD. This means the crotch strap is too loose.