Shoulder pads on a single piece harness

[Wiggity]

Is it possible / practical to have shoulder pads like you see on a DiveRite Transplate or OMS Comfort harness on a single piece harness?

Maybe I've been reading too much SB already but I like the idea of avoiding QRs but making the shoulders more comfortable.

I know that a lot of people here like to keep their rig as simple as possible and I understand that. And while I have no doubt my preference may change, at this point, I'm going to stick w/ shoulder pads so my decision is between single piece (if it can be done) and a regular 'deluxe' harness like he Transplate or Comfort.

Hopefully this hasn't been asked too much - tried searching but came up empty.

Thanks,
Wiggity

 

[rongoodman]

In Bonaire last week I forgot my wetsuit one morning and did two dives in a T-shirt, Halcyon BP, and one piece harness. No problem in or out of the water. You can add shoulder pads, but I'd try the plain harness first.

 

[bamamedic]

Is it possible / practical to have shoulder pads like you see on a DiveRite Transplate or OMS Comfort harness on a single piece harness?

Maybe I've been reading too much SB already but I like the idea of avoiding QRs but making the shoulders more comfortable.

I know that a lot of people here like to keep their rig as simple as possible and I understand that. And while I have no doubt my preference may change, at this point, I'm going to stick w/ shoulder pads so my decision is between single piece (if it can be done) and a regular 'deluxe' harness like he Transplate or Comfort.

Hopefully this hasn't been asked too much - tried searching but came up empty.

Thanks,
Wiggity

You can find neoprene slip on shoulder pads (they just slip onto the webbing - I think you need to install them when you initially rig up the harness) that aren't very expensive at all.

I thought that a single piece webbing harness would be REALLY uncomfortable...so I bought a Transplate at first. For the life of me, I couldn't figure out how to rig up the Transplate (turns out it was an older kit - the newer models are easier, supposedly). So, I sold the Transplate harness and went out and bought a single piece webbing harness. Rigged it up, and thought it was the most uncomfortable piece of equipment ever designed. Turns out I had the shoulder straps way too tight...when properly adjusted, it was suprisingly comfortable! I've used it with everything from a drysuit to a 3mm, with a single cylinder and with doubles, and never had any issues with comfort.

 

[ptyx]

You can, and you can get them to stick in the right place with some ingenuity (a single point of stitching wont compromise the harness).

However, if you're wearing 5mm neoprene or thicker, there is really no need to. If you're in 3mm, maaaayyybe if you're walking a long way with the gear on your back for shore dives.

Like a lot of people, I started with a Dive Rite comfort harness because I feared the HOG harness would be uncomfortable. It's not with any kind of exposure protection. A lot of the weight seems to be worn on the hips, and compared to a regular BC the harness doesn't move at all once the tank is on your back so there is no chaffing.

It's your call ultimately, but I'd try without any kind of padding at first - and only spend the extra cash if you need it.

 

[deepseafalcon]

I think these could solve your problem:
OMS Shoulder Pads/Hose Holders (Set of 2)

at least they can be installed without re-rigging your BP, so you can use both configurations
I considered them when I went to a BP/W 4 years ago, first tried without, and never looked back. I did a lot of warm water diving with a 1mm Microprene suit, not problem
I could only see to need them when I had to make extended surface walks without a suit.

Happy Diving
d.s.f.

 

[RAWalker]

It can be done.

 

[deepseafalcon]

It can be done.

are you striving for 1000 posts, or what's the hidden meaning of this reply I haven't caught?
d.s.f.

 

[Wiggity]

Thanks guys.

I'll be doing a bit of shore diving so will wind up walking a fair amount w/ both my rig and probably my wife's as well so I think it makes sense at least until I get to be really hardcore.

 

[Rainer]

I do a lot of shore diving. Often with some really long walks, over rocks, logs, beaches, etc. Often in doubles. I've used the hog harness with a DS, 7mm, 3mm, and t-shirt. For MOST people, you just don't need any padding. At least give it an honest shot before spending time and money on something most of us have found unnecessary.

Thanks guys.

I'll be doing a bit of shore diving so will wind up walking a fair amount w/ both my rig and probably my wife's as well so I think it makes sense at least until I get to be really hardcore.

 

[Rhone Man]

I think these could solve your problem:
OMS Shoulder Pads/Hose Holders (Set of 2)

at least they can be installed without re-rigging your BP, so you can use both configurations
I considered them when I went to a BP/W 4 years ago, first tried without, and never looked back. I did a lot of warm water diving with a 1mm Microprene suit, not problem
I could only see to need them when I had to make extended surface walks without a suit.

Happy Diving
d.s.f.

Dive Rite also make something similar: Dive Rite Harness Shoulder Pad Set

But they don't have velcro, so you have to partially dismantle and slide them along the straps to install them.