Webbing - options & breaking in?

[Bob01]

Hey All,

Just got my first bp/w setup. Just got it assembled and noticed the webbing seems pretty stiff. I do mostly "t-shirt" dives - does webbing get considerably softer/broken in with continual use? I'm guessing webbing should be stiff? Any reason why I cannot use a softer webbing (ie seat belt webbing or something not so stiff from the start)?

Thanks,

Bob

 

[diver 85]

some is, some is not 'soft'.....mine is 'pretty hard' but feels very comfortable in the water with skins(almost tee shirt material) on......

 

[SangP]

It needs to be fairly stiff otherwise you won't easily be able to get into it if it keeps flapping about. Lots of us have been diving with the stiff webbing in tees or less n there's nothing uncomfortable about it in the water.

SangP

 

[spectrum]

Firm webbing is often desired. It makes it easier to chicken wing into the harness. Some will soften a bit with age but the stiff stuff will not become the real supple stuff.

 

[NC Wreck Diver]

Maybe a rash guard if the stiff webbing is bothering you? My .02.

 

[PfcAJ]

Seat belt webbing won't hold the d-rings in place nearly as well as stiffer webbing. It will get more comfy with use, though.

 

[snowmaker]

A few companies sell neoprene shoulder pads. Basically a neoprene sleeve you slip over the shoulder section of the webbing.

 

[Blue Sparkle]

I'm the sensitive type when it comes to that sort of thing (I wear my socks inside out so the "poinky things" at the sides of the toe part won't bug me), yet I had no problem with the usual (stiff) webbing even when wearing a brand-new harness over only a dive skin (well, two layers of dive skin, but one is pretty well sun-damaged into oblivion).

I think the stiff webbing made donning easier, because it made the shoulder-strap loops stick out just ready to slip into. I can imagine that would not be as easy if you were groping for soft, collapsed loops (although I'm sure it's possible if that is the type of webbing you would be happy with).

 

[Mitchell]

You could use seat belt just double it and stitch together. It will be stiff and soft. Once you are set on fringe placeement stitch those as well. As far as the stiff webbing. I don't even notice it.

 

[Amphiprion]

I tried soft tube webbing used for climbing and it didn't work very well. D rings slip, it is harder to get in and out of the thing. While you are working on your harness, don't go to home depot to get the D rings. Tried that one too.