what do you think of Dive Rite TransPac Harness

[H20Bubbles]

I just went down the BP/W route and had been looking at the Transpac and the OMS IQ type rigs. When I sat down looked at all of the different options and then asked myself why I was looking to make the change from the Mares BC I had there were two answers: steamlining & simplification.

Streamlining: While the Transpac is fairly nice with all of the padding and what not - you should ask yourself is the padding really needed? When I though about it more - to me the padding just meant more bouyancy that I would then have to offset with additional lead to get it down. Less lead, better air consumption, longer bottom times.

Simplification: I have to say that I was not worried too much about failure points and what not given the type of diving I am doing now as well. But again, I went back to point one and asked... is it really needed. Do you need a shoulder strap buckle? Sure it may be convenient but did I need it. Well again I chose the standard Hog rig. While it took a bit to get it setup - I have to say that it is simple to get in an out of, super quick to adjust if I need to, and can be adjusted to nearly any configuration I would need. Best off, if something does fail, I can rebuild the rigging for about $20 in total. If a portion of the Transpac fails, what would it cost to replace parts.

Your question will all come down to personal preference and what you are looking for and wanting out of your gear. If you can, you could see if you could demo a BP/W and the Transpac. I had to say when I got into the water with my BP/W it felt as if I were swimming around naked.

 

[Scubamedicjoe]

No, you get them on e-bay for $60.

wear?

 

[RJP]

It removes the need for a hard back plate and it's easier to put on/take off.

Easier to put on/take off is a personal matter, and having dived both I found the hog rig easier to both don and doff. Particularly found all the buckles and clips and d-rings and straps etc in the Transpac reduced the easy of donning. For doffing, all that same stuff didn't help or hurt, but the hog rig was still easier to slip right out of.

 

[Tienuts]

So now it's just a deluxe harness with a back pad that you paid about $250 for?

Pretty much.

To fix the trim issues, it was worth it.

 

[spyder]

I have both a Transpac with 16 pound pockets and a Transplate with Rec, Venture, and Mach V 30# Extreme wings. Transpac currently has the Venture on it and the Transplate has the Mach. Got the Transplate because my son needed a new bc due to an equipment shuffle in the family and he ended up with my Transpac (daughter got certified and wife's bc was toast). Transpac worked and works great with both the venture and rec wings and the weight pockets for me. Not sure about the buckle issue, I've never broken one on my hiking gear and have carried a pretty heavy load a long way. Once you go back inflate (soft or plate) you'll never go back. Complete freedom, no cluttered squeeze. I did have to add a couple weight pockets on the bands to get it balanced out, no big deal and anything you get will need to be adjusted/tweaked for you.

 

[CamG]

This has been interesting reading the different riggings and oppinions. I have both the Transpac and the Deluxe harness. I use each for specific dives; training-pleasure dives"Transpac", tech. dry suit, doubles deluxe harness w/SSB-plate. Both function and are awesome in there own way. I use a weight belt and have found proper weighting not to be a issue at all. As far as a wing I dive the Rec wing on both not had any issues as of yet. When I do no problem just correct it with a new wing! Side note, I just dove double 130's in a Hollis solo harness w/ a Rec wing and it was little small but did ok. The harness was really nice, simple-clean and solid. A new wing is on order and it was a controlled training dive "pool dive" just to clearify. I love Dive Rite and probably will remain true but have to admit Hollis harness was nice! I think Medic13 you are on the right track and will be pleased with the Transpac as far as wing go with Dive Rites recommended wing for the diving you plan to do. It will be a good starting point and probably function as you desire it to. My recommendation is go with the weight belt, pockets just add clutter, besides pockets are for extra mask or other safety signal devices. Good luck, CamG Keep diving....keep training....keep learning!