Whats wrong with the Scubapro X-Tek Pure

[eelnoraa]

AMS it was the Scubapro X-TEK FORM TEK SYSTEM. i didnt know anything at that time but i knew i didnt want that.

Don't do it. It is the worst harness I have ever tried. Worst of worlds between BCD and BP/w, disadvantage of both, advantage of none.

 

[ams511]

AMS it was the Scubapro X-TEK FORM TEK SYSTEM. i didnt know anything at that time but i knew i didnt want that.

I wasn't familiar with the system so I checked it out on Leisure Pro's website. This is just a harness which increases the price of the package by over $200 over just a plain harness. It can be used with or without a backplate. The main advantage to the dive shop is that it is pre-sized so it is quicker for them to set up and it increases their profit. If you try it on in the store it should be more comfortable than a bare backplate with a simple harness. Under the water there will be no difference. Once you wear a wetsuit padding adds very little comfort and only increases the amount of weight you need. I had something similar years ago and did not like it. I sold it to a caver who wanted to use it for side mount. Your instincts are good, I wouldn't recommend it either.

 

[ripman3]

Im gonna go with a Hog BP/W.

 

[rhwestfall]

r-3

Good for you. One word of caution if you haven't used a BP/W before. If you hvae a large amount of weight you carry on a belt, it may very well face plant you on the surface. Weight distribution is important. A back inflate will also not float you on the surface the way a conventional jacket will as it doesn't have the bladder is the hips. I find rolling on my back and "ottering" is really a great way to spend time on the surface.

Enjoy, have fun. Feel free to ask questions on setting it up. Also, there are some great videos out there on fit & configuration. Even though they may be by a specific company, they can be pretty universal.

 

[Pullmyfinger]

r-3
Weight distribution is important. A back inflate will also not float you on the surface the way a conventional jacket will as it doesn't have the bladder is the hips. I find rolling on my back and "ottering" is really a great way to spend time on the surface.

Enjoy, have fun. Feel free to ask questions on setting it up. Also, there are some great videos out there on fit & configuration. Even though they may be by a specific company, they can be pretty universal.

One method for weight distribution that I use on all of mine is to install cam band weight pockets.
I happen to have 4 ea on my rigs, which is nice for quickly dialing weight in to various people trying them out.

For your own personal setup, try 2 pockets, either on the upper cam band or the lower band.
That will help you with adding weight and placing it high or low.

If you don't end up needing the additional weight, the empty pockets are there when you need them.

Cheers,
Mitch

 

[buddhasummer]

I find two on the upper or two on the lower a little too much. I use one on upper band and one on opposite side lower, for me it works nicely. YMMV.

 

[tridacna]

Send me your email. I have an article on bpw's I offer at no cost or obligation. Its too big to post or send via pm.

Dropbox or any other free cloudbased host is your friend here, Jim!

 

[tbone1004]

on the dropbox front, why not just make it an article on here and publish it?

 

[Redvoodoo11]

usually it is much more than comparable quality rigs. If you like supporting local business, Dive Rite has their wings made up in Schenectady. The big issue is cost/quality, unfortunately with scuba gear you don't always get what you pay for, and the big brands are usually the worst value at no better quality, quite often lower quality than other gear. For perfect example, in the beginning Hog got their wings from the same guys in NY as Dive Rite but the wings were almost half the price, no reason to buy Dive Rite which was the bigger name when the materials and quality was the same. They have since gone overseas with their production with Hollis, Scubapro, and others. Scubapro is owned by the massive Jarden Corporation. Halcyon, Hog, Deep Sea Supply, Dive Rite, are all owned locally and are based in the US, so it is all about where your money is going and who it is supporting.

ScubaPro is NOT owned by Jarden Corporation. The parent company is Johnson Outdoors of Racine Wisconsin!

---------- Post added July 17th, 2015 at 11:08 PM ----------

ScubaPro is not owned by Jarden Corporation. It is owned by Johnson Outdoors of Racine Wisconsin.

 

[RJP]

Dropbox or any other free cloudbased host is your friend here, Jim!

If only Jim had his own website he could put it there and then post a link.

Oh, wait...