Which DIR harness with or without the cheststrap?

[oatmeal769]

Sparky - Thanks for mentioning us!

My cohorts and I have the luxury of trying out every configuration I (or anyone else) can think of. We finally came to the conclusion that there is no 'one' setup regarding strap configuration that will please everyone. That's why we make only custom sized harnesses.

We studied many different ways to mount loads to a torso in our designing process. In My VERY humble opinion, the chest strap with rings works best for most people. The load is squared across the shoulders and chest, allowing the whole upper torso to bear the weight. It also fits under the arms much better for most folks, creating less chafe.

One of the things that makes a harness fit so well over a vest style BCD, is that the thoracic strap runs along the base of the ribcage, and secures behind the diver on the plate, as opposed to in front of the diver on the belt. This is why the 'continuous webbing' style works so well for many people.
We make a 4-point harness ring to mount the sternum strap and shoulder/ thoracic strap, which addresses both of these concerns nicely.
This is not to say that this is the best way, we just like it. We will also gladly make continuous webbing styles for anyone who wants them.

As far as durability, it isn't the stiffness so much as it is the material. Nylon far outlasts polypropylene, so be sure to get Nylon. They look and feel nearly identical, so be choosy. A good indicator is that Nylon costs three times as much.

I've been experimenting with 'soft' nylon over 'hard' and really like the soft for comfort, although it's harder to don, and doesn't hold its shape or support as well.
oatmeal769
www.jetharness.com

 

[ElectricZombie]

SparkySFD once bubbled...
Couldnt think of a good title. I know you are supposed to use a continuous piece of webbing. This would eliminate a chest strap.

Now I have never had either harness on. But from the BCD I have now I just cant imagine that a Halcyon harness could fit better than a Jet harness or a Zeagle deluxe harness.

It just seems like the halcyon would cut into your armpit area. I like the fact that it cleans up your chest more but the comfort just doesnt look the same.

I would also think the way you build in the chest strap with the webbing attaching to a ring would make the harness fit the body better. Making the whole rig more stable. My current BCD a Seaquest Balance fits with the same principle. I really like how stable it is.

The reason many Bc's come with chest straps is to make up for the poor fit. If you need a chest strap, the BC does not fit.

A properly adjusted BP is a custom fit for the individual wearing it, there is no better fitting BC available. There is no need for a chest strap...a chest strap would actually just get in the way.

The Halcyon setup is more comfortable than any other BC that I have used. It looks like it would be uncomfortable, but it is extremely comfortable.

 

[pitah]

I love my Halcyon BP/Wing and I think its a better configuration.

No other system has been as confortable as this is for me and i felt strange with the crotch strap the 5 first minutes of my first dive with the equipment, then i completally forget it.