BP/W with harness

[realdiver7]

The $725 quote is way too high in my opinion. I would definitely check out Oxycheq products, to include the Deluxe Adjustable Harness with quick releases if you can't be convinced to go with the Hog harness from the start.

Oxycheq products are tops in my opinion!

 

[bigred177]

i got my setup through scubatoys and was able to upgrade to the oxycheq wing and the deluxe harness for under $400. and they do free shipping for orders over $50. they also sell weight pockets you can attach to the harness.

 

[John_B]

$725 for a full setup is a very high price for a BP/W singles rig.

No kidding, that's blue H territory.

 

[Miyagi]

My recommendation is also the DeepSeaSupply gear. There's a pro-fit adjustable harness, which is very comfortable and has releases. Like everyone else has mentioned, you can attach weight pockets separately.
Depending on how much weight you used to carry, you may not need them.

 

[Melicertes]

Yep, just go the HOG rig way and get it done with. I'm also very satisfied with my rig from DSS. Tobin is a really good contact.

 

[bryanmc57]

I've heard only good stuff about DSS, but unless I'm confused, they do not make harnesses that have ditchable weights or detachable shoulder straps?

Check the website. The pro-fit harness would be what you're after. As far as ditchable weights, we call that a weight belt. Tobin can put together a plate package for you that will allow you to carry your ditchable weight on a belt. As I said earlier, call him and discuss it. If he doesn't have the best thing for your diving style, he'll be the first to tell you.

 

[vondo]

I had some of the same reservations you have. Here's what I did. I bought a Golem Gear single combo. The price couldn't be beat, but now with Scubatoys offering combos too, I would have considered one of them too.

For a harness, I bought the basic harness which is plenty long. I also bought and took along on my trip the right sized quick release buckle which you can pick up at REI or any outdoor shop. If you need to, the harness is plenty long to cut and insert a buckle (or even two) at the shoulder, but I'd suggest trying it without first.

For weight pockets, I bought four or six (can't remember) of the XS scuba pockets. Total cost is about $40-60 and gives lots of flexibility. I use two of the pockets on the lower camband and two on the upper, so all the weight is along my back. I can reach the bottom ones no problem and ditch the weight if I need to. I thought I might like to attach pockets to the waist strap up against the plate but didn't need too.

I also never put the buckle on. It turns out that because the shoulder straps go under your armpits and away from your chest instead of straight down like a jacket, they are easier to get into. But YMMV.

So, I'm mostly sold on switching to BP/W, but at least for now, I'm pretty sure I want a harness with shoulder detachment points and ditchable weights. (If I decide to go all-out DIR I can always get a cheap webbing and replace.. right?). It's really between a regular back-inflate BCD (Zeagle Ranger) or this.

But I'm having trouble figuring out which ones I should look at. Almost all the postings I've found with people querying about theses setups end up with 'just get a hog harness'... And that's not what I'm asking.

I was at an LDS today and they quoted me $752 for a deep outdoors freedom
with ditchable weights, 30lb bladder, and an STA. I think it sounds a high, but it's been so hard to compare. Additionally, I haven't managed to find ANY reviews/opinions about this system.

I'm also aware of the trans-plate from DiveRite -- again, no clue how good. And it looks like OMS makes a 'comfort harness' which I think is the same thing?. It looks like DSS and Halcyon and Oxycheq -- the oft-recommended manufacturers here, don't even think it's worth making what I want.

Any helpful opinions / suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[cgvmer]

I purchased a golem gear setup for less than $400 which I am very happy with, take a look at DIR - Tech Scuba Equipment the price starts up from $295 (remember to ask for a 10% discount) so you could actually start around $266.

 

[RJP]

No kidding, that's blue H territory.

That's actually Higher than Blue H territory!

 

[Jeff Toorish]

By 'ditchable weights,' I assume you mean some sort of integrated weight system with pull out (probably soft) weights?

A couple of points --weight belts are ditchable, and easier to trim because they are not connected to the backplate harness. That also makes the harness easier to get into (I find putting the weights into the pockets after I don the harness very difficult).

I also had a harness with access points --after a few months, I couldn't wait to get a continuous harness (hog rig) and I've never looked back. One of the great benefits of a bp/w is the simplicity --unless of course you start making it too complicated.

These are just my observations based on my experience, of course.

Jeff