This is a thread in progress:
The evolution began about a month ago after reading several threads on the Freedom Contour backplate. The description of the fit, especially for the vertically challenged female, got my attention and let's face it, if a backplate can beautiful, it's this one. So I ordered one from Eric Sedletzky. It was a tough decision. I have dove with my Oceanic Islander since OW class and I love it but I was ready for a change.
When the plate arrived, I was thrilled. It is a work of art and after rigging some quick webbing, I knew it was going to fit like a glove.
Since then I've been busy ordering more webbing and other accessories. I have an industrial sewing machine and am pretty good at DIY so given the recent threads debating the traditional Hogarthian vs "comfort harness" I decided to make both.
Here is the first try at the comfort harness without the hardware. It really wasn't too hard at all. The webbing and slide release connectors are from Dive Gear Express, the Oxycheq shoulder pads and wing is from ScubaToys and the cam buckles and tension pads are from Piranha. I made the bands as well. I used 2 inch Velcro and nylon 69 thread from eBay. Because weight is a concern, I have used as much plastic vs SS as possible.
Unfortunately, I won't get to dive the setup until March. Plan to try both harnesses then. Preliminary in home results lean toward the comfort harness.
The photos are taked with the BPW on a HP 80 for size comparison.
The evolution began about a month ago after reading several threads on the Freedom Contour backplate. The description of the fit, especially for the vertically challenged female, got my attention and let's face it, if a backplate can beautiful, it's this one. So I ordered one from Eric Sedletzky. It was a tough decision. I have dove with my Oceanic Islander since OW class and I love it but I was ready for a change.
When the plate arrived, I was thrilled. It is a work of art and after rigging some quick webbing, I knew it was going to fit like a glove.
Since then I've been busy ordering more webbing and other accessories. I have an industrial sewing machine and am pretty good at DIY so given the recent threads debating the traditional Hogarthian vs "comfort harness" I decided to make both.
Here is the first try at the comfort harness without the hardware. It really wasn't too hard at all. The webbing and slide release connectors are from Dive Gear Express, the Oxycheq shoulder pads and wing is from ScubaToys and the cam buckles and tension pads are from Piranha. I made the bands as well. I used 2 inch Velcro and nylon 69 thread from eBay. Because weight is a concern, I have used as much plastic vs SS as possible.
Unfortunately, I won't get to dive the setup until March. Plan to try both harnesses then. Preliminary in home results lean toward the comfort harness.
The photos are taked with the BPW on a HP 80 for size comparison.