OMS SS or alum backplate?

[slackercruster]

Sorry mate not sure but now you are changing you original question, for me I dive what I am comfortable with dont really care if Hogarthian approves my chosen brand of equipment or not although my set up does resemble the Hogarthian setup more due to my own tastes though.

Kind of refining thoughts as we discuss things. I didn't know much about it as I'm just getting into it from recreation jacket BC's. So learning as I go.

 

[David_57]

Kind of refining thoughts as we discuss things. I didn't know much about it as I'm just getting into it from recreation jacket BC's. So learning as I go.

I understand but wondering why the question about "Hogarthian" and if they would approve of OMS or any other brand other than Halcyon? thought you primary goal was to learn about backplates and wings.

 

[Reg Braithwaite]

Sorry mate not sure but now you are changing you original question, for me I dive what I am comfortable with dont really care if Hogarthian approves my chosen brand of equipment or not although my set up does resemble the Hogarthian setup more due to my own tastes though.

Now I'm confused. My understanding:

• Hogarthian: a minimalist scuba gear configuration named after diver William Hogarth Main. Main features are back plate, webbing harness, wing, primary reg on long hose. There are many variations of configuration taht could be considered "Hogarthian," for example some people use adjustable shoulder straps, some do not.
• Halcyon: A manufacturer of equipment that conforms to one particular style of Hogarthian configuration.
• DIR: A philosophy of diving that includes an emphasis on a single, standardized Hogarthian configuration (How standardized? In DIR there are exactly three D rings on the harness, and two on the crotch strap, no more, no less).

So there are no "Hogarthian Police" approving of your brand, although there are some divers who have their own specific views of which Hogarthian setups suit their taste.

 

[Colliam7]

Should I get a OMS comfort harness with alum or SS backplate? My goal is to use the least weight in the pockets and was wondering if the SS would be better for this? I dive in fresh water most of the time. The only drawback for me is the SS cost as I am on a budget. ... Most of my dives are at the springs in FL. Lots of hiking with gear sometimes. But I just have to haul a one tank setup and I seldom dive below 80 feet. May be able to get by with a backpad and regular web straps.

As others have said, it possibly depends on the tank you use. It may also depend on the exposure suit you use in the springs, and on your individual natural bouyancy. I dive a SS OMS, single tank or double tank, AL or steel tank, fresh or salt water, wetsuit or drysuit, with the one exception of double steel tanks (120s) in a 3 mm wetsuit. Then I use an OMS AL BP, with its own webbing. So, my bias is toward a SS, if you have only one plate. I don't find the extra weight to make a difference in travel, and I do find the added weight to allow me to keep weight off my waist. If budget is an issue, I would stay away from a Comfort Harness, and set up my own rig with webbing, some D-rings and a buckle. If desired, spend the money saved, on the harness purchase, on a second plate. If padding for a hike in is needed, rig a pad for the hike, not for the dive, because you probably won't need it. I do have a OMS Deluxe harness (not padded) on the SS BP, but only because it came with the BP used. I would not buy one (Deluxe harness) new. When I bought the AL BP, I had a quick release sewn into the left side of the harness at a shoe repair shop, for ease of getting out of the rig.

 

[David_57]

Now I'm confused. My understanding:

• Hogarthian: a minimalist scuba gear configuration named after diver William Hogarth Main. Main features are back plate, webbing harness, wing, primary reg on long hose. There are many variations of configuration taht could be considered "Hogarthian," for example some people use adjustable shoulder straps, some do not.
• Halcyon: A manufacturer of equipment that conforms to one particular style of Hogarthian configuration.
• DIR: A philosophy of diving that includes an emphasis on a single, standardized Hogarthian configuration (How standardized? In DIR there are exactly three D rings on the harness, and two on the crotch strap, no more, no less).

So there are no "Hogarthian Police" approving of your brand, although there are some divers who have their own specific views of which Hogarthian setups suit their taste.

Is that intended for me or the OP? If for me I have never said Hogarthian dictates brands as I did not know and do not care, the op asked this question.

 

[RAWalker]

Thanks for ALL the feedback!

I'm kind of bony and like some padding. But I never tried a plain web setup in my 5 mm wetsuit, just tried plain webbing in a T shirt and did not like it.

Do you think I can get by with the plain webbing and a back pad with my wetsuit?

I'm not exactly bone but if laying on a hard surface feel the pressure on my bones. Even in warm water I wear at least a shorty for padding from the plate and harness straps. I like the shoulder pads on my deluxe harness but haven't found a need for the backpad. The other reason I use a deluxe harness is the shoulder release. In rough water making your way back onto a boat can be difficult I find having at least 1 shoulder release makes it easier to remove your BCD without needing to slip under it and get hit it the head with it. You can slip out to the side while maintaining one hand on the boat and the other grasping the BCD. This helps control the situation while you hand up the BCD. Then you are free to control yourself with 2 hands on the boat. Of course if you don't boat dive or only boat dive on days without any chop you won't need the release. Also in warm choppy water having the shorty on gives some extra buoyancy once you remove the BCD.

 

[Doc Harry]

How much customer service issues do you foresee with a backplate? It's just a chunk of metal

I do not expect any customer services issues with a back plate.

Regardless, I encourage people to not patronize a company that is as bad as OMS. Myself, and many others, have purchased OMS gear and have been ignored by OMS when there were serious manufacturing defects with their gear.

OMS is fine until you have a problem with their gear, then OMS gets down right hostile with their customers. Why spend money to support a company like that?

 

[David_57]

I do not expect any customer services issues with a back plate.

Regardless, I encourage people to not patronize a company that is as bad as OMS. Myself, and many others, have purchased OMS gear and have been ignored by OMS when there were serious manufacturing defects with their gear.

OMS is fine until you have a problem with their gear, then OMS gets down right hostile with their customers. Why spend money to support a company like that?

My experience has been the opposite I have nothing but good things to say about OMS products and service, as do all of my dive buddies.

 

[slackercruster]

I understand but wondering why the question about "Hogarthian" and if they would approve of OMS or any other brand other than Halcyon? thought you primary goal was to learn about backplates and wings.

The OMS / Halcyon issue came up since I still have to buy a setup and don't know which is better. I like both CO's stuff. Was wondering if anyone had comments as to advantages of either.

The red OMS wing comment was sort of a joke.

Guess it is a lesson from our Buddhist friends to not partake in 'idle speech'. Sorry if I confused you,

 

[slackercruster]

I do not expect any customer services issues with a back plate.

Regardless, I encourage people to not patronize a company that is as bad as OMS. Myself, and many others, have purchased OMS gear and have been ignored by OMS when there were serious manufacturing defects with their gear.

OMS is fine until you have a problem with their gear, then OMS gets down right hostile with their customers. Why spend money to support a company like that?

That echoes what my dive store said. (more or less)