DIY Harnesses

GramsciBeat · Jun 15, 2012

I am starting to dive BPW and, among other things, I want to go the Hogarthian continuous webbing route. I was somewhat bemused to discover that harnesses in South Africa retail in the US$200 range.
If I was to buy high-quality scuba webbing, good solid d-rings with retainers and the appropriate buckle it would cost me about US$80. Is there some kind of catch that I am missing to simply assemble it myself and thread it to a BP? Is there anything I should be concerned about or issues that would make the DIY approach sub-optimal?

Jim Lapenta · Jun 15, 2012

Nope, none whatsoever. As long as you buy the right amount the first time and trim it conservatively. No reason to spend $200 on a hogarthian harness. Heck I could send you a harness set up from the US for $80.00 plus shipping and I bet it would not be much over $100 total. Would have to.check the shipping rates with an address to be sure of an exact price.

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DevonDiver · Jun 15, 2012

I prefer to make my own... much cheaper and you can actually do a nicer job than many 'off-the-shelf' hog harness.

I get some soft webbing (choice of colors... my last was yellow).. which is nicer for me, because I dive often in a rash guard. Also, I opt for low-profile d-rings at the shoulders and waist - just a personal preference, but a little more slick (if you don't wear heavy gloves).

Harness webbing... a couple $'s a meter.
Metalwork... $20-40 max.

Paying/charging $200 for a hog harness is absurd....

DeeperOut · Jun 15, 2012

I got up my first backplate and harness, unassembled, in parts, it took some time "figure it out". As I was getting it together, I had time to think about what works and does not with that setup. It took a long time the first time, but It made me appreciate the simplicity and elegance of the kit a lot more.
The simplest harness works best for me after all those years.
In short, go for it. I think you will actually get a better piece of kit that way. A very true way of doing things.

rongoodman · Jun 15, 2012

The Halcyon webbing is still my favorite blend of comfort and stiffness.

GrimSleeper · Jun 17, 2012

+1 for Halcyon webbing, although all the rest of my harness is bits I've taken off previous rigs...

Andy - do you get a lot of fraying around where the top bolt goes through the webbing? Or do you have a thing for putting grommets in?

DevonDiver · Jun 17, 2012

I've never bothered to put a grommet in it. I use toothed tri-glides to secure the harness at all four corners - the ones on the shoulders take any strain/movement out of the harness and prevent it fraying/damaging the hole for the bolt. I've been using one DIY harness for over 10 years now.. it was very stiff webbing when it started - considerably softer now.... but zero fraying around the bolt.

decompression · Jun 17, 2012

GrimSleeper:
+1 for Halcyon webbing, although all the rest of my harness is bits I've taken off previous rigs...

Andy - do you get a lot of fraying around where the top bolt goes through the webbing? Or do you have a thing for putting grommets in?

I also like the Halcyon webbing, very good combo of stiffness/comfort. For grommet installation, Coleman makes a small kit including punch and brass grommets. It takes a fair amount of effort (hammering through the webbing) but far cheaper than the industrial machine at around $10.

Centrals · Jun 18, 2012

DIY of course.
Bought a measured length of weight belt as well as a shorter one for the crotch strap.
Used a red hot solder iron to puncture a hole on the belt.
Bought a brass grommet from a hard-ware store and hammered it in.
Also used retainers(4) to secure the harness on the four corners.
5-6 D-rings + retainers + metal buckle.

bergersau · Jun 18, 2012

GramsciBeat:
I am starting to dive BPW and, among other things, I want to go the Hogarthian continuous webbing route. I was somewhat bemused to discover that harnesses in South Africa retail in the US$200 range.
If I was to buy high-quality scuba webbing, good solid d-rings with retainers and the appropriate buckle it would cost me about US$80. Is there some kind of catch that I am missing to simply assemble it myself and thread it to a BP? Is there anything I should be concerned about or issues that would make the DIY approach sub-optimal?

Have at it I say
Webbing a Harness

DIY Harnesses

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decompression

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