BP questions

[ID diver]

I have been reading all the posts I can about backplates and back inflate BCDs (specifically the Transpac II). I have also talked with people locally about their gear configurations and I have a couple questions:

1. I was told that if you dive a backplate on a regular basis the metal will cause more abrasion on a drysuit than a softpac such as the Transpac. Do you find this true in your experiences? Is this really an issue?

2. The other comment that has been made is that the webbing only harness used on a backplate can cause blood circulation restrictions under the straps which could lead to localized DCS where as a padded shoulder strap spreads out the load more reducing the chance of DCS. Thoughts?

3. I have seen padded covers for a webbing harness does anyone have any input on the covers? Are they worth the money? Who sells the pads?


Thank you for any and all input.

[rjchandler]

I have been reading all the posts I can about backplates and back inflate BCDs (specifically the Transpac II). I have also talked with people locally about their gear configurations and I have a couple questions:

1. I was told that if you dive a backplate on a regular basis the metal will cause more abrasion on a drysuit than a softpac such as the Transpac. Do you find this true in your experiences? Is this really an issue?

2. The other comment that has been made is that the webbing only harness used on a backplate can cause blood circulation restrictions under the straps which could lead to localized DCS where as a padded shoulder strap spreads out the load more reducing the chance of DCS. Thoughts?

3. I have seen padded covers for a webbing harness does anyone have any input on the covers? Are they worth the money? Who sells the pads?


Thank you for any and all input.

1.not an issue.
2. nonsense
3. OMS and ABYSS sell pads. Dive rite used to make a tube out of neoprene. The cushion is nice on shore if you are wearing a t-shirt. Your exposure protection provides a cushion of sorts. Don't think they make much difference in the water.

[polkster13]

It sounds like your LDS is trying to sell you something they carry and are feeding you a line of bull!

As far as the abrasion issue, kneeling on the bottom, dragging your knees, et cetera will cause far more abrasion (because of poor buoyancy skills) than any back plate will. If you have sharp edges on your back plate, they can be filed down.

Number two is just plain bunk! I am a member of DAN and I have never seen any reports anywhere supporting this bunk! Please have them share their scientific source on this and I will certainly rethink my stand. Again, it sounds like they are trying to provide a solution to a non-existing problem!

I used to dive a soft pack and went to a BP/wing and have dived it with just a lycra skin and was very comfortable in the water with the straps. No abrasions or constrictions.

As far as this is the DIR forum, none of the above listed items are DIR approved except for the continuous one-piece 2" harness and metal back plate mounted to the appropriate sized wing. And add-ons or changes to this core system are strictly a non-DIR configuration.

However, if you feel it is the right way for you to dive, then you are free to do so. But if you decide to switch to a DIR configuration in the future or decide to take the DIR Fundamentals class, then you may end up having to make many (and costly) changes to your configuration to have a DIR configuration.

There is some great information and videos on the DIR philosophy (and there are many others) at the following web site:

http://www.deepsouthdivers.org/homeDIR3.html

[MechDiver]

2. The other comment that has been made is that the webbing only harness used on a backplate can cause blood circulation restrictions under the straps which could lead to localized DCS where as a padded shoulder strap spreads out the load more reducing the chance of DCS. Thoughts?


This might be true if you got DCS from walking around on the surface, as that's the only time the straps should be bearing on your shoulders. Underwater the shoulder straps are somewhat loose if adjusted correctly and the rig is held by the waist and crotch straps.

Debunk one theory and somebody comes up with another one :rolleyes:

[VTernovski]

1) BS
2) even more BS
3) I used to have OMS shoulder pads.. those are made of Neoprene... they make sense if you are diving in a T-shirt... if you are diving drysuit or Neoprene suit of any kind, they make no sense and only making it harder to get in your harness as it seems to always catch and roll the shoulder strap. Also, neoprene compresses at depth, so although not proven, but I suspect that my harness would get looser the deeper I dove... just a thought. I have since taken them off, and don't miss them at all.

[zslnk]

1) BS
2) even more BS
3) I used to have OMS shoulder pads.. those are made of Neoprene... they make sense if you are diving in a T-shirt... if you are diving drysuit or Neoprene suit of any kind, they make no sense and only making it harder to get in your harness as it seems to always catch and roll the shoulder strap. Also, neoprene compresses at depth, so although not proven, but I suspect that my harness would get looser the deeper I dove... just a thought. I have since taken them off, and don't miss them at all.

If your talking about getting a Halcyon Pioneer vs. a TransPac II I can comment because I purchased the Pioneer and my father got the TransPac. The TransPac with the Rec-Wing is very hard to dump air from, it gets trapped. He's trying to muck with the bungee's and straps to make it work better but the bottom line is that it's not the nicest thing to use. My Pioneer is clean and simple and works very well. I have to wear a belt because the TransPac has integrated pockets (optional). He finds the TransPac more comfortable on SHORE, I don't dive on shore...

Good Luck,
Craig

[LUBOLD8431]

Sounds like your LDS wants to sell you a softpac, because it has a higher markup (More profit) than a standard BP and H. I smell BS...

[scunick]

I have found my BP and Harness to be much more comfortable than my previous rear inflation BC.

Just MHO

Cheers
Nick

[Wijbrandus]

I've used my bp/w in hot water (96F) with only a rashguard for protection. It wasn't uncomfortable at all, unless I stood around on the dock with my tank on for twenty minutes.

In fact, I'd loosened it up to "make it more comfortable" at the start of the weekend, but by Sunday it was tighter than before I'd loosened it. Feels the best when it's mounted rock solid to your back.

I have no idea how tight you would have to make it, and how long you'd have to wear it on the surface, for it to contribute to any kind of circulatory problem. Though I do suspect that since I don't see anyone wearing them to work day in and day out, odds are good a week would be a bit much. :)

[ID diver]

I've used my bp/w in hot water (96F) with only a rashguard for protection. It wasn't uncomfortable at all, unless I stood around on the dock with my tank on for twenty minutes.

I am assuming you were diving in Homestead Crater. It is the only water that warm that I am aware of in the area. We live in Idaho and dive there on occassion.

When you say you used a rashguard what exactly were you wearing? Was is it a lycra suit, t-shirt, or something else. For future reference when I get a backplate I would like to know what my options are.

[Wijbrandus]

ID, it was Homestead. 104F at the bottom is sure nice.

I used one of those surf t-shirts. Mine is made by BodyGlove, I think. I'm not really sure. I only picked it up because I figured the harness would be a little abrasive on waterlogged skin on the surface. Bought it at my LDS for $35.

On careful consideration of the matter after the fact, I would probably have been just fine without anything, but I figured it would pull double duty on protection and modesty. Even with just the lycra, the backplate was very secure and did not bother me at all.

[NWGratefulDiver]

If your talking about getting a Halcyon Pioneer vs. a TransPac II I can comment because I purchased the Pioneer and my father got the TransPac. The TransPac with the Rec-Wing is very hard to dump air from, it gets trapped. He's trying to muck with the bungee's and straps to make it work better but the bottom line is that it's not the nicest thing to use.

Hmmm ... I have a TP II with Rec Wing and a backplate with an Oxycheq 45-lb wing. I don't have problems dumping air in either setup. The Oxycheq wing is better suited to diving singles because of its shape (longer, narrower footprint) ... and I definitely prefer diving a backplate to the TP II. But the bungee on the Rec Wing hasn't inhibited me from dumping air ... nor have I noticed any air trapping. And I've put probably 200 dives on that wing, so I'd have noticed.

Perhaps it's the diver ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

[Doc Intrepid]

I have been reading all the posts I can about backplates and back inflate BCDs (specifically the Transpac II). I have also talked with people locally about their gear configurations and I have a couple questions:

1. I was told that if you dive a backplate on a regular basis the metal will cause more abrasion on a drysuit than a softpac such as the Transpac. Do you find this true in your experiences? Is this really an issue?

2. The other comment that has been made is that the webbing only harness used on a backplate can cause blood circulation restrictions under the straps which could lead to localized DCS where as a padded shoulder strap spreads out the load more reducing the chance of DCS. Thoughts?

3. I have seen padded covers for a webbing harness does anyone have any input on the covers? Are they worth the money?

The other guys have already set you straight, but comments 1 and 2 are BS. Somebody is blowing smoke. 3. Not necessary.

Caveat Emptor. Let the Buyer Beware.

Good luck with your decisions.