Backplate / harness size

[Avalize]

Hey Tony,

I'm a big ass diver (6'5", ~300lbs) who is currently diving with a Halcyon bp/w setup. The issue I'm having is that the harness restricts my arm / shoulder movement a bit. I've had some divers suggest it might be because the backplate is too small for me, and the harness pulls too much.

It makes sense to me, but do you think this is an issue that would be solved with one of your longer versions of backplates? Or is there other things I should be looking for?

 

[rhwestfall]

Tobin will likely ask many proper questions, and have good suggestions. Are you wearing the harness loose enough? The straps should be loose enough to get a fist under them. You do appear to be in the range for the long pattern, and I will say, it made a big difference in fit for me (6'-7", 230#). For me, it was more about waist strap location though. If you are more barrel/big chested, a harness with a "pivot ring" like the DGX "delux" (not the one with QR buckles) may also help you as it tends to follow the shape of the body. It will require a chest strap as the pivot makes it easier to slide.

 

[tbone1004]

The long pattern plate was a true game changer for me. I'm just shy of 6'4" but I have a much longer torso than I should at my height, and difference in plate length is what allows me to dive a one piece harness comfortably vs. requiring something like the Dive Rite Deluxe harness or Transplate.

The good thing is that the DSS backplate will be fully compatible with your STA and wing, though you may also want to look at the price options of selling the Halcyon rig and buying a complete DSS rig. May actually be able to come out ahead of the game if you go that route

 

[Avalize]

Tobin will likely ask many proper questions, and have good suggestions. Are you wearing the harness loose enough? The straps should be loose enough to get a fist under them. You do appear to be in the range for the long pattern, and I will say, it made a big difference in fit for me (6'-7", 230#). For me, it was more about waist strap location though. If you are more barrel/big chested, a harness with a "pivot ring" like the DGX "delux" (not the one with QR buckles) may also help you as it tends to follow the shape of the body. It will require a chest strap as the pivot makes it easier to slide.

I do suspect the harness is too tight, but the tanks become very loose if I slack them more. I think I'll give the longer pattern a shot, if it doesn't help it's not that too much financial damage anyway.

The pivot ring harness absolutely looks like it could help a lot of the discomfort I'm having. I assume this should also be compatible with the Halcyon cinch system, which would be great. I love the easy adjustments.

The long pattern plate was a true game changer for me. I'm just shy of 6'4" but I have a much longer torso than I should at my height, and difference in plate length is what allows me to dive a one piece harness comfortably vs. requiring something like the Dive Rite Deluxe harness or Transplate.

The good thing is that the DSS backplate will be fully compatible with your STA and wing, though you may also want to look at the price options of selling the Halcyon rig and buying a complete DSS rig. May actually be able to come out ahead of the game if you go that route

Sounds familiar. I'm only a 32 inch inseam, so definitely over-proportional torso height-wise. I think I'll just spring for the new plate and see how much that helps.

 

[tbone1004]

so you're worse off than I am since I have the same inseam. You won't be disappointed with the new plate, that's for sure