BP/W choice

[40Fathoms]

Thanks for all the advice guys. One question about the simple setup (i.e. non-padded): Isn't it uncomfortable when diving in thin protection suits? I've often dived in just a rash guard or a 3 mm tank top style wet suit top. I'd be worried that the unpadded webbing would gnaw at my tender armpits, especially on dive trips where we do 3-4 dives a day.

 

[rongoodman]

Thanks for all the advice guys. One question about the simple setup (i.e. non-padded): Isn't it uncomfortable when diving in thin protection suits? I've often dived in just a rash guard or a 3 mm tank top style wet suit top. I'd be worried that the unpadded webbing would gnaw at my tender armpits, especially on dive trips where we do 3-4 dives a day.

Not for me at least, and I'm fairly thin. I've used mine with just a swim suit and T-shirt on Bonaire, and even the walk to and from the car wasn't an issue. I will say that I find the Halcyon webbing to be a little softer than some of the others, while still holding its shape.

 

[Blue Sparkle]

Last summer I was diving in the Keys and wore my BC (single-piece, somewhat stiff webbing harness and a steel plate, both with no added padding). I was diving in just two layers of Lycra (rash guard with dive skin over it). Before that I had worn a 3mm suit with vest (the winter before) and you know, I didn't even think about the fact that I was wearing the rig essentially without any other padding (such as a wetsuit) until after the trip. It was completely comfortable.

We dove a fair amount over a two week period. Two (one-hour) dives on many days, and three or four on others. I never had any problem with the webbing or plate bothering me. Now I wish I could say the same about my 3mm wetsuit, which practically rubbed right through my neck last month.

And the thing is, I'm the picky type. I detest uncomfortable clothes, and I wear my socks inside out half the time because I hate those poinky things on the inside of the toe part.

 

[DevonDiver]

Thanks for all the advice guys. One question about the simple setup (i.e. non-padded): Isn't it uncomfortable when diving in thin protection suits? I've often dived in just a rash guard or a 3 mm tank top style wet suit top. I'd be worried that the unpadded webbing would gnaw at my tender armpits, especially on dive trips where we do 3-4 dives a day.

I spent most of 2009 doing 4 dives per day, every day, in either a 3mm or rash vest. No issues at all with using metal backplate and/or simple harness. The crotch strap didn't cause a problem over boardie shorts either.

Bear in mind, that once submerged, the harness is not bearing any weight. It is a weightless environment.

The added benefit is that the wing is directly supporting a lot of your required weight (backplate, trim weights)... so you really won't feel like you are being 'hung' from the harness.

Also, the harness is fitted very loose. Over-tight harness is a common mistake for new BP&W users. They want to cinch it tightly because that is what you haveto do with a jacket BCD (otherwise it'd flop around). On a BP&W the waist belt and crotch strap keep the kit secure... the shoulder straps are really loose. I can literally take my arms out of the shoulder straps whilst still strapped into the BP&W at the waist...it is THAT loose.

If you did experience any chafing in the armpits or shoulders, then just get (cheap) neoprene tubes to pad the harness. I doubt you'd actually find that you needed these... but they'd still be a whole lot cheaper than a 'deluxe' harness system.

Most of the 'deluxe' harnesses sold by BP&W manufacturers are to novice BP&W divers who feel (without trial) that they must 'need' the fancy harness. It's nothing more than a 'comfort blanket' from their previous experience diving with a poodle jacket. Very, very, very few divers would actually need a more complicated harness...and when they do, it is normally to serve a specialised need.

I'd hazard a guess that 80%+ of comfort/deluxe harnesses end up at the bottom of a wardrobe...or being sold on Ebay...

 

[DaMaDo]

I've used the halcyon webbing with nothing but board shorts on. You might notice it a little on land since all the weight is on the straps, but in the water the waist belt seems to do most of the work.

If you REALLY want soft padding, these are great and easy to install no matter where your D-rings are. No mods needed. They are the shoulder part only of the deluxe harness pads.

I got them because I was worried also, but I don't really need them. They ARE more comfy, but not really necessary. I'll use them when I'm back to a skin again next summer.

 

[String]

If you're desperate for padding just cut up an old wetsuit and glue it around. Cant see why though - ive dived OPH and t-shirt for ages with no ill effects.

 

[DevonDiver]

If you REALLY want soft padding, these are great and easy to install no matter where your D-rings are. No mods needed.

Thanks for sharing the link. I won't comment about the product.... but the retailer's description made me laugh. It's exactly the sort of BS that confuses newbie BP&W divers into making unnecessary purchases.....

Replacement Shoulder Strap Pad (Pair)

Do you dive with a very light exposure suit? Do you dive everyday? If these are questions you answered "yes" to, than you need shoulder pads.

 

[John_B]

I personally dive in at least a 1mm but you can just as easily dive a simple harness with a t-shirt, rash guard, etc.

It can sometimes be counter-intuitive, but what looks like it would be comfortable on dry land may just get in the way underwater; harness pads are a prime example of this.

 

[LowVizWiz]

Thanks for all the advice guys. One question about the simple setup (i.e. non-padded): Isn't it uncomfortable when diving in thin protection suits? I've often dived in just a rash guard or a 3 mm tank top style wet suit top. I'd be worried that the unpadded webbing would gnaw at my tender armpits, especially on dive trips where we do 3-4 dives a day.

Around here there are some beach dives which require that we walk a fair distance to the water and I carry large steel tanks (130s) wearing thin wetsuits or just t-shirts with no problem just having a simple harness.

Thanks for sharing the link. I won't comment about the product.... but the retailer's description made me laugh. It's exactly the sort of BS that confuses newbie BP&W divers into making unnecessary purchases.....

At $65 a pop the only thing I NEED is to look elswhere

 

[40Fathoms]

At $65 a pop the only thing I NEED is to look elswhere:

I see your point. Again, thanks a lot everyone, I'll definitely start shopping around for a good BP/W setup, and I'll look for a simple setup.