LeadTurn_SD
Contributor
Interesting answers so far. I have never had my crotch strap that tight. I keep mine just tight enough that there is no gap at the bottom. I've never needed it on single tank dives, and only barely need it with doubles at the surface. Mine basically does nothing underwater. Maybe my gut is keeping the waist-strap in place?
I think a lot of it has to do with "body shape".
In my case running the crotch strap a little "short" (or tight) accomplishes two things:
1.) It pulls the waist strap down to belly button level. I'm a tad under 6' 5", and use a "standard length" backplate, so the waist strap will ride too high unless I do this.
2.) Like TSandM mentioned, by keeping the crotch strap slightly shorter/tighter, I can run my shoulder straps looser. The waist strap and crotch strap "lock in" the backplate, so I can run the shoulder straps a bit looser (I have broad shoulders, so there is no danger of the shoulder straps slipping off).
But the crotch strap never feels tight or uncomfortable, there is just no slack... it is as if it was part of the wetsuit.
It is all about what works for each diver. What is comfortable to me might be all wrong for someone else.
Best wishes.