Getting a BP/W, questions I have

[kelseysmith]

What I did was use blue weightbelt webbing for the harness on my DSS rig.

The DSS rig has a rubber covering on the webbing slots to remove the need for a keeper.

This means I can place a mark using a sharpie or some other permanent marker at both the drysuit and wetsuit adjustments. I just adjust the shoulder straps at the bottom of the wing when i make the switch. This has worked fine for me.

Kelsey

 

[PerroneFord]

Bingo! However, I'll have a seperate plate setup for the drysuit just to keep this kind of thing to a minimum. You have to reset the d-rings and all that other stuff as well which I don't like.

The alternative is to always dive dry I guess.

 

[bdshort]

That sounds like an idea if I get a hog setup. I think at this point I'd rather just get something more easily adjustable. I don't mind a bit of extra crap. I'm using a Pro QD right now which has plenty of crap on it and don't mind it, I just want something that will be even more comfortable and expandable for the future.

I noticed on COVCI's website that there is now a 40# Mach V? The discussion threads I found here on the Mach V haven't mentioned one, and oxycheq's website needs some work since I couldn't find a link to the Mach V, just a note saying the Mach V was "coming soon!"

 

[PerroneFord]

I'm not going to try to talk you out of getting a comfort harness, but I have question for you.

How often do you adjust your current BC? I adjusted my BP when I got it last November and have not touched it since. Do you foresee some need to adjust your BC often? People borrowing it, etc.?

 

[bdshort]

Normally when I put it on I either loosen the straps, or unfasten one of the quick releases, to make it easier to get into while it's resting on the back of my car, and then undo a quick release to get out of it as well. How do you get in and out of a hog harness? I'm not sure if I've seen it done (we have a bunch of tech people that dive here but I've never payed attention to what kind of harnesses they use).

Brian

 

[PerroneFord]

With doubles, I rest them on the ground and get into like putting on a jacket. Or I put them on a picnic table or something and do the same. With singles, I put my arms through the loops, and flip the tank over my head. I've done that once with doubles, but I don't recommend it.

I've never had any need to loosen the harness at all. And I'm not the most flexible guy either!

 

[TSandM]

Assuming the harness is adjusted correctly, it is not difficult to get in and out of a harness. But there is a learning curve, as this story attests.

I use the slightly thinner webbing that Halcyon sells (and I guess you can get it elsewhere) because it is very easy to slide through keepers. I only adjust my harness when I'm heading off to do tropical diving, and it takes about five minutes. The rest of the time, it just stays put.

 

[dridril]

I just got a bp/w from DSS and the plate is about 5lbs and it needs no sta
i dropped 8 lbs off my belt and may drop 1 or 2 more
I was,nt completely sure about going to a bp/w but after 1 dive with it I,m sure my zeagle brigade is going to collect some serious dust in the closet now because this plate and hog harness is very comfy - not hard to rig or adjust
Do yourself a favor and check out
http://www.deepseasupply.com/page21.html

 

[RonFrank]

Ron,
I also wonder if your system might have been a bit "tight" because it shouldn't be all THAT hard to get out of. But the exhaust dump is always tricky from what I can tell!

I was using my buddy's single rig. We went to adjust it, and I tried it on in a T-shirt, and he said, unbelievable, it's about right. It *may* have been a bit tight, but it certainly was no problem diving. I just needed help getting in and out!

I actually loosen the shoulder straps on my Stilleto every time I climb into the thing. Maybe I just need to work on getting out without adjusting it. One problem I have is that my computer always catches on the straps. I could solve that by putting on my computer after the BC.

 

[kidspot]

Hey Ron, I have the same trouble with gauges, etc. when donning my rig - That is one reason I moved the exhaust valve on my DS to the cuff, and off the shoulder - at least then I could get it through the straps. I put my gauges on after getting into my rig now. The exception is if you are putting it on by lifting the rig over your head - then I just put my arms through the straps up the the elbows and use them to lift.

For getting out of my harness, if I'm having difficulty I will slide it up over my head again and off - if you're a larger size person it's not a big issue (don't throw it, just lift and slide) unless you're diving doubles ... even AL80's are difficult to don over the head ...

Aloha, Tim