Getting started with BP/W

[mje113]

I've been curious about making the move to BPW for a while and just scored a pretty nice but used DSS setup. It had straps and all the normal hardware but is missing the crotch strap. I think I'm just going to replace all the webbing.

I'm about to get a DGX order together for a replacement harness, but curious what other accessories I should consider as a new BPW diver. I know I need to figure out weights... I was considering some pockets on my belt, then maybe a couple small trim pockets to go elsewhere on the harness. But I'm really not sure what's best, or even how much weight I should anticipate needing (the plate is SS).

Anything else I should consider getting?

 

[lexvil]

Does it fit? If so why would you replace the webbing?

if you rig it as most people do having pockets can be a challenge, probably use it, if it fits, before ordering stuff, look for actual shortcomings and look for hardware to address those.

piranha is a good site to look for these add ons.

 

[mje113]

Good question, I can make it fit... one of the d-rings is backward and figured I'll need to redo all the webbing, may as well get new while I'm at it.

 

[Nemrod]

I use these on the waist strap for weight integration. They lock way back up against the plate. I am otherwise Hogartian rigged.


I use these on the cambands for trim weights:

Deluxe Small Weight Pocket "Removable Type" Holds knifes, weights or misc!

Our newest weight pocket is made from 2520 Ballistic denier fabric with a very durable construction Attaches by sliding through the 2" inch webbing loop on the backside! The pocket can hold small items like knifes or Jon lines or up to 4lb hard weight or 4lb+ soft weight Dimensions: 4" x 4" x...

www.piranhadivemfg.com

Basic rigging:

How to Assemble a Backplate and Continuous Weave Harness - International Training - SDI | TDI | ERDI | PFI

The assembly of a backplate and a continuous weave harness is a skill that many experienced divers have perfected throughout years of diving, helping them to understand the details and layout of the dive gear they are depending on.

www.tdisdi.com

Piranha is a great source for gear, fast and well priced. You want to get stiff or medium stiff webbing, none of the soft stuff or seatbelt webbing. Too hard to get in and out of.

 

[lexvil]

Good question, I can make it fit... one of the d-rings is backward and figured I'll need to redo all the webbing, may as well get new while I'm at it.

I don’t understand what you mean by “backward” webbing is the simplest part and everything else just attaches to it, you can freely take things off and put them where you want them. Watch the video nemrod linked to, it all looks complicated until you start in.

as for webbing stiffness, I usually go for medium (regular) stiffness, stiff has some pluses as does soft but each is situational, I just finished using some really soft stuff where a rash guard was the only exposure protection, great for packing for travel and no hassle in use but y normal diving is in a drysuit, soft webbing is way to much trouble in that situation, stiff is great for getting into and out of, the regular is a good compromise.

 

[mje113]

I don’t understand what you mean by “backward”

Oh, it's a bent d-ring, one side is correct, then other side the bend is going against the webbing.

 

[rongoodman]

I like the Halcyon webbing for having the right amount of stiffness.

 

[lexvil]

Oh, it's a bent d-ring, one side is correct, then other side the bend is going against the webbing.

Just unthread enough to flip the ring and put it together again.