Mailing List Archive Mailing List Archive
To extend on what Mike wrote, I would like to say that no matter which harness you buy, you are not forced to keep it as purchased. In fact, most will require modifications. I dove with both the standard Dive-Rite backplate (harness quite modified) and the Transpac. I must admit that I am comfortable with both. Now, I have a brand new SS backplate which was made for me. Here are some modifications that you may want to do: 1. remove all the harness and replace it by a single piece of webbing. You may elect not to do that because you want the brass rings, but many people say that the sewing on the webbing constitute a weak point. The other concern is that with those sewed webbings, it is not possible to apply modification number 2. 2. make sure the webbing does not cross in the back (behind the neck) like on the DR harness (this is what makes exit difficult without a quick-release). Let me admit that I fixed my DR with a quick-release until I understood what others were telling. 3. don't put a chest strap until you are of a very bizzare shape and you really need it. 4. I never found the use for split rings so I removed them the day I got my first harness. I suggest you do the same. 5. If you scooter, change the crotch strap for one with a larger webbing and put the scooter ring (d-ring) on the webbing below the loop that goes around the waist belt (no quick release there either). The ring placement has two purposes. The first one is to remind you that you are a male (it pulls on the ...). The second one is to make sure that your scooter pulls only on the crotch strap, not on your waist belt. 6. If you don't scooter, at the very least, remove the scooter ring (you don't need it). Other considerations in your choice is the tank configurations you want to dive. The Transpac will not only support backmount doubles and single, but sidemount configuration as well. This is why there are so many d-rings on it. The backplate is excellent for backmounted doubles, but is weak with any other configurations (single tank is positionned too far from the back due to the single mounting plate placement and the shape of the backplate itself). If you dive single with a backplate, you must use a Junior wing. You can use that junior wing with small doubles (72's or 80's) as well. With bigger tanks, the standard wings should be considered. Forget about the SuperWings unless you dive Beuchat 190's (which would be a very bad idea). Personally, I prefer ABS plate over aluminium. However, I prefer SS over anything else (that's why I have a new plate--this ia also explained by an irresistible offer from one of my friends who made it). The SS plate just allowed me to remove the 6 pounds of weight I needed when diving with my thick thinsulate underwear. Good luck! Michel At 12:30 PM 3/1/97 -0500, you wrote: >Rob > >The harness made from a single peice of webbing is very clean and simple. > The d-rings are in the right place and the right number as you put them >there. Furthermore, it is single pice of webbing as opposed to the plastic >quick release buckles found on the Trans Pac and so many other "Delux >Harnesses". The plastic quick release is a piece of shit, it is a failrue >point and breaks a hell of a lot easier than a single piece of 2 inch >webbing. Many people may suggest that it is easier for them to get out of >their harness with quick release buckles. My view is that you don't try to >cover up your inadequacies by using garbage. This is the same kind of >attitude that revolves around using the remote valve shut off cable, and is >the same kind of attitude that will get you killed. If you have problems >performing a skill, then get your ass in the water someplace and practice it >over and over until it becomes second nature. You don't have to pop your >shoulder out like Mel Gibson in Leathal Weapon or be Gumby to get in and out >if the harness, it is fairly easy and you will find the quick release buckles >to be unneccessary. If they are unneccessary......they get them off your >rig. > >The DR harnesses have plastic quick release buckles, d-rings all over the >place, and what looks like a split ring from the picture (dangerous shit). I >am not too familiar with the OMS harness, but from memory, it too was quite >convoluted. > >I am surprised that Tom Mount has not jumped in here to tell you that the >reason he uses a Trans pac is beacause it does not hurt his back like the >plates do. I have never had this probelm like Tom does, infact I find my >plate very comfortable. A deep V plate may tend to cut into your back more >due to the angle of the plate. This is why I prefer the DR AL plate or AUL >AL plate as they are flatter and seem to fit your back more. > > >Prices: >(all prices are DERIVED from [not exact] the 95 price list dealer level 1 >which is the worst, but will give you a general idea as the price differences >between items will be very comparable even though the prices have gone up >some. Some dealers can actually sell stuff close to dealer 1 pricing because >they buy in such high quantity. > >HARNESS: >The DR harnesses range from around $30 - $40 > >2 in webbing is around $.50 / ft (15', $7.50) [15' should be more than >enough for the harness and crotch strap] >SS 2 in d-rings are around $1.10 (5, $5.50) >SS sliders are around $.50 (5, $2.50) >Weight belt buckle around $3.00 > >Two 1/4 in bolts (1/2 " long) nuts and washers for the crotch strap will cost >less than $2.00 > >So, your harness is around $20 (according to level 1 dealer pricing) > >WINGS/PLATE: >Transpac w/ standard sport wings.......around $300. > >Original wings ......around $165 >Al plate..........around $50 >plus $20 for the harness.....total $235 > >So the plate and wings are around $50 - $75 cheaper than the Transpac by >dealer 1 pricing. Cheaper, stronger, less failure points, more stream lined, >no extra garbage that you have to cut off........Hmmmmm. > >take care, > >Mike >-- >Send mail for the `techdiver' mailing list to `techdiver@aquanaut.com'. >Send list subscription requests to `techdiver-request@aquanaut.com'. > > -- Send mail for the `techdiver' mailing list to `techdiver@aquanaut.com'. Send list subscription requests to `techdiver-request@aquanaut.com'.
Navigate by Author:
[Previous]
[Next]
[Author Search Index]
Navigate by Subject:
[Previous]
[Next]
[Subject Search Index]
[Send Reply] [Send Message with New Topic]
[Search Selection] [Mailing List Home] [Home]