BP/W Comfort

[caroln]

I am trying to talk my DH into getting a BP/W instead of a BCD. I started out with a BCD less then a year ago and wish I had just gone straight to the BP/W and saved myself buying yet another thing twice. I tried a BP/W in the water last night and I'm sold 100%. DH isn't so convinced. Mostly he thinks the crotch strap will be uncomfortable. He does like the idea of moving weight to a steel plate instead of carrying so much lead, so how can I convince him that the crotch strap really isn't going to bother him and that he should just listen to me and go for it? He can't use the setup I have rented because it's a short little plate and he's 6'2. Do you BP/W divers (especially guys) have any issues with the comfort in the water?

[Venio]

I'm a recent convert form a vest to BP/W setup and I will never go back!

Not to your question. No problem whatsoever! Even when I'm diving just with shorts I can't feel any discomfort from the crotch strap. The only time one will know it's there is when hanging on the surface. In that case the weight of the body will press over the strap. However, that is not uncomfortable too.

He should be able to use the rig you've rented if the harness is not cut too short, assuming it's a single piece webbing.

[subsur]

no issues. you can make a crotch strap smaller (1" instead of 2"), you can buy all the parts from diveriteexpress.com (i'm not sure if ST sells it). i have 1 inch soft strap and it does not bother me. the advantages of bp IS that you can adjust the set up much better. although it's true that some weight migrates from belt to the bp but i still have 6 lbs of ditchable weight and would recommend the same for DH (what is DH anyway?)

[caroln]

Good, that's exactly what I wanted to know. Thank you.

[Venio]

ST sell both 1" and 2" crotch straps. I would recommend the wider. It is more comfortable than a the thin one that can get deeper in some places and thus made the experience a little bit uncomfy.

DH= dive hubby ??

[Chad]

Originally Posted by Venio

ST sell both 1" and 2" crotch straps. I would recommend the wider. It is more comfortable than a the thin one that can get deeper in some places and thus made the experience a little bit uncomfy.

DH= dive hubby ??

I agree. The 2" is more comfortable and not really noticeable. Especially if you are horizontal in the water as you should be.

[fire diver]

A person could probably get away without ever using a crotch strap. Some BP users nver use it. If you have problems of the rig riding up higher during the dive, or trying to slide up while at the surface then you can add it back in.

That's why BP/W are so great. You make it exactly what you want it to be. For the record, I use 2" soft webbing for my crotch strap and it never bother's me a bit. I actually don't even notice it.

FD

[Vercingetorix]

I've used a BP/W for all but my 5 OW check-out dives. I use a 2-inch web crotch strap and I don't notice it. It's not supposed to be tucked-up tight like a jock strap; it hangs loose. Unles he's diving doubles, most folks don't even use a crotch strap at all. It's there for stability. I like the extra two D-rings for stuff.

[Scubastud16]

Originally Posted by Vercingetorix

I've used a BP/W for all but my 5 OW check-out dives. I use a 2-inch web crotch strap and I don't notice it. It's not supposed to be tucked-up tight like a jock strap; it hangs loose. Unles he's diving doubles, most folks don't even use a crotch strap at all. It's there for stability. I like the extra two D-rings for stuff.

+1. It shouldn't be "wedged up" like a certain piece of clothing. It just rests, and can't even be felt with an exposure suit on.

[CompuDude]

Go with the 2" crotch strap.

You really don't even notice it, possible exception being when wearing just swim trunks. And then there is a difference between noticing it on occasion and being bothered by it.

Fit is everything, however. Be sure the harness is adjusted by someone who knows what they are doing.

I don't recommend going without a crotch strap. There are a few that do, but they are very much the exception. It's good to have something holding the plate from sliding up at the surface, but it's true there's not a huge amount that it does underwater. It does help make thing rock solid stable, but some are more comfortable with a little slop than others.