How To Size Your Backplate Harness Properly

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0:00 Intro
0:55 Parts Required
05:04 Shoulder Assembly
14:27 Waistband Assembly
19:48 Crotch Strap
22:27 Fitting and Adjusting
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Music: Sport In
Artist: Eleone
Download: audiojungle.net/item/sport-in...
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The most important thing about scuba diving is that you do it safely. And that is what Safe Diving is all about.
On this channel, I will discuss all aspects of going underwater from equipment advice and techniques to the little things like what to pack in your bags for a dive trip.
My entire professional career has been spent in and around the scuba diving industry and travelling to diving destinations both warm and cold.
Instagram - / safe_diving
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In accordance with COPPA laws, please note that videos on this channel are not specifically made for, or targeted at, children.
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Safe Diving
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[@BurhanMuntasser]

The audio in this video is MUCH better than the audio in your previous videos. The obnoxious loud and distracting music is gone too and one can now hear and understand what you are saying in this video too, thank GOD!!

[@timverkoyen8742]

This is definately the best, most thorough and most complete video on KZbin on this topic. Thanks a bunch! Managed to do it all in half a Sunday morning.

[@danielfarag3644]

Hey Mark, I wanted to pitch an idea for your next youtube video. Having just recently completed my first course and having purchased gear, I realized that some instructors dont really teach you how to take care of your equipment. For ex, they only show u what to do immediately after the dive, but not how to store it and rinse your gear at home to prolong its life. I know that there are youtube videos but they are in bits and bobs and its kind of hard to find all the information in one place. I really do need the video becausd i am not trying to rebuy a new set of gear. So a video about home care( in storage) and rinsing of your gear would definitely help.

[@bradallen5571]

Just got back from Cozumel (where you hand up your BC to the boat captain before re entering the boat) and the "slide ring" you showed on the left side of your backplate indeed solved my only complaint about a BP&W. So easy to get in and out of now and I don't perceive any lack of stability of my rig in using it. Absolutely brilliant. Thanks again.

[@upinsmoke48]

Thank you Mark, even after three years you're still helping a lot of people!

[@SafeDiving]

I do what I can...

[@rapha9125]

thats the video i needed so badly, thank you very much!

[@swichv64]

This video helped me SO much. Thank you!

[@goyavier]

Really helping! Thank you very much, it is crystal clear with your explanations.

[@reasontakethewheel]

This was so helpful! Thank you!

[@jaydos4561]

Great video mate!! Keep them up!

[@lovejerky9307]

That’s an awesome video I’m super overwhelmed to try and find all the things I’ll need but you’ve sold me Thanks!

[@kyleknickerbocker8650]

You have convinced me my next BCD will be a backplate and wing. Keep up the great work

[@relaxteb9513]

Awesome vids ! A part list would be a nice addition 👍

[@dennybe]

Just took the plunge, as it were, and ditched the jacket...going the backplate route, just waiting for the plate delivery, already have everything else--so I needed to see this video. Thanks for posting it, much appreciate it.

[@bostonmckibben1840]

You should add a parts list in the description.

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

1 Backplate in stainless steel or aluminium 1 12 feet / 4 meters of 2 inch / 5 cm webbing with centered grommet 2 Neoprene shoulder padding (optional) 1 Agir Harpa loop or equivalent (optional) 6 Tri-gliders (7 if you want a D-ring on your right waist strap) 2 Pre-bent D-rings 2 Straight D-rings (3 if you want a D-ring on your right waist strap) 1 Bungee loop 2 Elasticated bands 2 Pieces of inner tubing (alternatively another 2 elasticated bands) 1 Crotch Strap 1 Quick release buckle Tools needed: 1 bolt and nut to temporarily secure the webbing to the harness 1 shears to cut off excess webbing (¡¡Don't cut off too much!!) 1 lighter to melt the edge of the webbing to prevent fraying. Optional considerations: * If you want to thread something onto the webbing, like line cutters and such, get those as well and thread them on while putting the harness together. * Your wing may not come with mounting hardware, so you may need to purchase book screws or a Single Tank Adapter (STA) to secure it to your backplate. * Check if your wing and backplate have cam band slots. If not, you'll need a Single Tank Adapter. * If you have a long hose configuration, you'll need something on your right waist strap to tuck the hose under. This is usually a dive knife sheath, a canister, or a hose retainer. You may want to secure these with a tri-glider so they don't fall off accidentally when you're kitting or de-kitting.

[@meplayz6097]

You are great,thanks

[@casvanommeslaeghe]

Just in time for my spare backplate and harness to arrive :p I bought a second one so I wouldn't have to switch around between my single and double bladder. I was dreading threading it without proper guidance.

[@johnnyf4r]

great video

[@c.patricksadowski9959]

Hi Mark. What are the name of the waist (belt) loops that you use and so you have a link where I can find them? Thanks

[@jaycefitzpatrick4975]

Thank you for this video! As a new diver investing in my own gear, I’m not sure if I should just go full out bpw or use a harness with a backplate and wing?

[@bernardhny]

Thanks for the video. I have purchased my son an OMS BP/W and the problem I am having is with his waist. I am having a hard time getting it tight enough around his waist. There is just too much webbing. I am nervous about cutting too much off. Going to take a look at it again tonight but this is the hardest part. Shoulders look good, looks routed the right way but the waist. He is a skinny little kid. Argh!

[@davestadnik8739]

Where can I get that slide ring ? I’m setting up a new harness now and that’s looks like a great idea?

[@Marco-bq4hj]

15:25 i personally don't like the blocking on the harness, i simply leave it without so I can adjust it by pooling it tight every time

[@bradallen5571]

So glad you did this video. I've been diving the Apeks WTX 30 with an Apeks aluminum plate for about 9 months now. Can't imagine going back to a jacket. The slide loop you mount on the left side of your rig appears to solve my only complaint about wearing a BP&W setup. I ordered one the same day. Quick question...is there a body weight to wing lift capacity ratio to help decide what is needed? I'd like to set my wife up on a BP&W with hopefully an 18. I think the smaller it is the more comfortable she would be.

[@SafeDiving]

My D18 is tiny, just a tad wider than my backplate, I'll show it in a video soon about my warm water setup. More buoyancy is more about _if you need it_ than your size. If you float without a weightbelt then you can get away with minimal buoyancy. It's only there to offset your negative buoyancy.

[@bradallen5571]

@@SafeDiving Thank you Mark. I hadn't thought of it in those terms. BTW I'd love to see your warm water setup. We are actually moving to the Yucatan Peninsula area of Mexico within the next 12 months to become proper blue water snobs. LOL

[@markfrantz4612]

How would you make your own hole on the strap? Like a drill and fire? or?

[@mikebartick4907]

Great build, where can i get the adjustable D-ring on the lower plate left. Thanks bra!

[@thetattooedpsycho]

Dive gear express has one

[@timverkoyen8742]

Because.... you know.... 👌👌👌🤣🤣🤣

[@ZSharky0815]

I have a dumb question: if you can’t reach the top of your backpkate, because it’s hangig too low, how can you correct this? Just by shortening the shoulder straps? What if they are either too lose to reach the backplate or too tight to put it on?

[@1970underwater]

Hey Mark... I’m looking for those Apeks shoulder pads. Pretty elegant! Do you sale those? Where could I find them?

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

They only come with Apeks harnesses, but companies like Dive Rite, XDeep, Tecline, and Halcyon do sell them separately.

[@marcuspink8378]

Hey Mark were do you get Harper loop from unable to find any atm Thanks in advance Marcus

[@pearls4avant]

This is the tecline version katalog.tecline.com.pl/en/Chinch-adapter,3,5167,3222 Mares has the SF2 www.mares.com/shop/us-US/extended-range/bcd-s/accessories/sf2-ss316-clip.html apparently there's some controversy over IP / patents?

[@ElGohary-vanLoo]

Hi Mark, awesome videos! Q: I can't find other colored webbing options online (based in the Netherlands). Do you have recommendations? Greetings

[@SafeDiving]

You can usually find places online, just search for 2 Inch or 50mm heavy duty webbing. Just check that it's the right thickness so you're not buying seatbelt material.

[@harrisonmundschutz2654]

Is it just me or could I make one of these out of an old road sign and a trip to the local crafts store

[@old_meatball3397]

Hi Mark, What kind of nut and bolt are you using ? Can I just get them at my local hardware store ? Thank you for the amazing videos

[@SafeDiving]

The one to hold the harness in place? Just a random nut and bolt I have lying around, nothing special. It gets taken out after the harness is fitted, I probably should have mentioned that...

[@old_meatball3397]

Safe Diving thank you! I was worrying about it rusting 😉

[@franklytart]

Hi Mark - where did you get those bungee/elastic strips to hold your gear against the webbing? (To stop flappy snap hazards....)

[@SafeDiving]

They came with my Apeks Harness, I don't think they're a separate part. If you ask Apeks nicely they may be able to find some spare to sell to your LDS. If not they shouldn't be that hard to make. They're just 1.5" wide elastic tape, sewn into a loop.

[@franklytart]

Thanks, will send Apeks a message and see what they say. And obviously I meant flappy snag hazards, not snap....auto correct 🤦‍♀️

[@d_fresh1169]

Late reply, but you can use mountain bike inner tube to keep gear and "cut ends" nice and clean on the webbing. To save time, use 24" or 26"x1.7-2.3 inner tube (inch size, sorry, you have to convert to metric if necessary).

[@BurhanMuntasser]

If you can't touch the back plate on your back with your hands, what do you do then? What do you adjust and how?

[@SafeDiving]

Your shoulder straps are probably a bit loose, tighter straps should pull the plate upwards on your back.

[@harrydevil]

Has anyone found a US distributor for Agir?

[@mechanikos84]

Has anyone found ANY physical distributor for Agir???

[@smacinskyjr]

What is the name of the loop that you used when you were assembling the left side of the waist belt? Also where can I find one or two?

[@SafeDiving]

This one is called an Agir Harpa Loop. They're fairly hard to find so grab one if you ever find one. They do offer a double pack if you want two. A few brands have copied the idea like the Mares XR SF1 Loop

[@kurttidd8922]

@@SafeDiving Mares XR SF1 loops are readily available in the US online at Dive Gear Express.

[@reubencahn258]

Where do you get the elastic webbing bands you're using to secure a back up light?

[@SafeDiving]

That's just bike tire inner tube.or if you search online for ranger bands you should be able to find something the right size

[@reubencahn258]

@@SafeDivingOh, in the video, they look like elastic fabric rather than the standard EPDM bands

[@SafeDiving]

@@reubencahn258 oh, these were from an Apeks harness kit I think. I don't know if you can buy them as a separate item

[@ghostagent4458]

Hi Mark. Any feedback on Carbon Fiber backplates? Cheers.

[@SafeDiving]

I was very close to buying a carbon fiber backplate when I was building my light-weight setup but I ended up going for aluminium. CF are a touch lighter, but more expensive, and for me, the benefit wasn't worth the extra cost. There was also some people reporting that they can delaminate, which may not be true, but I didn't want to put it to the test. I'm sure they're perfectly fine but the price : benefit didn't add up for me...

[@johnmiskin4905]

Hi Mark, I am having a problem staying vertical on the surface with my Hydros. I have put weights in the back trim pockets but still being pushed forward which tires me out. Dived with it 10 times but still cant get it right!! Any suggestions would be gratefully appreciated. I have 4 kg in the BCDs 2 pouches 2 kg in the trim back pocket and 6 kg weight belt. Cheers John

[@SafeDiving]

Probably just deflate it a little. If you don't need it 100% full to stay on the surface, then deflating it can help. You'll have less +ve buoyancy low down in the water pushing up and you forward. That's usually how to fix the main problem divers with back inflate on the surface

[@johnmiskin4905]

@@SafeDiving Thanks Mark I get it. My dive Master told me to full inflate.

[@johnmiskin4905]

By the way enjoying your videos.

[@DivingDutchman]

Sounds like your hydros is riding too high. Extend your shoulder straps a little and get your waist strap lower. (I.e. About weight belt height instead of jacket cumber belt height.)

[@GreenEagleVR]

The real question is why are tank bands $150? Are alternatives workable if they still hold in place?

[@SafeDiving]

I think someone's ripping you off for $150. A plastic buckle cam band should set you back $15-20, Metal buckle $40-50. Or are you looking at a full STA kit, with two cams and a tray? Still expensive, but in the ballpark.

[@dennybe]

Okay, I have been scouring the internet for your special left-side harness loop with zero success. Maybe I keep hearing it wrong, Agiers Haper loop? Can you please clarify and suggest a purchase location(or else I'm going to have to try and bend one out of a d-ring) Also, what is your thought(mainly the cons) of putting one on each side. I understand if you thought it was a good idea you would already have done that. Just looking for your advice/recommendations. Thanks, Mark.

[@SafeDiving]

You were close, it's an Agir Harpa Loop. There are only a handful of places that sell them though. An easier option to find is the Mares version the SF2 Loop, the only difference is that the Agir version has an outward bend so you get a Left and a Right version. The Mares SF2 is just straight. Agir does offer a double version where you get two loops to adjust both straps but the first strap is easy to get into 1st and then have a large left loop. Another reason just to have one is that your right waist band doesn't traditionally have a D-Ring so you can easily pull the whole strap through accidentally.

[@dennybe]

@@SafeDiving most excellent...and helpful. Just checked my backplate and wing order, packages are enroute... I'll set it up traditionally until I can find a place that will ship eiter one of the loops to the Philippines. Thanks, Mark. You are a wealth of knowledge and always very helpful...and responsive. Much appreciated.

[@cyberdroid2300]

Man, you don't even know how long I searched for the "A-gears Harper loops". I tried all combinations of D rings I could think up. Thank you for commenting this question.

[@complicatedmechanics9599]

BP/W setups become more popular in recent years, and I start more frequently ask myself why people use equipment that they don't know how to use. A lot of those users have no idea how it supposed to be fitted and adjusted, and they end up unable to take it off. Some people just give me the "Jesus..." thoughts. One man had somewhere about 20 D-rings on his webbing and none of them were in the right place. Another one put about 22 lbs / 10 kg of lead on his webbing because "the modern divers don't use weight belts". It's no surprise that a lot of DMs think "Jesus" when seeing BP/W, and not the "tech guy" as it used to be. If that disaster is combined with a long hose, then I'm sorry, I wouldn't dive with that buddy.

[@Scuba8907]

why no chest strap?

[@SafeDiving]

I have big enough shoulders that chest straps aren't required. Most divers find that they don't need chest straps with a single-piece harness. Some do need a chest strap but, they're fairly rare on single-piece harnesses

[@dannyholden5361]

Where did you get the rack that’s always behind you?

[@kimroper667]

Was left by previous owners of the house

[@SafeDiving]

Yeah, it's just some bike rack or something that we found when we moved into the house...

[@salprestige2577]

padding ? not sure you can call that Hogarthian configuration..

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

Why not? It doesn't interfere with the harness functionality. The Hogarthian configuration wasn't designed to be as uncomfortable as possible. If you can add things to your harness that don't affect the integrity, but will protect your exposure protection from wear, why wouldn't you? If anything, the Agir Harpa loop is the thing that would mess with the Hogarthian configuration, since you're not securing your webbing through your backplate. Should the welds come undone, it'll affect the harness's integrity.