SSBP - Q&A!

[Finless]

This is a Q&A session where I do the Qs and, I hope, some of you lot do the As .

I tried my Woz plate and 2nd hand OMS wing for the first time (in a pool) last night. I had previously got to the point of fitting the webbing and thinking that I either needed twin 12s or to take (shudder) the boots off my 10s as I didn't think the bands were in the right place. Before I made any decisions I decided to test the set up in water to see how it felt!

Anyhow, I was pleasantly surprised to find I could easily reach all my cylinder valves and unpleasantly surprised to find I could also scratch the back of my head on the isolator knob.

I moved the plate up "one set of holes" and it was better but I could still touch the isolator valve with the back of my head. I was not wearing my dry suit at the time (it was too hot and humid by the pool).

I need to do some more fettling and I suspect many trips to the pool are required (my first SSBP and wing) in order to get things right.

I know the answer to my next question will depend on body proportions BUT if you have a SSBP how "high" is the top of your SSBP in relation to the manifold? Currently, I estimate about ½ an inch between the top of the plate and the bottom of the isolator on my set up (twin 10s).

The rig felt quite top heavy and had a tendancy to float "boots up" when I wasn't in it? - no lead on it at the moment.

I have got to say that I found getting in and out of the harness a PITA (even with one shoulder loop and bayonet clip). My poor arms have a few nice purple bruises - I was only wearing shorts and a T shirt!

Any suggestions?

[wreckweasel]

Just one suggestion. Wear full kit, including undersuit. Theres no point trying to size your rig, adjust trim etc unless you're diving in what you plan to use.

See... there is a use for quarries/beaches

[Finless]

Originally Posted by wreckweasel

See... there is a use for quarries/beaches

It is difficult to believe!

I just wanted to get it balanced and positioned about right before goint the last step and using it with my full kit. TBH, I was not as impressed as I'd hoped I would be and, at hte moment, much prefer the standard BCD type harness on my Mares wing.

I may bin the harness altogether and buy an OMS set up to go with my SSBP.