Posted by tleemay on July 30, 2001 at 11:26:10:
In Reply to: Climbing webbing underwater posted by JRM on July 30, 2001 at 10:57:04:
"Hmm, sorry to hear it didn't work for your
application. I was the one that suggested
trying climbers tape. I had used 1" tubular
underwater with no issues (although in
a different application). At the time, Terry
mentioned that concern, and someone else was
concerned about strength. "
And that was my only concern, the ridgity of
the material, enough so to hold it's shape during
those rare times you might need to do an at depth
doff and don, or assist you buddy with the same.
There are other issues that could be a problem with
flimsey material underwater, like possible having
to re-thread buckles or cannisters. Without a
stiffer material, you would have to force the '
strap through all kinds of slots and loops where
it can bunch up and jam the threading.
I would rather have the straps in the general area
of the harness stiffer where the arms would be fitted
through, not limp and flopping around, especially
in an urgent situation. Taking into account the
added material and strength issues, it's just too
heavy a trade off conpared to the end result value
(ease of getting in or out on ther boat or beach).
I recognize the value of extra strength, but the
single piece non-tubular strap is more than
adequate to hold the system on a diver. If the
same single piece regular webbing is solid enough
to keep my twin 112's and two alm 80 stage bottles
solid to my body in a ripping current without any
compromises, it's good enough for single tank
sport dives.
The ridgity of the regular 2" webbing maintains
the (for a lack of a better term) memory of the
shoulder straps making is easier for you to get
back into, giving you a firm and imediate sense
of contact across your upper arms fwd. It's that
contact feed back that keeps you in touch with
what's happening with your rig in the water.
Hopefully any tuned in and regularly practicing
BP/wings diver can recognize the value in that.