Posted by John Walker on August 13, 2001 at 23:38:45:
In Reply to: My "silly" Halcyon bp harness posted by AADIVER on August 13, 2001 at 22:53:32:
Hi Frank.
The crotch strap is an important peice of that backplate/harness setup. The crotch strap keeps the unit from moving forward. This is critical in maintaining trim and thus bouyancy.
One of the finist features of a properly fitting backplate is that, unlike the conventional stab jacket, it will stay in place. When the scuba shifts around on a divers back, it is impossible to maintain proper trim. Without proper trim, neutral bouyancy is next to impossible to maintain.
These plates were originally designed to carry heavy doubles. The focus was to do what a stab jacket wouldn't do, keep those heavy tanks in place. In my opinion the waist strap and the crotch starp are more important than the shoulder straps, even though I choose to use them all.
If you need any help feel free to call me.