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Can the VDH backplate be setup like this ??

Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2018 5:23 am
by Jakob
Hi

THinking about the whole Kraken setup. New to backplate diving, like the idea a lot, but some comfort tricks of the west i want to retain.

I newer liked the idea of backplate with fixed “arm loop sizes” . I want to be able to pull the shoulder straps quite loose for doning and then tightening them once having it on the back. I specifically want this to be able to get out the system, if entangled underwater. I am not very flexible so loosening the straps to aid this UW is essential for me. So I did not go into the whole backplate busyness. Then i stumbled upon the halcyon cinch system, looked great, then i realized that the subgravity slider was trying to do the same I guess ??

My question is can the VDH backplate be setup in a similar way, so that the shoulder straps can be pulled very open for doning, and then the whole thing can be tightened by only tightening the belt as a final step ??

This might be a very basic question, but i dont have the full overview. Also would that interfere with quick relase weight pockets on the belt ?? Any recomendations for a lead quick release system that would work with such a system ?

Finally are there any info on a steel version of this plate ?? That is really what I would want for drysuit diving

Best wishes

Jakob

Re: Can the VDH backplate be setup like this ??

Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2018 6:37 am
by rhwestfall
I made my own adjustable harness, similar to a major manufacturer's high dollar system (The big blue "H"). It also has integral weight pockets. It does use a chest strap though. Some webbbing and a bunch of hardware. Limited only by your imagination.

Re: Can the VDH backplate be setup like this ??

Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2018 8:38 am
by Bryan
As long as you don't put your waist sliders and D-rings close to the plate you can easily slide the straps out really wide so it is easy to put on and then pull them as tight as you like once you have the cylinder and plate on.

Re: Can the VDH backplate be setup like this ??

Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2018 1:34 pm
by Jakob
Ok thx

Re: Can the VDH backplate be setup like this ??

Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2018 1:37 pm
by Jakob
rhwestfall wrote:
Fri Jul 27, 2018 6:37 am
I made my own adjustable harness, similar to a major manufacturer's high dollar system (The big blue "H"). It also has integral weight pockets. It does use a chest strap though. Some webbbing and a bunch of hardware. Limited only by your imagination.
Hey sounds interesting , pictures ? 😊

Re: Can the VDH backplate be setup like this ??

Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2018 6:31 pm
by rhwestfall
Here it is..

Re: Can the VDH backplate be setup like this ??

Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2018 6:33 pm
by rhwestfall
More

Re: Can the VDH backplate be setup like this ??

Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2018 6:35 pm
by rhwestfall
More

Re: Can the VDH backplate be setup like this ??

Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2018 6:41 pm
by rhwestfall
well, pics uploading isn't working for me again, and I no longer have the patience to mess with this...., I quit..... sorry..

Re: Can the VDH backplate be setup like this ??

Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2018 7:01 pm
by Jakob
rhwestfall wrote:
Fri Jul 27, 2018 6:41 pm
well, pics uploading isn't working for me again, and I no longer have the patience to mess with this...., I quit..... sorry..
Darn it :-). Thx for trying.. The two uploaded looks great though what a great slim Setup. Looks super functional would love to duplicate that. Where do you get the parts? Also does tightening the belt section pull in the shoulder straps? Without affecting the belt attachment?

Re: Can the VDH backplate be setup like this ??

Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2018 7:09 pm
by rhwestfall
Lets try a verbal:

What you see is a length of web that is attached to the plate and the separate shoulder strap goes through a loop, through the weight pouch, and through another loop on the end. A couple sliders make the closures and the lock to the plate. The waist portion slides, cinching the shoulders...

Re: Can the VDH backplate be setup like this ??

Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2018 7:11 pm
by rhwestfall
IIRC, parts are from VDH, Piranha, and ?????

Re: Can the VDH backplate be setup like this ??

Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2018 7:12 pm
by rhwestfall
If you send me an email, I can forward pics to you directly...

rhwestfall at msn dot com

Re: Can the VDH backplate be setup like this ??

Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2018 7:15 pm
by rhwestfall
you may notice I slotted the plate below the factory spots. I'm 6'7" (200 cm) tall, so I needed the length....

Re: Can the VDH backplate be setup like this ??

Posted: Sun Jul 29, 2018 7:48 pm
by ScubaLawyer
Here is my current configuration. I can use it for single or double tanks. I can get up to 13 pounds in each OMS weight pocket. Works great for me. Mark.

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