chest strap too high

[bsoder 0]

I recently purchased a used container, a Vector 2, size V9. The harness was a C19, which is too short for me. I got measured by a RWS rep at a boogie recently, and came out with a torso measurement of 22". The rigger I've been working with added a couple inches to the part of the harness that attaches to the leg straps. The rig fits fine now, with the exception of the chest strap - it's too high, and the reserve/cutaway handles are really high as well. When I'm under canopy, the chest strap is all the way up right under my chin. I've tried tightening the leg straps as much as possible, not really helping much tho. The rigger called RWS today to ask if we could lower the chest strap and handles a couple inches and we were told no. Is there anything else I can do to help with this problem?

[bsoder 0]

Oh, also, why would they not let us lower the chest strap? Looking at the harness, it appears that it should be pretty straightforward to do so.

[FrogNog 1]

The TSO'ed design specifications may indicate a placement range of the chest strap in relation to other webbing, and it is possible with the short harness that was lengthened, the permissible location for the chest strap is way up high.

Or it could have to do with the handle cable housings, which might need replacing with ones two inches longer if you were to move the chest strap down two inches.

Or there might be a limit on the unstitching and restitching allowed, and the chest strap is too involved.

"it appears ... pretty straightforward" is appearance.

-=-=-=-=-
Pull.

[rigging65 0]

Quote

Oh, also, why would they not let us lower the chest strap? Looking at the harness, it appears that it should be pretty straightforward to do so.

If you think about it, it's not a straight forward deal.

Moving the chest strap down means that you change everything around it as well. That is: Cable housings, ripcord cable length, and cutaway cable lengths. Reserve ripcords are TSO'd parts...built to a certain length. They can't just be made to any length and be called "good".

Add to it that if you're working on a short MLW, you might run out of places to put regular size handles...resulting in non-standard handles, etc.

There might also be issue with how the chest strap ties in with the MLW. Maybe it's placed where it is to cover tag ends of the MLW? Who knows.

I think what it mostly comes down to is that there are a bunch of potential changes that could go on...and those changes would be done outside the factory setting. Meaning, RWS wouldn't have control of them and wouldn't be able to ensure they didn't result in some sort of negative synergistic relationship or something funky like that.

From what experience we (I) have in dealing with customers wanting to make modifications to existing rigs, I can tell you it's always a bit scary. From a mfgs. perspective, you really don't know exactly what the changes are going to be, or how those changes may force other changes. You also may not know the history and abilities of the rigger who wants to make the changes. IMO, It's just too many things happening out of your control.

"...and once you had tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward.
For there you have been, and there you long to return..."

[bsoder 0]

Yeah, I see what you mean. The cable lengths would be an issue. A short MLW is definitely not an issue, I have several inches open below where the handles are now. I also know the rigger in question has a good history with the company, but regardless, the answer was no, so I have to look for other answers. We may end up shortening the harness back up a bit so I can pull it down a bit more with the leg straps. Other than that, I don't know if there's anything else I can do... Just live with it for a few years until I'm ready to get a new container.

Kind of a bummer tho... that's the only thing that's not perfect. Otherwise it fits me great.

[skymedic 0]

My chest strap on my original wings was too high for my taste. they put on an accuracy yoke. HUGE difference...it was lowered by over 2 inches and was much more comfortable that way.

marc

[bsoder 0]

Ok, what's an accuracy yoke?

[riggerrob 643]

First of all, your Javelin has a C-sized - medium-sized - yoke. I sure hope you have medium-sized shoulders. Changes this big require the skills of "the guy who designed the yoke." If you really need an A (small-sized) yoke, then it is far simpler to buy a new rig.

Secondly, the problem may be in a main lift web that is too long. If you have a few spare inches between the handles and the hip joint, then you still have the possibility to re-sew the harness shorter. This Master Rigger work.

Thirdly, the problem may simply be leg pads that are too long. If the previous owner had fatter thighs than you, you will never be able to get a decent fit, no matter how far you tighten the harness. Fortunately, cutting down leg pads is the easiest fix.

[billbooth 10]

It is possible that you might be able to shorten the LEG PADS, so that you would be able to tighten the LEG STRAPS a little more. This would in effect lower the chest strap a little bit. I sounds like you need a longer yoke on your next rig. Vectors come with 4 different yoke measurements. You can't change one measurement on a harness without affecting all the others. A high chest strap could really hurt you on a hard opening, especially if your leg hardware slips a little.