Submited By: Randy R. on 12/10/2009
I bought an original HTS about a year and a half ago. The harness and wing concept was recommended to me because I travel frequently and these essentially fold flat. I opted for the integrated weight pockets (extra cost). I also opted for the 38lbs. lift wing for it because I am a big guy and dive a drysuit. I wanted/needed lots of lift to offset the required weights. After ordering, I added an aluminum backplate to help make the whole thing more rigid. Unfortunately, I received a first generation wing with mine and these wings either required a Single Tank Adapter (STA) or required using doubles. I wasn't planning on doubles at the time so I added the STA. It all went together easily. From what I've read, the HTS 2 eliminates the need for an STA and the newest generation of Wings have slots in them to allow cam bands to pass through. This would also eliminate the STA requirement.
I modified the setup slightly by attaching the "sex screws" on the sides through the backplate as well as through the harness. Since the backplate is obviously the strongest point (being aluminum), I wanted the harness attached to it through both the top straps and the sides of the harness.
Lastly, I added weight pockets to the cam bands. The QLR weight pockets are designed to hold 10 lbs. each. When I dive a drysuit, I need more than 20 lbs. of weight so I put a few pounds on the cam bands. I could have used a stainless backplate to offset the weight but that would add to the weight of my gear when I travel.
Overall it is a good setup. It is obviously not as streamlined as a simple harness. Adding the weight pockets makes it more expensive than a simple harness as well. If I had to do it over, I might look at one of the other harnesses sold by Hollis (aka the "Elite Harness") simply to make things less expensive. I wouldn't have the options of integrated weights but that is no big deal breaker. Even with the additions, my setup is still less expensive than the high-end BCs. The quality of construction is excellent and I've had no issues with anything wearing faster than it should. I really like the shape of the Hollis Backplates and I am probably going to get a stainless plate to use with doubles.
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