45# Wing in Warm Water

[dtdesola]

Hi,

Anyone out there with experience diving a 45# wing in warm water? I'm trying to decide between a 30# and 45# OxyCheq set-up for me and my wife, and am leaning towards the 45# as I dive a wet 7mm suit in NE with steel tanks. But

I also want the set-up to work well for the occaisional tropical dives we take. Any thoughts?

PS, anyone been to Cozumel lately? We're going in May and would love dive operator suggestions.

Thanks,

-David

 

[capelli]

i dive an oms 45 with aluminum doubles year around with no problem .with steel tanks i think i might go just a little larger

 

[jagfish]

I was just asking a similar question on another post. You might want to check it out; "Wing for all seasons". Basic consensus seems to be that it will be just fine...

JAG

 

[chuckrt]

I have the 45# oxy and dove it in the Fl. Springs with my 5ml. I had no problems and found that I really did need the crotch strap as the singles wing tended to rise. I had a 45# doubles wing that did not rise without the strap. It also works fine with my drysuit.

chuckrt

 

[Tall Tails]

dtdesola: When I was in Cozumel a couple of years ago I used a local company called Black Shark Diving. They are a small shop , with a handful of small boats. They were safe, reasonably priced, and took us to some great spots.

Have fun!

TT

 

[dtdesola]

I have the 45# oxy and dove it in the Fl. Springs with my 5ml. I had no problems and found that I really did need the crotch strap as the singles wing tended to rise. I had a 45# doubles wing that did not rise without the strap. It also works fine with my drysuit.

chuckrt

Thanks Chuck,

Did you (or anyone else reading this) find that you had trouble with your trim with the 45# in warm water.

The reason I ask is that I am being advised to get the 30# wing for the type of diving I have described (cold with 7mm wet; warm with 3 or 5mm wet.) The main disadvantage sited was possible trouble with trim due to shifting gas. I don't see any other reason NOT to get the 45# given that the profile is the same as the 30#.

Thanks,

-David

 

[notabob]

David,

I wouldn't worry about the 45# wing. Externally, there's very little difference between the two. Their profile in the water is very similar; the only difference is that the 45 has gussets along the tank. I don't think that gas shifts are that much of a concern. The wing is circular, so gas tends to be distributed fairly evenly. As far as the 30# vs 45# - 30 may not be enough up here. Just imagine, you're diving a steel tank (say at least -2lb negative empty, -8lb full), a 5lb plate, 15-20lbs of weight, regulators, and perhaps even a bailout bottle if you're diving deep. That's 33lbs already without the pony bottle, and close to 36 with one. If you're diving wet, at 80-100ft you have next to no buoyancy from your wetsuit anymore, and the 30# wing just may not be enough to keep you neutral. So go with the 45.

-Roman.

Thanks Chuck,

Did you (or anyone else reading this) find that you had trouble with your trim with the 45# in warm water.

The reason I ask is that I am being advised to get the 30# wing for the type of diving I have described (cold with 7mm wet; warm with 3 or 5mm wet.) The main disadvantage sited was possible trouble with trim due to shifting gas. I don't see any other reason NOT to get the 45# given that the profile is the same as the 30#.

Thanks,

-David

 

[rcohn]

As I read this question it seems to me that one of the wing companies should design a warm/cold water wing. Open the gusset for cold water and get 45 lb of lift. Close it for warm water, using a lace cord, or zipper, etc. and reduce the lift to 30 lbf. That could end the need to buy two wings (which may be the reason why no one makes one ).

Ralph

 

[dtdesola]

Thanks for your comments. I've gone ahead and ordered a pair of OxyCheq 45# wings for myself and my wife. I'll let you know how I make out with them in Mexico.

We're also going to have a pair of Harnesses made for us by JET. I'll let you know how that goes as well.

 

[chuckrt]

dt,
remember I needed the crotch strap because the backplate would shift without it. this may be from drysuit to wet but it is a pain to readjust everytime you change thermal protection. It took one dive to get bouyancy down after that.

chuckrt