back plates/wings.... huh?

[Iguana Don]

with an aluminum backplate and 17 lb Pioneer Wing. Might call it the most comfortable BCD you can buy.

Dane,
Remarks like that will get you 30 days in the cooler!

ID

 

[TwoBitTxn]

Yall are slowly getting me sold on the idea. I guess the trick now is to find the time and a dive shop that will let me try some pack plate configs to find what fits me. I like actually like the idea of a 6lb SS backplate. That would shed a bunch of weight off the belt, trade off being my dive bag would be 6lbs heavier since I don't normally carry my weights in it.

Dane I like the halcayon pkgs. I'll still have to shop around here to try some stuff.

Thanks again yall

Tom

 

[TexasMike]

Tom,

Remember Sand & Sea Scuba where we stopped after the Terrell dive trip? They carry the Dive Right equipment line and can set you up with that version (called the TransPac).

Go see Harold and tell him I sent ya.

 

[kwesler]

TexasMike-can you speak to the difference between the Halcyon BP and wing I use and Dive Rite?

 

[Iguana Don]

http://www.abysmaldiving.com

Has backplates that come in 3 sizes, for vertically challenged people to the OMG I got a nose=bleed people.

 

[TexasMike]

Kwesler...Unfortunately I can't since I have only had the chance to handle (but not dive) with the Dive Rite and have not had the chance to see the Halcyon version. I can only say that they are similar systems based upon my viewing the Halcyon system in print and online catalogs.

If you are trying to establish if one is superior to the other, this may be something left up the user and come down to personal preference.


Tom...I got a new catalog that lists several BP/Wings manufacturers. I will try to remember to bring it Saturday Night.

Also, DiversDiscount.com is a distributor for the Halcyon line of equipment.

 

[mddolson]

My 2 cent's worth.
My first back plate and wing was a old USD cam packpack and Seatec (horse shoe bladder) in early 80's.(We didn't call em wings back then)
I loved it, and kicked my ass the day I sold it.

My latest is an aluminum backplate,with a Diverite Rec Wing and single tank adapter with aluminum tanks. I wear a soft weight belt, viking dry suit. I have a second wing (80 lb)that I use with twin Faber 98's. These are about 12 lbs negative. I'm getting a second backplate for the doubles so I don't have to swap the bladders and backplate back and forth.

I do a lot of fresh water shore, boat and winter ice diving. We don't have many caves in Ontario, Canada. The larger wings aren't nessessary for depth, but I like them on the surface, for long swims or when it's choppy waiting to board the dive boat.

I also like the added buoyancy when dealing with students, who are a little anxious on their frst outings.

Mike

 

[watergal]

For those who are looking into systems, the Dive Rite transpac is sort of a soft pac version of a backplate. The "plate" is nylon and permanently attached to the harness, but it works the same and will accomodate doubles. The big benefit is travel, it packs light and compact. The drawback for Tom would be that it does not automatically shift any weight onto the back (where it should be for trim and comfort). Also, some people do not like the quick release plastic buckles built in to the Transpac. I am very happy with mine for tropical travel, but would be uneasy about regularly walking around with double steel tanks bolted into it. How strong is nylon webbing? Having said that, I do not know of any that have failed due to tank stress, but considering that most folks need extra weight anyway, I suspect a standard bp would be a better way for most folks.

Tom, as has been mentioned in several threads, please forget how uncomfortable it looks, we all know that, but it is an illusion! A mere lie! A falsehood! Do not let it influence you! Even with no wetsuit once you put it on and adjust it for you it is just like a jacket out of water and much more comfortable in water. That is probably the biggest reason the transpac is selling so well, it looks comfy. Sigh. When will we learn?

There are other weighting options, such as keel weights, but if you are diving wet in a situation where you want easily ditchable weights, they may not be for you.

IMHO, Halcyon wings vent easier than DiveRites & trap less air. Not everyone may agree with me there (imagine that!):mean:

Just my 2¢

 

[watergal]

Hey, I just caught something.

Do any you other old farts out there find anything funny in these younguns talking about a harness as, "a complete divergence from traditional BC's" ?

Oh, where did I put my Geritol....

...everything old is new again....

 

[Tavi]

Hey Tom,
I just wanted to make it clear that Dive-rite makes Backplates and wings, and they make the Transpac II.which is a BC. They are not the same. Check out their website here.I dive a transpac II. I love it. I still haven't had the opportunity to check out a BP and wings, but after all I have heard on the boards, I will check them out before I buy another BC.

good luck,