Backplate & Wing Questions.

[a4lod]

Although I have a Dive Rite Transpac, I plan on making the switch to a plate and wing. I plan on buying a FredT heavy plate to shed some weight on my belt and will probably use my existing wing until I can afford a new one (I have a Dive Rite Rec Wing). Currently I dive with a full 7mm wetsuit in cold freshwater with about 18lbs of weight. Since I dive singles (80 al's) I will need a STA and was planning on buying FredT's heavy STA to shed even more weight from my belt. Would this be a good idea? Would it be a good idea to buy the heavy plate? Also, should I come into some extra money, I will buy a new wing, but am confused as to what would be the best size. Can anyone offer any suggestions? Please respond. Thank-you.

 

[roakey]

My guess is that the heavy BP and heavy STA will cause you to nose dive. I'd suggest getting a lighter STA and using a weight belt. Experiemnt in the long run. Nice thing about the BP and STA combinations out there is you can mix and match for the optimal configuration, problem being that you have to have access to the stuff in order to try it out!

Roak

 

[scubasean]

Although I have a Dive Rite Transpac, I plan on making the switch to a plate and wing. I plan on buying a FredT heavy plate to shed some weight on my belt and will probably use my existing wing until I can afford a new one (I have a Dive Rite Rec Wing). Currently I dive with a full 7mm wetsuit in cold freshwater with about 18lbs of weight. Since I dive singles (80 al's) I will need a STA and was planning on buying FredT's heavy STA to shed even more weight from my belt. Would this be a good idea? Would it be a good idea to buy the heavy plate? Also, should I come into some extra money, I will buy a new wing, but am confused as to what would be the best size. Can anyone offer any suggestions? Please respond. Thank-you.

I had the same setup as you did, until recently. But I went with the Dive Rite SS BP, only because it arrived from Santa this past Christmas...(!!)

For singles, my DiveRite BP has slots in the proper place for the cam bands the transpac used. But, perhaps you want to sell your transpac....

Also, the rec wing doesn't need replacing, unless you hate it. It will bolt right onto the BP. And, the rec wing is rated for 50 lbs which is likely plenty, even for doubles....(according to Dive Rite)

I just bought a set of doubles for use with the BP and rec wings, but haven't yet tried the combo...I need a DIN reg and have one with a yoke (that I'll probably try using the converter with...different subject though).

Even if you eventually want to change things, you might want to try changing one thing at a time...It may save you some money when you realize you already had something you would be comfortable using.