BC or BP/wing weights and buoyancy numbers

[BEM]

Seven years ago, when I bought my first BC, I read lots of articles and reviewed posts in numerous scuba boards. In the end I got a back inflate BC with enough lift for cold water diving and the advice of a local dive shop instructor. So far it (Mares Syncro-Pro) has performed well and the only failure has been the cummerbund plastic buckle (replaced easily for $2.00.)

But now that I’m in the market for a backplate and wing setup (actually two – one for drysuit diving and one for travelling to warm waters) I want to calculate the wing size I require. To do that I’d like to know what the buoyancy of my BC is. I have a fairly good idea but should have done the test when the water wasn’t in a solid state!!! Looks like a visit to a pool is my solution.

Anyway, my question is to the board members and BC manufacturers. What information would be helpful in deciding what BC you would purchase.

If I was to buy a BC or BP/wing I’d like to know:
1. what the BC weighs without any weights or attachments,
2. positive or negative buoyancy amounts (in lbs) when the bladder is empty,
3. maximum lift (lbs).

It would be nice if the information was provided in both fresh and salt water, but one would suffice. Some manufactures provide some of the information, but not all. As this information is also critical for BPs and wings, complete information isn’t available from some manufacturers.

Maybe board divers that know their BC or BP/wing’s numbers could post them.

 

[Gopherdown]

Like you're "ever" going to get approval to buy your BP/W !

 

[cool_hardware52]

Seven years ago, when I bought my first BC, I read lots of articles and reviewed posts in numerous scuba boards. In the end I got a back inflate BC with enough lift for cold water diving and the advice of a local dive shop instructor. So far it (Mares Syncro-Pro) has performed well and the only failure has been the cummerbund plastic buckle (replaced easily for $2.00.)

But now that I’m in the market for a backplate and wing setup (actually two – one for drysuit diving and one for travelling to warm waters) I want to calculate the wing size I require. To do that I’d like to know what the buoyancy of my BC is. I have a fairly good idea but should have done the test when the water wasn’t in a solid state!!! Looks like a visit to a pool is my solution.

Anyway, my question is to the board members and BC manufacturers. What information would be helpful in deciding what BC you would purchase.

If I was to buy a BC or BP/wing I’d like to know:
1. what the BC weighs without any weights or attachments,
2. positive or negative buoyancy amounts (in lbs) when the bladder is empty,
3. maximum lift (lbs).

It would be nice if the information was provided in both fresh and salt water, but one would suffice. Some manufactures provide some of the information, but not all. As this information is also critical for BPs and wings, complete information isn’t available from some manufacturers.

Maybe board divers that know their BC or BP/wing’s numbers could post them.

We provide the weights of our back plates.

Look here https://www.deepseasupply.com/index.php?category=backplates

You can figure about 1 lbs of a harness, this varies a bit based on the size of the diver, but not much.

All of our wings include the actual lift values as part of the Model, i.e. a "Torus 26" provides 26 lbs of lift, a "LCD 30" provides 30 lbs etc.

Our wings (I would expect most other manufacturer's wings) will be just slightly negative with an empty bladder.

The dry weight of wings will vary a bit based on the materials used in construction but you can assume about 2-3 lbs for a single wing and 3-4 for a doubles wing.

You need cambands too, for a single rig. These will be about 3/4 lbs for a pair with polymer buckles.


I'd suggest you first determine what you really need for your application(s) in terms of plates and wings.

You may find that the same place will serve both your cold water and warm water requirements.

Tobin

 

[Gopherdown]

Ok - OK, I now have to abjectly apologise to BEM and the entire diving public. It appears that he was successful in gaining the authority to buy this beautiful piece of equipment - I just wonder what he had to give up