Best technical BCD

[SuPrBuGmAn]

No such thing as a "technical BCD" really.

Trans-Pac is a "neither fish nor foul" sort of setup: has most of the drawbacks of a recreational BCD, and lacks most of the benefits of a BP/W. If you're going tech, get a straight-up BP/W setup and be done with it.

"Buy it right, or buy it twice."

Unless you think sidemount diving is in your future(and it certainly has benefits in different overhead environments). Your BP/W won't help you there, and you'll have to buy it right... again.

The Transpac easily becomes a Nomad with a few add-ons. It works with backmount doubles and singles, for pretty much any diving.

"Buy it right, or buy it twice" doesn't apply to all types of diving. Get the right tool for the job or at the very least you can buy a tool that works well enough for several jobs.

 

[Underwater Ogre]

The kit is now in transit to Australia.
I put in zero $0 for postage and thought they may have tried to squeeze the shipping dollars out of me. The plan was then to make a big deal of it and then say 'no' to the whole deal. Alas, they promptly debited my Visa card and gave me a UPS shipping number. Yet the UPS Global Home website is not showing me anything for the tracking number DiveRiteExpress gave me (CJ221384363US).

I don't think there will be a problem getting my order. I suspect it's one UPS issue?

I'm down but not beaten - I will soon have a brand new kit and brand new should be much easier to sell than once-used.

I will check out Scuba Toys and do my research all over again.
If a job's worth doing it's worth doing well.

Mick

Don't beat yourself up, its not like you bought any entry level training BC. I know lots of people who dive the Transpac. Its a good sturdy comfortable piece of gear. Once you put it on you'll be "happy as Larry". Dive the hell out of it. It will take you everywhere you want to go, and wont give you any grief.

Have fun. dive safe,

U/O

 

[Deep-Thief]

Hi Charlie,

The kit is now in transit to Australia.
I put in zero $0 for postage and thought they may have tried to squeeze the shipping dollars out of me. The plan was then to make a big deal of it and then say 'no' to the whole deal. Alas, they promptly debited my Visa card and gave me a UPS shipping number. Yet the UPS Global Home website is not showing me anything for the tracking number DiveRiteExpress gave me (CJ221384363US).

If you bought it from DiveRite Express, can't you just return it and exchange it for a Dive Rite BP/W set up. Paying for the return shipping and the new shipping on the BP/W setup will be alot less than what you will loose trying to sell it. Reality says there is almost zero market for them used. I know, its brand new, but it is still used. You bought it from the dealer. Kinda like a new car, as soon as you sign your name, its used even if you haven't driven it anywhere.

If you are really serious about the tech route, this is what I would consider doing. Call DiveRite Express and tell them you ordered the Transpac befoe you talked to your instructor. After you did he wanted you to get a BP/W set up. Hell, just call them and tell them you screwed up and you want to exchange it for the right setup. You are paying shipping and they are still making a sale. I am sure they won't care. Mark

 

[shoredivr]

I have both a transpac and an OMS aluminum backplate. The backplate I use for doubles. The transpac, once you've stripped off the extra padding, lumbar support etc. is actually very versatile for single tanks and for travelling: it's lighter than my backplate and wing.

 

[Underwater Ogre]

I have both a transpac and an OMS aluminum backplate. The backplate I use for doubles. The transpac, once you've stripped off the extra padding, lumbar support etc. is actually very versatile for single tanks and for travelling: it's lighter than my backplate and wing.

Exactly what I meant...you can do alot with a Transpac.

U/O

 

[shoredivr]

Eh, Underwater Ogre, I can't find it on the Dive Rite website, but Lamar Hires used to have a quote that said "talk to us about a dive you think you can't do with a transpac, and I'll personally come to you and show you how you can do it".

 

[Underwater Ogre]

Eh, Underwater Ogre, I can't find it on the Dive Rite website, but Lamar Hires used to have a quote that said "talk to us about a dive you think you can't do with a transpac, and I'll personally come to you and show you how you can do it".

That's because anything can be done if you put your mind to it.

This topic is not that complicated...The OP has made a good choice (Transpac) and if he left out the "internet factor", probably would be none the wiser, and happy with his purchase.

A Transpac...a Ranger...or an Apeks WTX harness can all be used with back plates.


Enough rambling...and back to my putting a steel back plate on my Ranger with less of a chance of tearing a hole in my drysuit unlike my buddy last night that had his bolt tear a hole from his BP/W.

 

[m1ck]

That's because anything can be done if you put your mind to it.

This topic is not that complicated...The OP has made a good choice (Transpac) and if he left out the "internet factor", probably would be none the wiser, and happy with his purchase.

A Transpac...a Ranger...or an Apeks WTX harness can all be used with back plates.


Enough rambling...and back to my putting a steel back plate on my Ranger with less of a chance of tearing a hole in my drysuit unlike my buddy last night that had his bolt tear a hole from his BP/W.

Hi Underwater Ogre,

How did you get Christened "Undewater Ogre"? :cool2:

Anyhow, apologies to UPS with respect to tracking my shipment - I was one letter shy, ie., www.usps.com/

Seems my kit has been sitting with Australian customs for the past three days and possibly (once past all the sniffer dogs), I could have my kit tomorrow.

I don't have money to burn but I am able to keep this kit and save for a BP/W configuration. My twin steel 100 cu ft tanks can be swapped between rigs and I will then have a backup rig I can lend to a buddy especially if I am one buddy short of a dive.

Whether or not diving with an overhead environment can I ask your view on using manifolds.

Thanks,
Mick

 

[SuPrBuGmAn]

Sure, you can ask, but you'll be kicking a hornets nest

A manifold will allow you both tanks of gas from either regulator. You add an isolator to the mix and you can isolate one of these tanks if you have an issue with one valve or regulator. The manifold itself can be seen as an additional failure point, even if occurances are super rare.

Independant tanks have the benefit of being truly independant. An issue occurs and you'll only lose one tanks worth of gas, max. You'll want to get used to monitoring both tanks and swap regs to keep them somewhat balanced as gas drains from each tank. If you have an issue with one tank, you may not get much off of it before it bleeds dry. Gas management and turn pressures are critical.

 

[Underwater Ogre]

As SuPrBuGmAn has explained the redundancy and ability to isolate supply vs regulator gives you alot more options when "it hits the fan".

As far as mine profile name...if I tell ya...well you know the rest

Good luck, and have fun with your Transpac

U/O