BP/W - singles and twins, is there a compromise

Please register or login

Welcome to ScubaBoard, the world's largest scuba diving community. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions.

Benefits of registering include

  • Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions.
  • A Free photo gallery to share your dive photos with the world.
  • You can make this box go away

Joining is quick and easy. Log in or Register now!

B

BlueDevil

Contributor
Messages
387
Reaction score
18
Location
Melbourne, Australia
# of dives
500 - 999
I am soon to try a BP/W for the first time. From my reading on here and elsewhere it seems that there is a large body of opinion that you can't get a wing that will serve well for both single tanks and twins.

What is the major issue that prevents a wing from being usable for both singles and twins?

Is there anyone out there with a different opinion ie they do have a wing that works well for both?

What about the Diverite Rec or Trek wings that are said to be adjustable for both purposes?

(My question is largely based on the fact that I travel regularly and wouldn't be able to afford the weight of two wings in my luggage)
 
The dive rite Rec Wing is one of the wings that will work with both singles and doubles but it will do neither as well as a dedicated doubles or singles wing.

The main problem with a doubles wing on a single tank is that it wraps around the tank excessively (taco) which interferes with the ability to dump air evenly.

The main problem with a narrow dual purpose wing is that it can get trapped between the plate and tanks and that can reduce the lift of the wing. The Rec Wing for example works better with a transpac or with smaller 7 to 7.25" diameter tanks - it is not so hot with large 8" diameter tanks and or a plate with a fairly flat profile.

That said, a Rec Wing is not horrible with singles or doubles and will get you by until you can get wings that do the job better. But on the other hand once you dive a proper dedicated wing, you won't want to go back to a dual purpose wing.
 
The weight of a wing is not that much. They pack small (at least mine do) and are usually in my carryon anyway. THat said I've never had occaision to take both wings. The places I've been where you needed to fly to get to offered single tanks. I could have gotten doubles in Fla but if that were the case I'd have rented a doubles wing and just used my plate and harness. I'd be curious to know where you plan on diving both singles and doubles? I take it from your post you're not even into doubles yet but if I were you I'd be more concerned with the travel weight of the drysuit, two regs(three if using a suit bottle), and the other things usually associated with diving doubles than the 2 or 3 lbs a wing weighs. I've never tried using a wing in a way it was not intended for. the other issue is that some singles wings require you to use an STA anyway. Some do not. Do some more research on diving with doubles if that is the path you are taking. It's not just a matter of switching wings. Plus you can always leave out unimportant stuff like clothes to get under the weight allowance. Buy a swim suit and three cheap tshirts when you arrive and toss em or give em away when you leave. That's a week's wardrobe for diving!
 
Sure, you can use a doubles wing with a singles rig, of course it will be like wearing a blimp on your back luffing in the breeze but, yeah, it would work, sorta.

N
 
Hi Jim,
thanks for your reply. When I travel I generally head for tropical areas. Vanuatu has the wreck of the Coolidge which gets down to 60m or more. Commonly over there I would do a dive on the Coolidge using twins in the morning, and a reef dive using singles in the afternoon. When staying on Kadavu in Fiji most of the dives were the usual tropical 20 - 30m dives, but they have one particular dive called Evil Trench which is a big opening in the reef which goes down to around 56m or more. Naturally for a 56m dive I want to use twins.

I guess when travelling I like to keep my options open to use twins if I feel the need. On most trips I wont need to, but its nice to know that I can set up twins if I wish.

My current BC (doubles capable) is quite heavy for travelling and that is one of the reasons I am going towards BP&W. I have got very good at keeping the weight down overall by keeping careful records of how much shampoo, sunscreen etc I need, and by taking the absolute minimum in clothing. Even then I would probably not make the baggage limits if it wasn't for the fact that I travel with my family and use the kids weight allowance to some extent. However I am going to lose part of that advantage on our next trip since my oldest daughter has now done a course and will be taking gear as well.
(My dive gear weighs 16kg which is a big chunk out of the allowed 20kg, if it wasn't for the extra allowance for carry on I would be really struggling)!!
 
I can understand bringing dive gear but why not just buy the sportswear when you arrive and leave it behind? How much could shorts, shirts and sandals cost? Same for toiletries - why bother packing them?

That way you have more weight allowance for dive gear.

Richard
 
A lot depends on the tanks you want to use and the wing you have in mind. I have a OMS 45# bungie wing which is rated for both singles and doubles use. The bungies do help control the shape of the wing and limit the taco effect. The added lift helps during the cooler months when I need more weight to offset the bouyancy of a thick wetsuit. I find it a highly useful compromise.
 
I've taken my doubles and tropical wings on a trip. The Deep Sea Supply TTW 17 weighs almost nothing, and packs like a pillowcase. I can't see discarding the utility of the proper wing for the application, just to avoid packing another wing.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top Bottom