DrSteve:
I currently dive with a Zeagle Ranger so I am a proponent of rear inflate. I usually dive with about 20 lbs in salt and 16 fresh (with a full suit) and in the tropics tend to dive with 16 lbs.
I am looking into a BP/W configuration and wondered if I could get some advice?
First of all I will only "ever" be diving with Al80 or LP-95(steel).
Second I don't care about Hogarthian or DIR etc., I'm doing this because I find my ranger (great BC that it is) is very cluttered about my waist.
So far I am leaning towards a Hammerhead 2lb Al backplate. I am guessing that a 30lb wing will be perfect for my needs.
As for the choice of wing - that's where I am stuck! My LDS sells Halcyon and I think OMS. Are there any particular pros and cons to each of the differenct wing manufacturers? You'd think a wing was a wing, but after wearing many different BC's I know that's not the case.
TIA!
Hello,
I switched from a Zeagle Ranger LTD to a backplate and wing about a year ago.
As far as a plate is concerned pretty much any plate will do in general terms. You will want to make sure that the slots where your harness runs are smoothed and rounded. If you get a plate that has already had this done by the manufacturer that is great, if not you will NEED to do this yourself.
You have indicated that an aluminum plate is what you are considering. I use a steel plate for single tank diving, the main reason I do this is because the plate adds 6 lbs of weight on my back, right over my lungs. This is an axcellent place for the weight, I put additional weight when needed around my waist. If you use an aluminum plate you will need to put more weight around your waist causing you to trim more vertically in the water. That choice is up to you.
The wing I use is a Dive Rite Venture wing 30 lbs of lift, good size and shape for a single tank. For the tanks you have indicated you will use pretty much any 30 or so pound lift wing will be fine. I like a circular or "doughnut" shaped wing. Your Ranger has a horseshoe shaped wing and this may at times cause you to shift your head up and roll a little to shift air from one side of the wing to the other. With a dircular wing you will most likely not need to do this to shift air from side to side.
Zeagle makes plates that will work with the wing on your Ranger as well as pretty much any other wings as well. If you like the ripcord style weight dump, they have a kit to allow you to fit smaller weight pockets to your harness that have a ripcord style dump.
For single tank diving you might need a Single Tank Adapter or STA. Some plate and wing combinations may not require an STA, if one of these is your choice great. Check closely that the tank is securely attached to the plate and does not rock from side to side.
You have indicated that one of the reasons for your change is to reduce clutter. This was my main reason as well. I use a Hogarthian style of harness and gear configuration, I think you should check into this style of configuration as well, you will almost certainly be pleased with the lack of clutter while still being impressed with the amount of gear you still carry. Frankly the single piece harness is my favorite part of the backplate and wing system. It is simple and rugged, and with no extra buckles or padding it seems to disappear underwater.
I wear "
X-Shorts" with pockets to help with extras like a spare mask, snorkel, etc. the pockets make a real difference in being able to reduce clutter.
Good luck with your quest,
Mark Vlahos
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