bp weighting?

[jon m]

hey all
purchased a dive rite (used) this weekend and i'm wondering about weight. i assume you have to use a weight belt as no weights integrated? also, it has 2 low pressure inflators (one on each side) is this normal. or for tech diving? can i take off one? it also came with doubles (72's?) how easy is it to convert to a single tank? or should i bother? don't really want to lug 2 tanks,and won't be doing any tech diving soon!
i have never used a bp and wing before, only bc's and i don't have much experience, so is there anything else i should be aware of (differences,ect?)
thanks so much, you're my info center,and any suggestions would be great!
-me

 

[rongoodman]

It has two inflator hoses because it has two bladders inside, for redundancy. It will probably be too large for a single tank and try to wrap around it, trapping air. You can attach weight directly to the plate, in the form of a V-weight, tail weight, or weight plates, but it won't be ditchable. Are the tanks connected by a manifold or independent? In either case, there are specific proceedures for gas and valve management, which you should understand before you take them in the water.

 

[Ben_ca]

Some pictures might help....

 

[jon m]

there is a manifold between the two tanks with a (valve?) in the middle...
so there are two bladders? i filled the wing (left lp) before purchase and both sides completly filled up (at least i think completly!) both sides of the wing were stiff and full of air. do the bladders have a bleed off? like a bc when you over inflate, the valve bleeds off excess air? because the wing got so stiff, i thought it was gonna pop , and stopped filling it!
where can i learn more about this setup? thanks!
-me

 

[jon m]

i'll post pics tomorrow, thanks!
-me

 

[RICHinNC]

you can get diff size weight pockets and place on the belt (mine are way to the rear) if you dont like a weight belt. i have no hips so belts dont cut it for me

 

[cool_hardware52]

there is a manifold between the two tanks with a (valve?) in the middle...
so there are two bladders? i filled the wing (left lp) before purchase and both sides completly filled up (at least i think completly!) both sides of the wing were stiff and full of air. do the bladders have a bleed off? like a bc when you over inflate, the valve bleeds off excess air? because the wing got so stiff, i thought it was gonna pop , and stopped filling it!
where can i learn more about this setup? thanks!
-me

You have "redundant bladder" wing. That's one outer shell and two complete inner bladders. Each bladder has it's own fill hose, and it's own Over Pressure Valve (OPV)

The capacity of the wing is set by the outer shell, either bladder can fill the shell completely. There is considerable debate about the merits of redundant bladder wings, you should acquaint yourself withthe pros and cons. The search function is helpful.

Your wing is too big, and the wrong shape for single tank diving. You can use the plate and harness, but I would recommend buying an appropriate single wing.

What jumps out a me is your need for training. You need to find an Instructor or at the very least a diver currently using a BP&W to walk you through the set up. Same for the doubles, get some assistance. Doubles are a lot of fun, and they aren't rocket science to use, but you need to find somebody to show you the ropes.


Tobin

 

[jon m]

yes, i will understand this setup before i ever get in the water with it... so it sounds like i need a smaller wing for a single tank... do you use a weight belt with your bp?
i was planning on taking the whole rig into my lds for more info...
Tobin- what have you got for a single tank wing? thanks!
-me

 

[jon m]

T- would that lcd 40 fit on any plate? and does it come with (bolts?) to attach to plate?
-me

 

[cool_hardware52]

yes, i will understand this setup before i ever get in the water with it... so it sounds like i need a smaller wing for a single tank... do you use a weight belt with your bp?
i was planning on taking the whole rig into my lds for more info...
Tobin- what have you got for a single tank wing? thanks!
-me

Jon,

There are basic weight related questions for any BC;

1. How much lift is required

2. Total weighting, i.e. the minimum amount of ballast to safely conduct the dive

3. Trim weighting, where should the required ballast be positioned to promote horizontal trim.

I like to do in order. To figure the required lift I need to know how negative your rig will be, and I need to know the initial buoyancy of your exposure suit. If you choose to hang all your ballast on your rig it may require a larger wing than if you choose to use a weight belt for part of your ballast.

If you describe your current configuration we can get a reasonable estimate of your total weighting needs. What exposure suit, BC, tank, and weight do you currently use?


Tobin