BP/Wing conversion CANDIDATE - Ordered

[jduncan]

Well, after diving with all the high techies over the weekend at the quarry, and extensive research on the boards, I broke down and ordered a DSS setup tonight.

I got a SS plate with the pro-fit harness.

Since we drysuit dive with lots of thermal wear here in New England, I ordered the weight plate to optionally make the rig 13lbs neg.

I went with the 40 pound lift. Now this was a big debate. As much as I tried to get Tobin to tell me which one to order, it was ultimately my choice. He did say there was little noticable difference and certainly no negative impact going with the 40. What is the rule? If I use more than 30# weights I need a lift with more than 30? I'm not sure.

My thoughts were that I have a 40 pound BC now, and with upwards of 30 pounds of weight in salt using the drysuit, the 40 wouldn't hurt. If anyone thinks I made a big mistake please tell me!

Using an AL80 I'll have aprox 13 pounds non-ditch weight, 12 pounds on the weight belt in fresh, and 18 in salt.

I hope that I picked a decent combination. I can see that steel tanks are in my future, as well as the poor house.

Cheers,

Jeff

P.S. DON'T tell Lisa!! I'll be ordering ANOTHER one and then I'll REALLY be poor!

 

[Green_Manelishi]

A 'more lift' wing become bad when it is so large that it "tacos" the tank and/or presents a lot of area for drag in a current or while swimming.

I'd not worry about the 40 pound wing if it's a single tank wing.

I'd offload the aluminum and buy large steel singles.

 

[jduncan]

Yes, it's a single.

Yep, those steels are on the list. We are thinking the steel PST 80 or 100. The issue is that I will want to get 8 of them to replace all 8 of the AL 80's, and thats about 2K! Does it EVER stop?

Funny how things change over the years. Back in the 70's and 80's it was backplates and steel tanks. Then came the jacket BCD and aluminum tank craze, and everyone switched. Now here we are back with backplates and steel.

 

[cummings66]

I think you're fine with the 40 lb wing you got. I use the 30 lb wing on my DSS rig and have mine setup a bit differently due to trim requirements.

I have the 13 lbs for the BP/weight plate, then I have 2 3lb weights in trim pouches on the tank bands for a total of 6 lbs there and 19 lbs total weight on my back. I don't really need any weight elsewhere but have had 6 lbs on a belt with it. My drysuit is a shell type so it doesn't compress and leave me heavy down deep. So the most weight I'll ever use be it salt or fresh is 25 lbs, and of that 6 lbs would be on a belt so the rig will float easily with the 30 lb wing, and even with 25 lbs I had no issues on the surface. I actually tested it by having a total weight of 30 lbs to see what it would do, and it was fine. I think you will be fine as well because as I understand it, the major difference between the 30 and 40 lb wing with the DSS system is the bladder only.

You will love it when you get it.

 

[Green_Manelishi]

Yes, it's a single.

Yep, those steels are on the list. We are thinking the steel PST 80 or 100. The issue is that I will want to get 8 of them to replace all 8 of the AL 80's, and thats about 2K! Does it EVER stop?

Funny how things change over the years. Back in the 70's and 80's it was backplates and steel tanks. Then came the jacket BCD and aluminum tank craze, and everyone switched. Now here we are back with backplates and steel.

No, it never stops

I know divers that still use the old-style backpac; it's simple and reliable.

Unless there is a reason to limit yourself to the 80, go with the 100. Gas (breathing) is like ammunition; if you can carry it, there is never too much With that said, I like 80s for shore diving at Nubble.

 

[cummings66]

Yes, it's a single.

Yep, those steels are on the list. We are thinking the steel PST 80 or 100. The issue is that I will want to get 8 of them to replace all 8 of the AL 80's, and thats about 2K! Does it EVER stop?

Well, you can sell those AL's and get some money back. You could also figure out the weight difference between it and the steel as far as how neg the steel is and then use some lead on the AL to get them close. Then when you use the AL you just add that much lead to the weight bands on the tank meaning no adjustments needed for your weighting.

I'm in the process of switching to steel HP tanks and my first step is to get my reg setup as a 300 bar din and get a yoke adaptor for it. Then I'll start buying HP steel tanks as finances allow.

 

[Al Mialkovsky]

I refuse to switch Well I love my steels but.....

 

[jduncan]

Thanks for the feedback, I was concerned that the 40 might have been the wrong move.

 

[lisa_j]

Now you have to buy me one too. Late Christmas presents are always accepted and appreciated

 

[jduncan]

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