BP/Wings any recommendations

[MXGratefulDiver]

Depends on what you mean by quality. The Dive Rite wings are built very well (IMO) ... and are comparable to Halcyon and Oxycheq. I base that on having owned two Dive Rite wings, dived a couple I didn't own, and currently owning and diving both Halcyon and Oxycheq wings. Quality-wise, they're all good.

Now, if you want to talk performance ... that's a different matter.

I'll take a Halcyon, Oxycheq, or DSS 30# wing over the Dive Rite Venture anyday. Personal preference, perhaps, but those all trim easier, dump easier, and ... frankly ... have more usable buoyancy for the type of cylinders I use (8" diameter steels) than the Venture.

The other wing I owned was a Rec wing ... which is also a nice wing. But to be honest, when I got my first 45# Oxycheq singles wing, I sold my Rec wing almost right away. For singles diving, there was no comparison in terms of stability and ease of use. It was like going from a pickup truck to a nice luxury sedan. Of course, the Rec wing can be used for doubles by taking off the bungee, which the standard singles wings can't ... and some folks would see that as an advantage. But I prefer a dedicated doubles wing for doubles.

So I guess it depends on what you're looking for. Me, I like a lot of Dive Rite products ... but based on owning and trying out a lot of different singles wings, they're not my favorite.

Now, the Classic is a different story altogether, if you're looking for a quality doubles wing ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[Wreck]

I don't think I could mange the doubles. I keep seeing friends of mine struggling with the weight -- it's not for me.

O. T.
I think my rig weighs around 150 lbs all told, but I don't spend my time in it above the surface You get used to it, no matter the struggle.

Wearing sigle tanks again makes me feel like I forgot something :06:

 

[cesar]

I mean quality as in compare inflator hoses. Stainless steel, or plastic. Thats just a simple obvious comparison on the material used. If you were to hold up the two set ups side by side... I think the difference between them is obvious.

There isa performance difference as well. Now yes...dive rite has a wing that can manage doubles and singles... but most say it does both equally as bad. I have no biasis between the two i've just spent plenty of time comparing the two and diving the differnet set-ups to come to my decision of diving the eclipse. Now when it comes to regulators I love the dive-rite RG2500. This will replace my Scubapro D400.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

I mean quality as in compare inflator hoses. Stainless steel, or plastic.

I would hesitate to use Halcyon inflator hoses as an example of quality ... it's a nice idea, but also has been a problem for them. FWIW - I've seen more Halcyon inflators fail than anyone else's. And it's rather inconvenient when you're trying to hold a shallow stop and your wing keeps inflating itself.

Granted, they have fixed the problem ... but it's a problem I haven't seen on other people's wings ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[Quaff King]

Good Afternoon,
Just curious, I'm new to diving and currently have a Zeagle Ranger LTD. I like my ranger but just seems kinda cluttered when trying to reach for the pockets and stuff. I'm sure I will get more use to it though. I only have 4 dives on it at this point. But does anyone have any recommendations if I decide to purchase a BP/wing set up? I had originally looked at the Halycon Eclipse, which I thought looked pretty simple and comfortable. I know its nice to try things out first but in my area its not really an option. And I hate to cause debate over this, but chances are I will be ordering off the internet since I have not seen a single dive store in my area that even carry a BP/Wing setup. Also what is the norm for a BP/Wing setup, do you wear a separate weight belt or do most have ditchable weight pockets that you can put on the waist band? And I'm not looking to get rid of the ranger, just looking for an addition to the collection of dive gear.
Any help advice would be appreciated.
David

David,
Save a bunch of money. Buy a Hammerheadscuba.com backplate and harness and some xs scuba weight pockets. Throw two of them on your belt. Now hook up your tanks and go diving. Use the money you saved to send to the the Hurricane victims.
Safe Diving!

 

[WaterDawg]

FWIW - I've seen more Halcyon inflators fail than anyone else's. And it's rather inconvenient when you're trying to hold a shallow stop and your wing keeps inflating itself.

Granted, they have fixed the problem ... but it's a problem I haven't seen on other people's wings ...

.

Other companies have recalls but I dont think they get as much press as this one did. Sherwood also had an inflator recal w/in the last few years. The shop I work at sells both. Its the little things that help make the difference (ie.integrated STA vs none at all).

 

[sshaffer]

David,
Save a bunch of money. Buy a Hammerheadscuba.com backplate and harness and some xs scuba weight pockets. Throw two of them on your belt. Now hook up your tanks and go diving. Use the money you saved to send to the the Hurricane victims.
Safe Diving!

What happened to hammerheadscuba.com? I tried to visit their web site but it apparently doesn't exist?

Scott

 

[Ernesto]

What happened to hammerheadscuba.com? I tried to visit their web site but it apparently doesn't exist?

Scott

I just went there and there site's workin' for me.
I don't know anything about their stuff...but they have great cleavage shots if that's important to your backplate decision.

ernie