Converted to BP/W with a good deal... Worried about use with single tank (WTX6R)

[trappist]

I know many of you will say "uh no, yet another topic on the subject", but I did some searches and since I'm looking specific experience on the wing I bought I wanted to have your advices.

So I bought a BP/W and harness, full set at a very attractive price including a single tank adapter, just look like new can't wait to try it.

Long term, this will mostly be used with my double tanks when I'm back home, one day Short/Medium term, I only have a single tank, 119cf (bigger diameter) so I wonder how this wing will behave on such a setup... Does anyone have specific experience with that wing on single tanks ? Is there anything special I should prepare upfront ?

I'd appreciate help/advices

Before you ask, I do not consider myself as a Tech Diver (yet), but since I've seen the definition: dive with deco stop - I guess I have at least one foot in that field This is because at CMAS we do dive with tables and deco stops, but not as advanced as I would consider tech really... For me tech starts with tough dives (cave, trimix, separate deco mix - nitrox as example...) and I'm not yet there ! On my long term to do list

 

[trogloxene]

The WTX6R is an Apeks redundant buoyancy cell with 60lb lift.

WTX6R Buoyancy Cell

I have no experience with this wing, but it will probably be very large for a single tank. As mentioned in other Scubaboard threads - When using a double wing for a single tank, the wing may "taco" (wrap around) your tank and trap air.


Sean

 

[trappist]

The WTX6R is an Apeks redundant buoyancy cell with 60lb lift.

I have no experience with this wing, but it will probably be very large for a single tank. As mentioned in other Scubaboard threads - When using a double wing for a single tank, the wing may "taco" (wrap around) your tank and trap air.


Sean

Correct, and this is what I fear. Anything I could do to prevent this ?
This is why I need to have the specific help with owners of that stuff

I can see long term that I will need 2 wings... this one for my doubles which I believe will work beautifully and a second one for my single tank... but that is a dream for later, when I'll win at the lottery (or find another good deal as this one) :cool2:

 

[Anti-Hero]

That wing is far too big for single tank diving. It's likely going to taco all the way around the tank which will trap gas making venting difficult, and will also cause some dynamic instability.

 

[trappist]

I also guess that what I could do is to orient myself differently when letting air go, knowing this is not the right principle with wings (supposed to be straight flat)...

 

[FredT]

Or install a spreader between the tank and the wing to keep it out and down where it belongs.

 

[Rainer]

Buy a singles wing. If you're going to be in singles for awhile, just flip the doubles wing for a singles one. A 60# doubles wing is not what you want with a single HP119.

 

[DevonDiver]

Before you ask, I do not consider myself as a Tech Diver (yet), but since I've seen the definition: dive with deco stop - I guess I have at least one foot in that field This is because at CMAS we do dive with tables and deco stops, but not as advanced as I would consider tech really... For me tech starts with tough dives (cave, trimix, separate deco mix - nitrox as example...) and I'm not yet there ! On my long term to do list

The DSAT definition for Tech Diving is:

Technical scuba diving is diving other than conventional commercial or research diving that takes divers beyond recreational diving limits. It is further defined as and includes one or more of the following: diving beyond 40 metres/130 feet, required stage decompression, diving in an overhead environment beyond 40 linear metres/130 linear feet of the surface, accelerated decompression, and/or the use of variable gas mixtures during the dive. Technical scuba diving uses extensive methodologies, technologies and training to manage and added risk. Typically this means using complex equipment in situations where direct access to the surface is inaccessible due to a ceiling imposed by decompression, or other physical barrier such as that found in cave or a wreck diving environments.

However, the definition of what is, and is not, Tech Diving can differ greatly from individual to individual and between organizations/agencies....

Here is NOAA's definition...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Oceanic_and_Atmospheric_Administration "Technical diving is a term used to describe all diving methods that exceed the limits imposed on depth and/or immersion time for recreational scuba diving. Technical diving often involves the use of special gas mixtures (other than compressed air) for breathing. The type of gas mixture used is determined either by the maximum depth planned for the dive, or by the length of time that the diver intends to spend underwater. While the recommended maximum depth for conventional scuba diving is 130 ft, technical divers may work in the range of 170 ft to 350 ft, sometimes even deeper. Technical diving almost always requires one or more mandatory decompression "stops" upon ascent, during which the diver may change breathing gas mixes at least once."


For me, I avoid a set definition of 'Tech Diving' and prefer to define a 'Tech Diver'. I think this is easier...

A Tech Diver is an individual with the appropriate training and mind-set required to conduct diving that places the diver into a situation where they are not able to ascend directly to the surface, through either an actual or decompression imposed ceiling. Furthermore, that diver should be capable of using suitable equipment and gas mixes to conduct their dives in a safe and time-efficient manner, including accelerated decompression and the ability to set a maximum narcotic depth.


Whilst, by some definitions, any dive exceeding a no-stop limit can be classified as a 'tech'; dive - I think you are realistic to appreciate that true 'tech' diving requires the appropriate training and equipment to be able to approach decompression diving safely and methodically.

As a relatively novice diver, I conducted decompression dives courtesy of the BSAC system. However, these dives really offered very minimal decompression and were definitely not the same 'monster' as the sort of decompression dives I conducted during and after my initial tech training with TDI and DSAT.

 

[trappist]

Or install a spreader between the tank and the wing to keep it out and down where it belongs.

I would be interested to learn what is a spreader, although I start to feel my wing is way too big... I thought this was a good deal, here we go for a newbie It will be usable when I'm back and I can use it right now since I'm diving dry and use my drysuit as buyancy device ;o) again, no need to start discussion on this there are several schools, I found it easier to manage only the dry suit and keep me warmer, some others prefer just the bcd... question of personal choice ;o) In mine, the wing would be a true backup if my drysuit fail, so easy one

 

[FredT]

A spreader is a lexan sheet used to push the wing contact area out to where the doubles would normally do it. Easy to make on your backplate with a 1/8" Lexan sheet (generally sold as double thick widow glazing), a 3/8" drill, your normal wing hardware and a warm oven. Cut the plate to size, then bolt it to your strapless plate on the wing side. Place it in the oven until the Lexan plate sags then iron it to your plate by hand with a couple hot pads and allow the entire thing to cool. Sandwich the wing between it and the plate marking it to where the reinforcing stops on the wing. Trim the lexan to just inside that point and round all edges. Now reinstall the wing and tank, and inflate your wing. Adjust size as necessary. Cost should be an afternoon and less than $20 for the Lexan.