Could really use some info on wings

[DST]

Can anyone provide me with some information on the types of wings they like or don't like? I am a diver from South Carolina who is trying to learn a bit about different wing setups. While I have only thus far completed cavern training, it is my hope to progress onto full cave. However, right now I am stuck with an open water BC which, although it is a cominbation jacket/wing style, pretty much frustrates me at every turn. I have been looking into wings for a while, but I would like to find something flexible so that I can use them in different environments and could maybe switch out the wings easily enough to support both singles and doubles. In South Carolina there are no real cave systems to speak of, and mostly my diving is on single tanks.

Another consideration for me is whether or not an aluminum vs. steel backplate is more appropriate for me, given that I wear no weight with my 80 cu. steel unless diving with my 7mm, wherein I wear about 4 pounds. I also do a good bit of river diving, and need to have some rather hefty amount of lift to bring up all my goodies...I have not subscribed to the lift bag theory yet, as I still believe my goodies will float down the swift river without me.

Any suggestions?

 

[theskull]

To start with, you will need a backplate and harness, or something like a TransPac or IQ pack. I agree that if you are not using weight or using very little, the aluminum backplate would be good for you.

For the wings, you will need a single wing to dive with a single cylinder, and a separate dougle wing for diving doubles when you get to that configuration. Unless you buy something like the DiveRite Rec wing, which is a compromise shape that can be used for either setup.

Brand selection is more personal and opinion than feature since these are pretty much generic components that can be mixed and matched. My personal favorites are DiveRite and Halcyon, but I have buddies who are equally happy with OMS, Oxycheq, and DeepSeaSupply.

Find a local shop that is a dealer for one or more of these brands to help you, or do a ton of research and then buy online.

Hope this helps. Dive safe and have fun,

theskull

p.s. Don't understand why the BC frustrates you. Please understand that a BP/W will not make you a better diver, it is just another tool for managing your SCUBA gear that is more appropriate for some situations than a BC might be.

 

[theskull]

??

Just gave you an answer to this question in the BC forum.

Most users click on the New Posts button to start and when multiple identical questions pop up it is annoying.

theskull

 

[Ber Rabbit]

Duplicate threads combined into one and left in the Buoyancy Compensator section of the board

Ber :lilbunny:

 

[rescuediver009]

I do understand why the BC frustrates you and while the won't dive for you as mentioned, it will vastly enhance your skills (not as mentioned). The rear inflation accompanied by the low profile and reduced clutter is something that you will quickly begin to like. Most will never go back to a BC.

I think that once you decide which plate to go with (I would recomend stainless just for the extra durability) and you have the harness, I would suggest deciding how much lift you need. Once you decide that you can compare the various makes and see which best meets your needs. OMS wings are good with their bungees, but will likely become frowned upon when you progress to cave certification. They also have a good 60 lb. wing. I don't think that it would be good for singles as it is quite wide. OMS also recently redesigned their single tank wing that is now a donut to reduce the air collecting in one spot. The Halcyon single tank system is interesting though as it incorporates the single tank adapter with the bladder.

As you can see there is much to consider. I am sure that you will eventually hear from someone that prefers every make. So do your research and look at what you need.

 

[pdoege]

I have a Oxycheq 45 and 30 that I use with single tanks. I'd sitck with the 45 given the choice again.

I have a Dive Rite 45 and and Halcyon 55 that I use with doubles. I'd go with a 55 Oxycheq Razor given the choice now. The DR is a bit small and the Halcyon is a bit wide.

Peter

 

[Dive-aholic]

I dive Oxycheq for both single and double configurations. I like the donut shape v. the horseshoe shape. You'll find a lot of disagreement on this. Personally it seems like it would be easier to vent air from the donut shape. I haven't dived a horseshoe shaped wing though, so I can't comment on that from experience. I dive a AL plate. I don't use much weight. In my doubles with the AL plate and a dry suit I'm really negative at the beginning of the dive, but I compensate with my wing and eventually my dry suit.

It's already been stated by rescue diver, but I'll restate - avoid the bungied wings if you want to do any kind of overhead diving.

I started with a backinflate BC and did pretty well with it. Now that I'm in a wing, I'll never go back! But it was almost like learning how to dive all over again. It is different. You'll find you need to get used to the change from a jacket to a wing. As skull stated, the wing won't make you a better diver. That just comes with time.

 

[rescuediver009]

I would think that the halcyon is a little wide.
Everyone seems to be the "first to introduce" the donut doubles wing. So far I have seen them from Halcyon, Oxycheq, and Deepsea supply.
The Halcyon one looks best to me.

I think that I am still partial to the shelled bladder though. If you tear the denier shell you may still have the urethane interior. I am still not convinced on how that is a "failure point".

You definetely want a wing that is not very wode though. I think that the Halcyon ones like the explorer are a little wide though I have never tried one.