dlarbale
Contributor
Guys,
Attended a presentation in Adelaide last night by Lamar from Dive Rite. Really interesting stuff all about his latest trip etc and also some pointers about the Transpac II (along with other DR gear).
So being in the market for a new BCD, and looking at the possibility of a BP + harness or a DiveRite I decided to ask some relevant questions. Here they are and his responses (note I'll try to be as accurate as possible, just going from memory!)...
Q/ You mentioned that with the BP configuration it's not possible to sidemount.
A/ I didn't say that it's not possible to sidemount. However the backplate isn't flexible so you can get stuck up on it in a cave. Also restricts movement and has more drag when sidemounting.
Q/ Do you use the same wing for singles and twins?
A/ Depends on the application. It is possible to use the same wing for singles and twins but the amount of lift will be reduced on a twin set because the wing is restricted. (Also mentioned something about the bungies being on the underside and therefore not likely to get snagged - I've seen threads that mention otherwise!).
Q/ Diving dry I see a BP as an advantage because I'd be able to lose the weight belt.
A/ Yes it can be seen as an advantage but what are you going to do when diving wet with several stage bottles and twins? You'll probably be overweighted and have to use an Aluminium/ABS plate.
Other key points relating to BP + harness V's Transpac II...
1/ Having just dived at the Nullarbor he wouldn't have comfortably been able to carry the twin setup the same distance he did with the transpac - BP and harness digs/cuts in.
2/ If you get to a site your exploring and you realise that back mounted doubles aren't what's required you can easily change to side mounts without having to get the wrench out (diving independants).
3/ If everyone is diving independants then why have a long-hose. They have their own redundancy so your never going to have to pass it off. (Did mention that where possible he'd dive Manifold).
4/ When travelling are you realistically going to take your backplate, tank bands and manifold with you just so you can set up twins.
I'm sure there was more but can't remember at the moment. I'll post again if anything springs to mind. Comments please.
Later - Dave
Attended a presentation in Adelaide last night by Lamar from Dive Rite. Really interesting stuff all about his latest trip etc and also some pointers about the Transpac II (along with other DR gear).
So being in the market for a new BCD, and looking at the possibility of a BP + harness or a DiveRite I decided to ask some relevant questions. Here they are and his responses (note I'll try to be as accurate as possible, just going from memory!)...
Q/ You mentioned that with the BP configuration it's not possible to sidemount.
A/ I didn't say that it's not possible to sidemount. However the backplate isn't flexible so you can get stuck up on it in a cave. Also restricts movement and has more drag when sidemounting.
Q/ Do you use the same wing for singles and twins?
A/ Depends on the application. It is possible to use the same wing for singles and twins but the amount of lift will be reduced on a twin set because the wing is restricted. (Also mentioned something about the bungies being on the underside and therefore not likely to get snagged - I've seen threads that mention otherwise!).
Q/ Diving dry I see a BP as an advantage because I'd be able to lose the weight belt.
A/ Yes it can be seen as an advantage but what are you going to do when diving wet with several stage bottles and twins? You'll probably be overweighted and have to use an Aluminium/ABS plate.
Other key points relating to BP + harness V's Transpac II...
1/ Having just dived at the Nullarbor he wouldn't have comfortably been able to carry the twin setup the same distance he did with the transpac - BP and harness digs/cuts in.
2/ If you get to a site your exploring and you realise that back mounted doubles aren't what's required you can easily change to side mounts without having to get the wrench out (diving independants).
3/ If everyone is diving independants then why have a long-hose. They have their own redundancy so your never going to have to pass it off. (Did mention that where possible he'd dive Manifold).
4/ When travelling are you realistically going to take your backplate, tank bands and manifold with you just so you can set up twins.
I'm sure there was more but can't remember at the moment. I'll post again if anything springs to mind. Comments please.
Later - Dave
