Dive Rite Question

[Guppie]

A quick question for those of experience.

I'm looking to purchase the transpac II with Rec wings. LP has the two packaged together for $349. My LDS $650. I will never be a anything more than a recreational sport diver/wreck diver. My LDS said the Scubapro classic BC is great for me know, but a transpac II is ideal for the 130' wreck dives, especially if you carry pony bottles. Something that I would never grow out of where as the scubapro I could grow out of.

Now I cant afford the buy it at the LDS and I don't want to be disrespectful and use his time to set the rig up only for me to goto LP and buy it. Being a Novice I don't know what I need.

If I just buy the TranspacII with Rec wings, is that all I need (for BC setup) My LDS did say I didn't need a BP unless I started double tanks. Does it have the tank straps or do I buy those seperate.

Please help the rookie. Thanks.

 

[scubasean]

I bought that exact combo (transpacII with rec wing) from LP and love it. some will say (accurately) that you don't need the lifting power of a rec wing...So a travel or classic wing might be more streamlined...But I do just fine....

It has dual bands for a single tank.

I also have the weight pockets so I can have some integrated weight. I supplement the integrated weight with 6lbs on a weight belt, just so I can move the weight around a bit for trim.

Go for it...

Sean

 

[SeaCobra]

The Dive Rite classic wing is larger and not gusseted than the Rec wing, thus it is not suited for single tank diving. Be careful though, the last person who I encountered who bought the TransPac from LP got a 3 year old unit (never used) and not assembled.

 

[scubasean]

SeaCobra once bubbled...
The Dive Rite classic wing is larger and not gusseted than the Rec wing, thus it is not suited for single tank diving. Be careful though, the last person who I encountered who bought the TransPac from LP got a 3 year old unit (never used) and not assembled.

Thanks for the info on the classic wing...

When did the transpac purchase occur? You can return things, and they do guarantee it is the latest (at least they did for me...). I've bought many items, high and low price ranges, and have been completely satisfied...Regs, computer, B/C, etc.

 

[Scuba_Vixen]

That I got a Transplate for my heavier doubles...they use the same harness, and that's what I really liked. Get the weight pockets from LP as well, about half the regular LDS price. Rec wings are a bit more than you need for singles, but they are not unmanageable at all. The transpac has the advantage that it can "grow" as your needs grow. It's a great BC, and a good buy, pretty much a no brainer. The LDS can "get over it"

What kind of regs are ya thinking about.....

Darlene

 

[Guppie]

Thanks for input, I had another question, but forgot. I think it had to do with weights. I heard with wings its hard for rookies to stablize at the surface. I had a hell of time with a Jacket BC so I'm wondering what weight setup I would use, but I guess thats a skill I'll learn as I dive.

For Regs my #1 pick is ScubaPro Mk25/S600. These I would buy from my LDS since they are a dealer. He actually recommended the Mk16 since he hasn't tested the MK25 at 300 feet yet. He said the Mk16 is a perfect 1st stage. He also thinks the MK25 is just as good, he just hasn't dived with it yet. I'll never see 300 feet so I may go with the m16 just save some $$

As for Octo, I'll pick up a scuba pro Octo as well.

The majority of my dives are in cold water so my reg set up is really influenced by my LDS. I'm sure I'll pay double for that influence but I'll offset that cost by using LP for everything else.

 

[Scuba_Vixen]

relative to cold water reliability (could be argued that they are still trying to get it right) ...While most divers seem satisfied with them, if you ask specifically about free flow problems associated with freezing 1st stages in the Regulators Section, you'll get some Very Well Informed/experienced rersponses.

Before plunking down the $$$ for your regs, I'd ask which ones are best suited to cold water diving in the regs section here. The Mark 25 / S600 has a great reputation overall (generally an excellent choice)...but there may be a better one for cold water..especially if it's very cold water. Just put a "Thinking about a SP Mk25/S600 for cold water... is there a better choice ... suggestions please" thread in the Regulators section..these guys know everything. You'll get good feedback.


Darlene

 

[Albion]

Guppie once bubbled...
Thanks for input, I had another question, but forgot. I think it had to do with weights. I heard with wings its hard for rookies to stablize at the surface. I had a hell of time with a Jacket BC so I'm wondering what weight setup I would use, but I guess thats a skill I'll learn as I dive.

i'm not a rookie but only switched to transpac earleir this year, underwater it is superb, trims out very nice. I did notice the face forward on the surface scenario and found i was paddling a bit. Im diving tropical so single al tank 3mm wetsuit and around 6-8lb of weight. First thing is dont fully inflate the bladder you dont need too. Second i have weight pockets on the waist strap as far back as possible next to the bladder, and also i thread a single weight onto the lower tank strap (at the point furthest from the wing). this works fine on the surface

 

[ScubaRon]

Albion once bubbled...
I did notice the face forward on the surface scenario and found i was paddling a bit...

Just curious: which wing do you have?
ScubaRon

 

[Albion]

i'm not saying my face is planted in the water just that it s more than i was used to after a jacket BC. I also have a video camera which i clip off on one of the top d rings this also puts some weight on the fron t which doesnt help