Dive Rite Transpac

[archman]

If I didn't do so much tropics diving, I'd go for the BP/wing. Thousands of postings on the merits of these things can't be wrong. It's the simplest and most flexible design out there, period.

But I feel a backplate is uncomfortable to wear (on the surface) unless you have some suit of exposure suit on between your back and the plate. Hence my sticking with an X-Tek for so many years, and just recently the upgrade to a TransPac II. That back padding sure is nice!

Regarding the heavier weight of backplates when travelling I must remind everyone that there are aluminum and plastic backplates on the market. There are even special "travel" stainless steel backplates that have had the nonessential areas of the "plate" removed. They have an hourglass shape. I think OxyCheq sells 'em.

 

[The Kraken]

If padding is an issue, OMS sells a back plate pad that, from what I can tell, is pretty generic fitting for B/P's.

 

[archman]

If padding is an issue, OMS sells a back plate pad that, from what I can tell, is pretty generic fitting for B/P's.

NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! :11:

 

[The Kraken]

Oh, Yessssssss!!!!

 

[Mandy3206]

If padding is an issue, OMS sells a back plate pad that, from what I can tell, is pretty generic fitting for B/P's.

May or may not fit other BP, that depends on hole placement, but you can allways drill your own custom holes.

Also the OMS BP Pad has a pocket for storage lift bags or SSD, Halcyon also has a similar BP Pad.

My Halcyon liferaft, rides inside my OMS Pad.

I don't use this Pad every dive, just when carrying the raft.

With or without the pad, the plate is very confortable to my back.
I have to bend foward less to walk with the BP than with a BC, it's rock solid on my back.

With my brothers TPII, the harness it's the same firmness as the BP, but the tank moves a bit.

For travel convenience, I think the DR TPII or OMS IQ may fit the bill perfectly.

Ahh, I almost forgot, the IQ can acomodate a BP inside it's back pocket.

As you can see, there are so many options that you may want to surf all the websites, DR, OMS, Oxycheq, Halcyon just to name a few, before you make your decision

 

[ranger]

Great BC, well made and comfortable.

 

[Hollywoodivers Karim]

What do you think of it? Is it comfortable? Even for women?
Is the weight integrated system good?

Do you have other suggestions good for a women with weight system?

Hi there.

I am currently diving with the DiveRite transpac. It is a wonderful back-inflated BC, very streamlined, fully customizable. You can add a lot of accessories or none; it is up to you. This is the only BC on the market that has the shoulder straps not stiched into the cummerbund; this feature allows the user regardless of his or her weight/size to have a close and tight fit that prevents any shift of the tank on your back. It is extremely comfortable thanks to padded material on the harness. This is really a unisex BC in the sense that the shoulder straps adjust not only vertically but horizontally as well (regardless of chest size, torso height or waiste line). DiveRite offers two weight pocket systems (one is 32lbs (16lbs in each pockets), the other is 16lbs (8lbs per pocket)). Depending on your weight, if you dive in cold or warm water, the thickness of your suit... you may choose one or the other. A good alternative to the diverite BC is the Scubapro Ladyhawk (back-inflated, weight-integrated BC but no expendability in terms of accessories). Take care. Hope I was helpful.

Karim

 

[archman]

Dang Hollywoodivers Karim, you should sign up as a Dive-Rite rep. Sounded like right out of a brochure. I forgot about the usefulness of the detached waist strap, thanks for reminding me.