Dive Rite TransPlate harness, SS Plate, 40lb Artic wing review.

[Awkwatic]

Jumped into the BP/W wing harness without consideration for jacket style BC's.

The DGX $399 set up isn't bad, but I don't think it'd have worked out for me in the long run. So I looked into the Dive Rite Trans Plate harness and plate, and upgraded the wing to the 40lb artic wing. My biggest gripe with the DGX BPW package is that you can't upgrade the wing to a higher lb lift. I'm a big dude, diving in cold water. So a lot of neoprene to compress at depth, a lot of weight to get me down there, and everything else, I just wasn't comfortable with the DGX kit's 30lb donut having enough lift if I need it. The Dive Rite Trans Plate package allowed me to pick and choose from different wings for a slight up-charge. They had plenty of options for the harness as well, webbing size, buckle styles, pads or no pads, etc.


After getting the BP/W a few days ago, I have to say it's worth the few bucks extra. The quality of it is great. The fit is spot on, and very comfortable. I went with the 2XL harness, but there's obviously a crazy amount of adjustment to be had every way you want it. It blows a jacket style bc out of the water (hah). The artic wing feels bullet proof, the Stainless backplate is polished steel, the LPI is good quality.

I'd absolutely recommend this set up to anyone looking to get into the BP/W world. Nothing against the DGX BP/W, I just noticed more options with the Dive Rite Trans Plate and don't regret going with it.

 

[inquis]

I just wasn't comfortable with the DGX kit's 30lb donut having enough lift if I need it.

As a point of reference, a XXL 7mm wetsuit loses less than 12 lbs of buoyancy at 100 ft. For single-tank, there's 5 lb (AL80) to 7 lb (HP100) you have to carry at the start of the dive. So 17 lbs of total buoyancy to compensate worst case with AL80 tank. Your 40 lb wing has tons of margin.

The potential issue with such wings is trapping air. Be mindful of that when venting, and understand that you may have to adjust your trim to allow some of that air to move to the vent.

Glad you found something you like!

 

[happy-diver]

Man you precision numbers guys make me go numb where do you get that stuff does it really actually work
and there's no tons of margin for thick wetsuit guy, 2 layers 10mm with heaps of weight keeping their head
above a moving ocean so you should let the guy go diving with his new stuff instead of being mindful of BS

 

[Awkwatic]

As a point of reference, a XXL 7mm wetsuit loses less than 12 lbs of buoyancy at 100 ft. For single-tank, there's 5 lb (AL80) to 7 lb (HP100) you have to carry at the start of the dive. So 17 lbs of total buoyancy to compensate worst case with AL80 tank. Your 40 lb wing has tons of margin.

The potential issue with such wings is trapping air. Be mindful of that when venting, and understand that you may have to adjust your trim to allow some of that air to move to the vent.

Glad you found something you like!

Steel HP120 for me. On top of the 5.5lb plate, and another 13-14lbs of pocket lead to get me down.

Did I mention I wear a size 5xl 7mm, 2xl hood and gloves, and size 15 boots? Haha..


And roger on the venting air trapping. I'll figure that out in the pool this weekend when I really put it through the paces.

 

[inquis]

That much gas and suit compression would steer me towards a drysuit as redundant buoyancy (not to mention warmer!). You might consider verifying that you can make a controlled ascent from the bottom with an empty wing (simulated failure). The peace of mind from a successful demo is awfully nice.

 

[Awkwatic]

That much gas and suit compression would steer me towards a drysuit as redundant buoyancy (not to mention warmer!). You might consider verifying that you can make a controlled ascent from the bottom with an empty wing (simulated failure). The peace of mind from a successful demo is awfully nice.

All valid concerns.

I did my checkout dives with a HP120, 7mm suit, hood, gloves, boots, BCD jacket, 20lbs of lead, and the CESA wasn't an issue, and I definitely had an empty bladder. I had no problem maintaining a safe ascent rate and had plenty of power to go faster if need be.

Dry suit is still in the near future, because I plan on getting into ice diving and Lake Michigan diving. Even though I am built like a walrus and can withstand some pretty cold dives, I notice my tolerance fades after the second dive, and that's no fun.