Dive Rite Transplate harness + weight belt OK?

[plongeursousmarin]

Hi,
I'm another one who's considering going with a backpack and wings setup. I'm a non-current PADI DM (got my DM in 1995), just moved to South East Florida so I can dive on a regular basis and to resume my training to become an instructor. Like many, I will primarily do warmer water diving with single AL80s, (I'm considering getting my own steel 95s however) and I'm interested in tech diving, at some point if any sites down this area are worth going into it.
I've checked around different manufacturers' websites, such as OMS, Oxycheck, Halcyon, it's all a little overwhelming but my choice as of now seems to be with DiveRite. So far I've kind of resisted the weight-integrated thing (kind of a retro-grouch I guess), I've always thought it would be a pain (two pockets to load/ditch instead of one belt buckle and voil&#224 so I was wondering if those harnesses make it convenient to use a regular weight belt and if you have a crotch strap and use it (otherwise does the wing and tank assembly kind of float off away from the body?), I imagine you slide the weight belt on over it, is that so? Or are most people using weight integrated systems at this point? Also, do pockets work well with harnesses in general and the DiveRite Transplate in particular (I anticipate needing substantial pocket space for slates and other student-grading accessories)?
Thanks a lot for any feedback.

 

[Tom Winters]

Use a steel tank and backplate and in southern Florida, you can skip the weight issue entirely. The only pocket worth a damn IMHO is the thigh pocket. I use the Oxycheq variation - that would hold any teaching stuff you had to drag along.

 

[RICHinNC]

Im not an instructor nor have I even spent a night in the Holiday Inn Express....

But I do own a DR TransPlate with delux harness and I use two weight pockets pushed wayyyyyyy back on each side of the belt and it works fine.

I think the times one will have to drop weights are so few....IF EVER....and if one does have to drop weights, I have never heard a story where it had to be done in gunslinger speed. So the pouches for me get rid of just another strap around me to get fouled in something.

I dont have a six pack so the need for a crotch strap does not exist. I have no problem with the waist belt coming up like the cumberbund on my old vest style use to do.

 

[Hyper-limits]

I dive with BP/W with double or single and I use a weight belt. With my double 85s because there are on the small size and not as negative as larger steel cylinder I need only 10 lbs.
I put the weight belt on first and crotch strap over it. Because most of my dive require deco before returning to the surface the last thing I want is to drop my weight belt anyway. And if it come undone by accident it will fall and get caught in the crotch strap (hopefully)which is a good thing. As for pockets I agree with Tom, thigh pocket is the way to go.

Cheers

Al

 

[wunat]

You might not need additional weight when you convert to BP+Wing especially if you will be using stainless plates. It depends on how much weight you are diving with right now. But additional weight is needed, weight belts can be put on even if you are using a cotch strap if you don't like weight pockets.

Also, just something you might want to think about. BP+Wing might not be convenient if you want to use such setup when you become an instructor. This might be especially true when it comes to skill demonstration during confine water. I am currently working on my DM. I use a typical jacket style BC for confine water assistances. But for openwater, I certainly dive with BP+Wing. Just my perspective on this you might want to think about.

 

[murphdivers286]

I'm thinking about the DR Transplate also, but I want to use the weight pouches... I also have looked around and I have tried on several.. The transplate just feels better to me...

 

[jim T.]

I too would appreciate any detailed info. regarding the transplate and harness and whether or not the 32lb. weight pouches can be used comfortably without their banging constantly against one's thighs.

I'm still thinking about using a doubles/singles rec wing(51lb.) combo wing with singles for now and would appreciate hearing from users who haven't found drag via tacoing, or exhausting air to be particularly troublesome. I've read most if not all of the other threads but long time users of the rec wing, here, could really help me to evaluate whether or not those concerns are a LOT more troublesome than using dedicated singles wings. One PM from a board member didn't notice any issues at all. So I'm wondering what the concensus might be among actual users.

I'm diving drysuit in the Pacific Northwest with a steel 95. I've got 20 dives to my name but want to definitely go with b.p. wing.

Any anecdotal reviews of users with the rec wing under similar circumstances would be greatly appreciated either here or via PM. Thanks in advance! The best thread I've read in the past was: Diverite rec wing vs. venture wing. Have ALL new Oxycheq and Deepsea Systems users who formerly used diverite, preferring their new rigs over the rec wing?

One last thing. I've been trying for weeks online to find photos of or comments from Atlantic wreck divers, etc. to see how they've been used and received over the last 20yrs. I do know that Ginnie Springs cave divers use/used them for years? Please hip me to any links if they know of any famous/well respected divers who've used Diverite b.p.s over the years?

I have a tempting purchase being waived in front of me and would like to know more.

Thanks to a very helpful and knowldgable board for the assistance you've already given me.

Jim T.

 

[RICHinNC]

JT...to each his own for whatever the reasons....

I have the SS backplate and I use the delux harness. It is the harness that is adjustable and has quick releases. I can understand how those that stage dive and have several heavy bottles hanging off of them might jump in and scream they are points of failure....and they might be but I dont dive that way so it is not an issue with me. I am an ''elder'' diver and getting in and out of a continuous piece of strap just does not cut it comfort wise for me. I have tried it so no arguing pls!!!

I have dry dived, but, the majority of my diving is warm water with a 3/2 full suit usually the most I wear.

I did get the Rec bungeed wing which is "suppose" to be able to do both singles and doubles. If we can get past myopic thought, I hope to try doubles some day but since I have purchased the Rec wing with the TransPlate, I have so far dove only singles. I have no problems venting air, with wing entangling on anything, and I cant tell of any drag. Now I am not using any scientific equipment to measure drag....but it isnt a problem with my book. PLUS...I attach a 13 cuft pony to my cam bands with a ponease bottle mount and still no sig drag or roll effect either.

If you do the multi bottle thing....it would probably be a good idea to go with the Hog or Dir thing. As for weight pouches....when I got my rig I got the middle size pouches that DR makes. Mistake. I need only 6 lbs of weight in ocean dives and they (the middle size) were way too big. Considering DR charges an outrageous $100 for the next size pouch down too.....I went and got a set of Zeagle pouches for only $44.

Wish you luck partner....youre in for a ride here. I would be glad to make a recommendation where to pick up a rig....pm me....

rich

 

[paulithepin]

I use the DR BP/W with the 16 lb pouches. They are as far back on the waist belt as I can put them and I often forget I have them on at all! They are comfortable, well placed (center of gravity) and are easily removed if necessary. I have never neded to do so but have practiced it on occassion.
Paul

 

[RICHinNC]

I use the DR BP/W with the 16 lb pouches. They are as far back on the waist belt as I can put them and I often forget I have them on at all! They are comfortable, well placed (center of gravity) and are easily removed if necessary. I have never neded to do so but have practiced it on occassion.
Paul

Ditto on that. After my first dive I pushed my weight pouches way back to the plate and perfect trim.

That is what would concern me about leg pouches. Seems like it would make you bottom heavy.....just seems it to me.....no arrows pls./