Dive rite wings?

[paperdesk]

I realize the seasoned members are probably tired of broaching this issue, but I didn't find my answer in a search, so . . .

I've been renting equipment and now I'm getting ready to buy my own BCD. I live in the boonies, and no one within a 5 hour drive has a decent shop (as far as I know). So, of course I'm looking online. I came across "Dive Rite". I am more familiar with the traditional BCD not bp/w. So, is this a good brand?

Also, what do I need in a setup. Some setups look like they don't have any padding. Is that because there are things missing? i.e. look at the attached picture (if it came through lol).

Thanks! Ted

 

[paperdesk]

P.S. This isn't me in the picture

 

[matt_unique]

I realize the seasoned members are probably tired of broaching this issue, but I didn't find my answer in a search, so . . .

I've been renting equipment and now I'm getting ready to buy my own BCD. I live in the boonies, and no one within a 5 hour drive has a decent shop (as far as I know). So, of course I'm looking online. I came across "Dive Rite". I am more familiar with the traditional BCD not bp/w. So, is this a good brand?

Also, what do I need in a setup. Some setups look like they don't have any padding. Is that because there are things missing? i.e. look at the attached picture (if it came through lol).

Thanks! Ted

Dive Rite has very good equipment. I use the stainless steel back plate, Classic wing (55 lbs of lift), and Deluxe harness. If diving in cold water with a wetsuit or drysuit you don't need padding on the harness. I wondered the same when I moved from a BC to BP/Wings setup.

When you ask about what you need in a setup....it depends on what kind of diving you will be doing.

--Matt

 

[paperdesk]

Thanks matt. I will be diving mostly in tropical water (although I'm exploring fresh water diving). I use a shorty usually. Will this work for me? The setup in this photo is for sale.

 

[Wendy]

How far are you from Seattle? www.fifthd.com is located there.

 

[paperdesk]

Hi Wendy, I'm about 6 hours from there

 

[matt_unique]

Thanks matt. I will be diving mostly in tropical water (although I'm exploring fresh water diving). I use a shorty usually. Will this work for me? The setup in this photo is for sale.

The picture appears to show the Classic wing which offers 55lbs of lift designed for doubles. I assume you are using single tanks for your dives so you would need a different wing. You might be able to use the back plate and harness for singles if the back plate has slots cut in it to accomdate single tanks.

--Matt

 

[paperdesk]

Ohhh. Sounds like a hassle. I think I'll let this one go and look for a single one. Thanks for the advice.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

Yep, that's a Classic, and not a good choice for a single-tank configuration ... it's designed for doubles.

The backplate looks like an older model, and quite OK. FWIW - you don't need slots cut in the backplate (my DR doesn't have them and I use it for singles) ... you need a single-tank adapter.

IMO - if you're planning to purchase this rig for doubles, OK ... if the price is right and the wing's in good condition (the wing is the most expensive part).

If you want a rig to use for diving singles, this isn't the rig for you. You'll only end up having to purchase a different wing and an single-tank adapter ... which is most of the cost of the setup.

And yes, Dive Rite is good quality gear ... very good, in fact ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[paperdesk]

Thanks for the details Bob. This really helps me since I'm just starting to learn about all this stuff. I'll keep looking for something that will suit me better.