Diverite Rec Wing and Singles

[Patrick]

Anyone want to tell me what the hell "taco" is?

I assume its some sort of term for tank wrap

It is a common term used when the wing itself wraps around the sides of the cylinder resulting in extra drag and extra work in dumping gas. This can be due to either the wing design or using a single cylinder with a wing desgned for doubles.

It kind of looks like a "hot dog in a bun". There are a number of photos posted of people diving wings, you will know it when you see it.

Best regards,

Patrick
OxyCheq
http://oxycheq.com
OxyCheq

 

[Splitlip]

Anyone want to tell me what the hell "taco" is?

Then there is this Taco

YouTube - Taco - Puttin' on the Ritz (Original Uncensored Version)

 

[Colliam7]

My question is - is the DR Rec wing appropriate for single steel tank cold sea water diving (i.e. wearing 7mm suit + 5mm vest, boots, etc). ...
I have put together the harness and wing yesterday and have tightened the gusset control to its tightest (uppermost) position. According to a few people (and DR), this should help avoid the dreaded "taco" effect. ... Have I made a big mistake? Is it likely there will be a lot of drag in the water with this wing even with the GCS fully tightened?

Yes, it is appropriate. No, you haven't made a big mistake. No, it is not 'likely' that there will be a lot of drag. I dive a Rec with single, and double, HP steel 120s. Really like it for singles. Slightly prefer a Halcyon Explorer (55) with doubles and deco bottles, but the Rec works fine with doubles alone. Haven't used it for scootering where drag might be more apparent, but it works well for me even in currents. As Stephen Ash said - dive it, enjoy it. Tweak the GCS to see what works for you. If you move to doubles, try it in that configuation as well. You may evolve to a different wing, you may not.

 

[roughwater]

I too use a Rec Wing for both single's and doubles - and personally, I don't have any issues with it whatsoever. I find it quite comfortable for both singles and doubles.

It is of course, my own personal opinion from my own experience. (I don't use DPV's) Others here seemed to have had some problems/issues with it. Most of the guys I go diving with have a DR with the Rec Wing too, and swear by it.

As a disclaimer - I can't comment on it compared to the other wings mentioned here however, as I haven't tried any of those yet, but at this stage, don't see the need to try either - as I'm quite comfortable and happy with what I have.

... just another opinion. :14:

 

[cgvmer]

After reading all the post in this thread, one thing was state a number of times without any real substantiation. The idea that the "TACO" increase drag....

If I have an un or slightly inflated wing laying relatively flat (aka no-taco) water will still flow across all surfaces since there is nothing stopping it. In a non-flat lying wing, (TACO) the wing is having a similar surface area coming into contact with water flowing across it. So in either case the drag would be very close for taco or non-taco.

I understand there is still a possibilty of air dumping issues but I haven't thought that through yet

 

[Patrick]

After reading all the post in this thread, one thing was state a number of times without any real substantiation. The idea that the "TACO" increase drag....

If I have an un or slightly inflated wing laying relatively flat (aka no-taco) water will still flow across all surfaces since there is nothing stopping it. In a non-flat lying wing, (TACO) the wing is having a similar surface area coming into contact with water flowing across it. So in either case the drag would be very close for taco or non-taco.

I understand there is still a possibilty of air dumping issues but I haven't thought that through yet

A wing that tacos has significantly higher drag because there is so much more of a frontal profile that you are pushing through the water. Take a 4" square piece of wood and put it in front of you when diving and you will get a very clear idea on how much additional work it is to push something that small.

IMO, the only reason to dive a wing that serves both duties as a double and single wing is if you cannot afford two wings. It is like taking a driver to the putting green.

Best regards,

Patrick
OxyCheq
http://oxycheq.com

 

[cgvmer]

A wing that tacos has significantly higher drag because there is so much more of a frontal profile that you are pushing through the water. Take a 4" square piece of wood and put it in front of you when diving and you will get a very clear idea on how much additional work it is to push something that small.

IMO, the only reason to dive a wing that serves both duties as a double and single wing is if you cannot afford two wings. It is like taking a driver to the putting green.

Best regards,

Patrick
OxyCheq
http://oxycheq.com

I would expect the same except when that would mean the TACOing would include a large frontal component rather than what I see in the attached pictures which have little frontal profile. (I say frontal but it is only frontal while horizontal)
I do agree in some situation such as overhead or penetration diving you would not want your wing to rise too far for entanglement reasons

 

[String]

OK taco is what we here would call tank wrap.
I have never seen a taco (non diving kind) so the reference was missed entirely on me.

 

[Patrick]

I would expect the same except when that would mean the TACOing would include a large frontal component rather than what I see in the attached pictures which have little frontal profile. (I say frontal but it is only frontal while horizontal)
I do agree in some situation such as overhead or penetration diving you would not want your wing to rise too far for entanglement reasons

If the wing can taco, it has a much larger profile than one that cannot. There are a number of examples of wings that taco and that do not taco posted. If seeing photos is not believing, PM me and I will put you in contact with a shop where you can physically touch them.

If you have yet to purchase a wing, this is the best advice I can give you. Look at the various wings available by all mgs. Know how much urethane you have under the outer shell, know how thick the inner bladder is, know where the materials are made that make up the wing, know the warranty, know the features (360 loop of U shaped, access to bladder or no access, bladderless or bladder), and if possible, see if you can dive a demo or rental and compare the prices for what you are purchasing.

Best regards,

Patrick
OxyCheq
http://oxycheq.com

 

[RJP]

I would expect the same except when that would mean the TACOing would include a large frontal component rather than what I see in the attached pictures which have little frontal profile. (I say frontal but it is only frontal while horizontal)
I do agree in some situation such as overhead or penetration diving you would not want your wing to rise too far for entanglement reasons

Drag is a function of total surface area, not just that surface area that "faces forward."

That said, a wing that exhibits a "taco" effect by definition has more material than necessary. Because it is wider than it needs to be it presents both greater overall surface area that must be "pulled" through the water as well as greater front-facing surface area that must be "pushed" through the water.