Do I need two tank straps?

[hedgehog47]

Hi, I have a diverite transpac with a venture wing on it. I wear my tank as low as I can using the systems dual tank straps. I realize now that I can move the wing up and down slightly, but really can't change the position of the straps. I want to remove the top strap and only use the bottom strap so I can ride with the tank lower, My head hits the reg constantly and I find I am always in a slightly "head down" trim leading me to have to arch my back the entire dive, which I'm not thrilled about.

 

[tbone1004]

First off, you can technically run with one strap, but it's not a good idea, much less stability of the rig, it also makes it very unsafe. Have seen many tanks slip out of rigs because they were mounted too low with one cam band....

Second off, you should have that top band at least 2 inches below the crown for proper positioning. If you do it right, the first stage will be right where the bend in your neck is. If it's any lower than that you aren't diving in a safe manner since you can't reach your valve. That is priority #2, if you can't reach the valve on the tank, it is too low and is very unsafe. Unfortunately most recreational instructors don't mention this.

Third, your transpac is probably not adjusted properly. Like backplates, people usually sit these things way too high.
[video=youtube;YGlNnsZiWrM]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGlNnsZiWrM&list=UUVCYEickXcRonYDFqvvZ4hw[/video]
That is the XT, but the fitting procedure is the same for the older transpacs

Fourth, the Venture wing is designed in a manner where most of the lift is at the hips, this forces most divers to dive in proper trim because they tend to want to ride head up. Moving the transpac down to where the waist belt is where your jeans live will help with this a little bit but you should look into getting some heavier fins like jet fins
$35 on craigslist close to you
Scubapro jet fins
May want to look for a travel wing instead of the venture, little less lift but it is more balanced in lift.

 

[Dr. Lecter]

Technically you don't even need one tank strap. Just be aware that your tank is more likely to come loose with one band, and manage it should that happen. Of course, you'll look like you have no clue what you're doing if your tank is so low down that your top camband isn't even on the tank...because nobody's head bends back that frigging far.

Another point: are you actually slightly head-down or do you just feel that way? Good horizontal trim will usually feel slightly head-down at first, so you may have less to correct than you think.

 

[flots am]

I want to remove the top strap and only use the bottom strap so I can ride with the tank lower

Definitely maybe. It really depends on the strap design and how good you are about making sure it's tight.

SCUBAPro makes a really nice strap that I've never seen slip. You could get away with one of these. I have no idea how well the diverite strap works, so YMMV.

Also, a loose tank like a leaky mask is always good for practice. If your tank gets loose underwater, you can always tighten it back up. and even if you don't it won't travel far because you're attached by the second stage hose, the inflator hose and possibly the drysuit hose.

 

[hedgehog47]

I do know that I have to arch my back to look straight ahead. Some BC's have one tank strap, some have too. I think most people don't know how to rig the straps correctly if they come loose ( I watched multiple videos and its still INCREDIBLY confusing to me ) I just want to be comfortable.

 

[Dr. Lecter]

Do you by any chance have your first stage oriented such that the hoses coming off it are above the top of the tank valve?

 

[hedgehog47]

Sort of. I have the primary first stage going off to the right and slightly upward. The ports of the first stage are in really annoying locations and it's almost impossible not to have one or more hoses directly behind my head. Maybe I can try fiddling with it again.

It's the atomic B2

 

[Dr. Lecter]

Uh, yeah...no. Put the reg on the tank such that the black rubber cap on the 1st stage is even with the top of the tank valve. The turret on the B2 1st stage will then be pointing straight down. For single tank, I suggest not using the "high flow" (it isn't) LP port at the very bottom of the turret and running your regs off the right side LP ports and your inflator hose off the left side LP ports; SPG hose off the left HP port. Everything should route cleanly with the reg positioned like that.

If you simply must run your primary reg hose off that bottom port, do it by angling the reg down as already mentioned and then slightly to your right (if you're in the rig) and routing the hose down and then up (either under the right arm or just over the right shoulder, whatever feels good for you). I don't think that's necessary with a standard length hose, however, and really only works well with 5' to 7' long hoses IMO.

 

[hedgehog47]

You know, I had my own sneaking suspicions that I didn't have to use that magical port on the top. I'll try your suggestion, thanks!

---------- Post added October 7th, 2014 at 04:45 PM ----------

http://www.amazon.com/Apollo-Bio-Ta...nsator/dp/B0015MGRVI/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

anyone ever try one of these bad boys, might be a gimmick

 

[Dr. Lecter]

No problem, hope it works out better. And because a picture is worth bunches of words: