Do i use Retraction Bands or not

[Bronson]

I just pulled out of storage after 5 years my OMS IQ Pack with retractible bands on the bladder. I took it to my LDS for a check out and service. My LDS owner is a tech diver and does alot of training. He is not a fan of retractible bands saying it will retain some air when deflated and will not be optimal for penetration dives. My diving is no longer with doubles or penetration and i am not interesed in caves. I like how the BCD fits and am considering for use in warm waters.

Does anyone have a view on using retractible bands or not? Does it matter for the type of diving i am doing?

 

[fdog]

It sounds as if your instructor is one of he few that have actually used "bondage wings" in the water.

Usually, the assertion is that the bungees will squeeze the wing and empty all the air if the bladder is punctured. One try in the water proves this false; the air simply collects at the high point, and a puncture below the air bubble has no influence.

OTOH, a large wing with tight bungees, if the air is allowed to stagnate while in good horozontal trim, will develop "pillows" of air between the bungees, that resist being vented when holding good trim. It's like the "taco effect" on steroids. It will vent completely when brought fairly vertical in the water, though.

Given that you mention:

My diving is no longer with doubles or penetration and i am not interesed in caves.

I gather that your wing was sized for doubles, and this would exacerbate the taco/pillow effect.


I personally would find it a pain to have to rotate my body up to vent, and would just get the right sized wing w/o the bungees.


All the best, James