Donut wing on a Zeagle Stiletto??

[jd950]

I like my Stiletto, although there are a couple of small issues. One of these is that I have sometimes find it difficult to dump all of the air without doing some minor acrobatics to shift an air bubble around.

I have considered replacing the horseshoe shaped wing with a donut wing. I don't need the extra lift at all, and have some concerns about extra bulk since I travel with the Stiletto, but may be willing to put up with that if the donut wing offers a real benefit. Can anyone comment on using the 44 lb donut wing on a Stiletto?

Thank you.

 

[ae3753]

Can't comment on using a donut wing on a Stiletto, but the 44# wing request is interesting. I'm curious on the 44#s requirement. In fact, the 35# wing on a Stiletto is quite large if this is only used for warm water travels.

While wing design does lead to trapped air, a wing that's too large also contributes.

In addition, with regards to the effort to dump the air, can you provide more detail on what's required.

 

[jd950]

Basically, I sometimes need to go from horizontal to a more head down position and then use both bottom valves to dump air, as there are sometimes bubbles on both sides. Not a big problem by any means, but since I often have a camera, I need to also switch the camera from one hand to the other to open both valves.

Again, just a convenience thing, and maybe a donut wouldn't make any difference anyway. I just sort of figured that if the air could travel full circle I could more easily dump air by slightly rocking to one side and using just one valve. I am concerned about the size of the bigger bladder, though.

Of course, as I say this I realize I haven't even checked into valve positions on the 44lb bladder.

Probably not worth messing with, but wondered if anyone had any first hand knowledge.

 

[Puffer Fish]

Interesting issue... I have a Zeagle BP/W with a U shaped Wing (the ranger LTD)...and while I spent a fair amount upside down, I have never gone up (where venting would be important) while upside down.

However, I just got a Hollis dounut wing with 38 lbs for a travel wing...will see if it is any better.

 

[ae3753]

If you're heads down and need to shift air, then a donut wing can make things easier. However, if you have to do a lot of acrobats, it's usually the size or shape of the wing that's the main issue. Not a donut vs. horseshoe issue.

If you have too large of a donut wing, you'll run into issues as well. A large donut wing could taco, and trap air too.

 

[jd950]

If you're heads down and need to shift air, then a donut wing can make things easier. However, if you have to do a lot of acrobats, it's usually the size or shape of the wing that's the main issue. Not a donut vs. horseshoe issue.

If you have too large of a donut wing, you'll run into issues as well. A large donut wing could taco, and trap air too.

I don't mean to make it sound like it is a big problem or that I spend a lot of time rolling around and doing somersaults. I often shore dive and remain mostly horizontal during my "ascent." I often end the dive and do my safety "stop" while still moving around, taking pictures or whatever.

So, as I move shallower I need to dump a little air, and that is where the horseshoe shape issue comes in. I usually have very little air in the BC anyway, so it isn't a big problem. I suppose I could just rely more on the corrugated hose and less on the bottom valves.

It sounds like no one else has experimented with this.

 

[ae3753]

I'm all for optimizing gear. I've gone through my fair share and some gear does make things easier. But if this can be solve by using your corrugated hose more, I'd do it.

The Zeagle donut wing at 44#s is pretty big. It may not be any better than what you got now.

Best of luck!