DR bp with halcyon wing

[skimphish]

Hi all,

i have a Diverite Al backplate with a halcyon pioneer wing (27#). i just got the wing today, and went to put it all together. i had bought 2 tank straps, but i am only able to fit one through the bp and wing. the slots for the straps on the bottom of the bp are about 2 inches lower than the slots on the wing. so right now i can only use the top tank strap. which isnt a huge deal, the tank seems very secure with just the top strap. but since i have two straps is it possible for my to just make the bottom slits on the wing longer to where i can thread the straps through the wing and bp? in other words take a razor blade and just cut the wing's slots to where they are about 2 inches longer than they are now. this would make the wing's bottom strap slots about 4 inches long.

thanks guys!

 

[Gombessa]

That's the problem with plates and wings from different manufacturers - the slots often don't line up.

I've heard of people taking hot knives to the wing to extend the slots and as long as you're careful, that's one way to do it. If you want to dive the setup without mutilating the wing, you can also get a single tank adapter, which takes both camstraps itself and removes the plate/wing slots from the picture.

 

[skimphish]

ya i figured i could go with a STA, but i figure i have the slots to do it on the bp/w so i was gonna use em. like i said, the 1 strap holds the tank very very well, so im not in dire need of the second one, but if i got it, why not use it. (that seems to be my philosophy on this thread. lol)

i thought about taking a very sharp razor and making the slits longer, then searing the edges of the slits with a butane torch (like a creme brulee torch) as you would with nylon harnesses or weight belts. i think that would do the same as a hot knife, wouldnt it?

 

[Gombessa]

ya i figured i could go with a STA, but i figure i have the slots to do it on the bp/w so i was gonna use em. like i said, the 1 strap holds the tank very very well, so im not in dire need of the second one, but if i got it, why not use it. (that seems to be my philosophy on this thread. lol)

i thought about taking a very sharp razor and making the slits longer, then searing the edges of the slits with a butane torch (like a creme brulee torch) as you would with nylon harnesses or weight belts. i think that would do the same as a hot knife, wouldnt it?

Heh, I don't take my creme brulee torch to any of my gear other than my webbing, but it's the same idea. It just seems a bit difficult to control a searing jet of flame next to something as delicate as wing fabric.

I've found that a lighter/torch tends to "crisp" the edges and make them a bit more prone to cracking/tearing, whereas a hot knife melts a bit more uniformly (presumably because the temperature is lower). Plus, you can make the cut and cauterize it in a single move. But if you've got a steadier hand and more skill with the torch than I do, go for it.

 

[M_Bipartitus]

I think I'd put out the money for an STA before cutting into the wing. The mini version from Oxycheq (Wings-STA) should be under $30. I wouldn't risk wing problems to save that much.

 

[skimphish]

i wonder if i really need to seare the edges though, b/c the original slits dont have seared edges. ill have to look at it somemore when i get home from work. i guess it wouldnt hurt to use a hot knife either way.

 

[skimphish]

I think I'd put out the money for an STA before cutting into the wing. The mini version from Oxycheq should be under $30. I wouldn't risk wing problems to save that much.

Wings-STA

i forgot about the mini. i might have to look into getting a set sooner or later. that or maybe i should just get a weighted STA and not have to worry about weight on my belt (i only use ~8lbs).

 

[scubafanatic]

...the manufacturer's wing slots likely have some sort of reinforced fabric sown/glued around the perimeter of the slots to take the load and resist tearing...your homemade additional slots won't have this protection so I think you are heading for trouble. I'd highly suggest just add an STA and run the tank straps though that.

 

[skimphish]

ah, i didnt realize the surrounding fabric was reinforced. i guess that takes just hacking it up out of the question. lol. ill look more into STA's now. thanks for the hlep guys!