First time buyer of single tank wing INFO PLEASE!

[Faris427]

Ok, I am working with a limited budget, and know I will have to buy used, so I am trying to figure out what wing I should be on the look out for. I dive warm waters in florida with at the most a 3mm suit...I am just starting out so all I want is a wing for single tank diving.

What I am asking for is what is the best AFFORDABLE wing for single tank diving out there?? I know there will be different opinions, and thats exactly what I am looking for so I can make my mind up from the list.

Also, is there really a good reason to buy one of the "comfort" harnesses, or could I go with a regular plain old 2 inch webbing from hammerhead scuba as well? And maybe buy some used OMS shoulder pads or???

I also am almost for sure going to put it on a SS BP and 1 piece STA from Hammerhead scuba, because I can get them together new for 110 dollars. Any suggestions on this is more than welcome as well!! I have been to all of my LDS (that I could find on google map) and none carried BP/W so I am going to do the shopping over the net.

Thanks again for helping out a new diver!!

-Jeremy

 

[H20Bubbles]

I just made the investment, and went with the DSS (www.deepseasupply.com) backplate and wing for single tank diving. I have to say that the discussion with Tobin was one of the most informative in making this decision.

As he said to me, the most important part of the decision in the wing is not what is most affordable - but is calculating how much wing do you actually need. This is going to be based on the buoyancy of your rig (BP + regs), your tank (full vs. empty), and your wetsuit (at the surface and at depth). We had figured that given my diving style I would probably not need more than 30 lbs of list and that was liberal - leaving room for a move to dry diving. I would recommend taking a look at their site and giving them a call to discuss your needs. From another thread. http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/3329689-post15.html

As for your other questions, in deciding between the comfort harnesses - I decided that one of the whole reasons of going to a BP/W was to streamline and reduce. While the comfort harness seems like a nice thing - being a rec diver it is more that isn't necessarily needed. I ended up with the Hogarthian harness.

 

[halocline]

If I was looking for an inexpensive used single tank wing, I'd probably start with the old style dive rite venture wing; maybe you can find one for $150 or so. They're not as nice as the DSS or oxycheq wings, but they work fine.

 

[Nick_W]

What's your idea of affordable for the wing?

As for the harness, that's really up to you. The system I use (which is more of a hybrid than a true BP/W) has some minimal padding on the shoulders. I like that because I do spend a lot of time out of the water with it on. I don't like the hog harness because not only do I like the little padding I have, but I also like having the clips on the shoulder straps. It just makes it easier to get on and off I think. And really, adding a couple of clips and a little padding doesn't make you any less "streamlined". In the end though, its really just up to you.

 

[cwkline]

Jeremy,
So far you have received sound advice. I would keep my eyes open for used wings, and the old style Venture is a good wing. I use that on my single rig ($149.00 new), and a Zeagle SS plate and harness. I dive that with a steel 80 and no weight with my 2/3 or my 5/3. You may want to post on the "Wanted to Buy" section. Just remember that some plates do not need the STA. This will save you some money. Hope this helps.
Safe Dives
Charlie