piikki
Contributor
Hiya,
This is going to be long, so here's a summary before all the rambling questions. Basically I am looking into either to cross over or pursue Dive Rites Transpac or bp/w system.
Profile and gear: Rookie, F, height 510- weight 160, fresh water rec diving in Upstate NY, mostly shore, depths predict 15-80f, could maybe progress to cold water later, no intention double tanking (currently rental AL, planning to own steel 80cf), currently 23lbs of lead with 7mm jumpsuit, Pos Cyklon, Cressi minigauges, Cressi Frogs
BC Experiences: In water I have only worn Seaquest and Sherwood (lower) model jackets and Sherwood Outback. On land Ive crossed over quite a few jackets (fit issues), and the competition worth mentioning at the moment comes from Cressis S-series (jackets and hybrids), Poseidon BeSea (if the price will split), and current pack leader Dive Rite that I found sat on me pretty neat (both Transpac and Transplate versions). None of the top runners have I had a chance to dip into water and most likely wont have before decision.
Special issues and preferences: Was taught in jacket BC but considering back inflation since Id like more freedom. Not much of a chance to try anything IRL and new to area so not too many gear-owning pals (one offer pending from this board though, thanks!!) Male height but skimpy upper body. Extreme floater so weight system considerations are high on the list. Old sport injuries have left serious marks on the lower back/hip and I really would like to prevent back injuries from recurring by choosing something that will help with the scuba loading both in water (like fatigue/arch-prevention) and entries/exits.
Currently I am leaning towards Dive Rite's Transpac as a more in-between/starter option but I am also curious if bp/w would do the trick. My buddy, also a female and I have toyed with the idea of one getting Transpac and one bp/w system - and then fighting over the better option since we both fall into same size range I am tad intimidated of the plate starting from the fact that instead of doing regular buddy gear checks I will now need to be checking wing nut tightness or something??? Uh.
But Dive Rite didnt end on the short list by default. I had a chance to throw both Transpac and Transplate with the Transplate harness on me in a shop. Transpac was very comfortable, liked the lumbar pad, it felt nearly like a hard pack when the tank was strapped on and I was surprised of the support it offered. Was a bit concerned about the inflator hose seemingly riding very high up are Dive Rite inflator hoses shorter than regular? Why so tense and about to whip behind the back? I tried both Rec and Trek wings since those happened to be hooked onto my size harnesses in the shop and the same thing happened. After Transpac I threw the Transplate on and was surprised it didnt feel much different just more sleek.
But what is the truth about back plates eating into your flesh? I have heard several people here say they do not feel the plate at all but the one I wore (on 7mm with tank strapped) was simultaneously very comfy AND extremely close to digging into the small of my back. I could imagine a wrong move and a corner of the plate would be a big ouch under/above water. The guy who rigged the Transplate was very experienced, so he should have known it was in about correct position (harness size felt right). I could just see that if I slipped on the pebbles a bit and/or had thinner suit the plate would be grinding right into to bones.
Someone mentioned that Dive Rite plate is known to be longer than that of the competitors? I got very interested when people on the board pointed out Hammerheads plate, their bent lower edges seemed to try to address exactly the area where my close encounters occurred. My height should not put me in any extreme group for sizing but Id rather not have the plate resting on my most sensitive vertebrae since I also suffer from the female problem that occasionally will start pulling me into an arch if I dont watch it - especially in the end of the dive when it is harder to fight the emptier tank siding with the runaway rump and hooves.
However, I feel scared of mixing and matching having no experience combining bits or even much experience maintaining ANY scuba gear. Could you guys offer more confirmation that Transpac harness will even mate with eg Hammerhead plate? And do backplates eat harness(es) like crazy? Especially if they are not designed for each other? Say webbing might be cheap to replace twice a year but I would not like to buy a new Transplate harness every year if it disintegrates in one season with average use. (I most likely would not consider any other type of harness if I went with a plate at this point. I like the idea of some padding, proper cummerbund, familiar looking releases, and sternum strap. Just the relief of finding one that was not too wide for my shoulders might warrant giving this one a chance But since I know you know much more, which others are around that have similar features to Transplate harness? I saw OMS harness in one shop and tried it without the plate way too wide and bulky straps for me).
The weight system brings another mix-&-match anxiety on the board. I have no interest in continuing with weight belt. Integrated weights would be great, and backplate with STA sounds great too (it isnt an overkill with Hammerhead 5-6lbs STA?) I did not have a chance to have the STA on the Transplate I tried and I know there are different versions around. Again, I would be worried I know which ones are ok to mate, so I would like to keep them from same family in the beginning. I am worried having any great lump in any one place but having used back packs all my life on land I know you can carry quite on lot on your back - as long as it is spread right and you can lift it up safely. I am not hugely freaked about surface issues with back inflation (like tendencies to fall onto your nose, it didnt happen to me, and I am quite comfy in water) but naturally I would not wish to increase any stupidities that cannot be corrected by weight distribution. (Having, say 60-70% of your weights on your back would not make you actually tip quite the opposite if you are exhausted? I would not like fighting the battle that way either but I would imagine back inflation fights it for me??)
The Dive Rite weight pockets I saw in the shop were the 32lbs. If I was to get those I could barely fit the pockets on my belt since I do not have much of a waist. Thus I would like to opt for the 16lbs which will make it a tight count if I opt for Transpac - esp if I ever have to pull extra rubber on. If I got the 16lbs pockets with Transpac and needed more weight on the back, are the trim weights usable? The shop I was in is not local and the guy said there are no trim weights for Transpac but what do I see on their web page?? Anyone use those? I am not even sure if I can get my weights to work this way and how much can I comfortably put on the trim clips (max 4+4??) With my current 23lbs I am barely there (16+8) and that is hoping swapping from Al to steel tank will somewhat counteract the added Transpac buoyancy. However, 23 is with rental fights and maybe with comfort of own gear I can drop a couple of more lbs. Anyone know of any other similar trim weights (of better price perhaps) that would work with the Transpac harness without too much installation? I would like the least lose bits to worry about so some sure-to-stay-put bits would be the best.
Also, I have another concern about Dive-Rite 16lbs pockets. In the picture they look quite different to the 32 pockets. Where is the red handle/pull? How do you even find how do ditch those? The pockets look like just any other accessory pocket and I dislike that. Was I to add maybe similar looking/size accessory pocket that I can now squeeze on the belt (better get color I guess), might I also accidentally ditch when reaching for stuff? Anyone have an option in mind that would do the same and give me a little space to get at least one other pocket on the belt (would really like to have one front pocket)? Preferably an option that looks like an obvious weight pocket and acts very secure? For my only ditchable weight I do not want things I need to 1) search, 2) open the velcro, 3) fish the weight out and 4) dump. I am not advanced enough to feel confident, I want something that goes in one move, so I can rip it off in a proper newbie manner if needed (thats kinda joke I am such a floater that my weak point in class was my reluctance of letting go of my weights since it would most likely always be greater danger for me).
And wings - scrolling (far) back to my profile - what wings would you recommend from the Dive Rite family? Seems like many here, when diving singles, use just the Travel wing with Transpac. Is it enough? Is the material sturdy enough for regular use? Since it might be a good secondary travel wing to get anyway it might be something to start with And another installation question is it a pain to keep your wings in order if you have the plate (Pac)? Do you need to constantly take the system apart (considering doing single tank all the time), readjust and reassemble? Or do you get it right and then just occasionally check everything is in place?
If any of you made it this far, thanks for listening! Any opinions one way or the other are welcome since table can be swept still, decisions will be made soon though.
Piikki tempted by the sleek sharp plate but seduced by the safe soft pack
P.S. How do those Dive Rite hinged tank straps work I once nearly dropped a tank on the ladder and been a bit freaked about tank strapping since. Do those things help/improve the tightening in any way?
This is going to be long, so here's a summary before all the rambling questions. Basically I am looking into either to cross over or pursue Dive Rites Transpac or bp/w system.
Profile and gear: Rookie, F, height 510- weight 160, fresh water rec diving in Upstate NY, mostly shore, depths predict 15-80f, could maybe progress to cold water later, no intention double tanking (currently rental AL, planning to own steel 80cf), currently 23lbs of lead with 7mm jumpsuit, Pos Cyklon, Cressi minigauges, Cressi Frogs
BC Experiences: In water I have only worn Seaquest and Sherwood (lower) model jackets and Sherwood Outback. On land Ive crossed over quite a few jackets (fit issues), and the competition worth mentioning at the moment comes from Cressis S-series (jackets and hybrids), Poseidon BeSea (if the price will split), and current pack leader Dive Rite that I found sat on me pretty neat (both Transpac and Transplate versions). None of the top runners have I had a chance to dip into water and most likely wont have before decision.
Special issues and preferences: Was taught in jacket BC but considering back inflation since Id like more freedom. Not much of a chance to try anything IRL and new to area so not too many gear-owning pals (one offer pending from this board though, thanks!!) Male height but skimpy upper body. Extreme floater so weight system considerations are high on the list. Old sport injuries have left serious marks on the lower back/hip and I really would like to prevent back injuries from recurring by choosing something that will help with the scuba loading both in water (like fatigue/arch-prevention) and entries/exits.
Currently I am leaning towards Dive Rite's Transpac as a more in-between/starter option but I am also curious if bp/w would do the trick. My buddy, also a female and I have toyed with the idea of one getting Transpac and one bp/w system - and then fighting over the better option since we both fall into same size range I am tad intimidated of the plate starting from the fact that instead of doing regular buddy gear checks I will now need to be checking wing nut tightness or something??? Uh.
But Dive Rite didnt end on the short list by default. I had a chance to throw both Transpac and Transplate with the Transplate harness on me in a shop. Transpac was very comfortable, liked the lumbar pad, it felt nearly like a hard pack when the tank was strapped on and I was surprised of the support it offered. Was a bit concerned about the inflator hose seemingly riding very high up are Dive Rite inflator hoses shorter than regular? Why so tense and about to whip behind the back? I tried both Rec and Trek wings since those happened to be hooked onto my size harnesses in the shop and the same thing happened. After Transpac I threw the Transplate on and was surprised it didnt feel much different just more sleek.
But what is the truth about back plates eating into your flesh? I have heard several people here say they do not feel the plate at all but the one I wore (on 7mm with tank strapped) was simultaneously very comfy AND extremely close to digging into the small of my back. I could imagine a wrong move and a corner of the plate would be a big ouch under/above water. The guy who rigged the Transplate was very experienced, so he should have known it was in about correct position (harness size felt right). I could just see that if I slipped on the pebbles a bit and/or had thinner suit the plate would be grinding right into to bones.
Someone mentioned that Dive Rite plate is known to be longer than that of the competitors? I got very interested when people on the board pointed out Hammerheads plate, their bent lower edges seemed to try to address exactly the area where my close encounters occurred. My height should not put me in any extreme group for sizing but Id rather not have the plate resting on my most sensitive vertebrae since I also suffer from the female problem that occasionally will start pulling me into an arch if I dont watch it - especially in the end of the dive when it is harder to fight the emptier tank siding with the runaway rump and hooves.
However, I feel scared of mixing and matching having no experience combining bits or even much experience maintaining ANY scuba gear. Could you guys offer more confirmation that Transpac harness will even mate with eg Hammerhead plate? And do backplates eat harness(es) like crazy? Especially if they are not designed for each other? Say webbing might be cheap to replace twice a year but I would not like to buy a new Transplate harness every year if it disintegrates in one season with average use. (I most likely would not consider any other type of harness if I went with a plate at this point. I like the idea of some padding, proper cummerbund, familiar looking releases, and sternum strap. Just the relief of finding one that was not too wide for my shoulders might warrant giving this one a chance But since I know you know much more, which others are around that have similar features to Transplate harness? I saw OMS harness in one shop and tried it without the plate way too wide and bulky straps for me).
The weight system brings another mix-&-match anxiety on the board. I have no interest in continuing with weight belt. Integrated weights would be great, and backplate with STA sounds great too (it isnt an overkill with Hammerhead 5-6lbs STA?) I did not have a chance to have the STA on the Transplate I tried and I know there are different versions around. Again, I would be worried I know which ones are ok to mate, so I would like to keep them from same family in the beginning. I am worried having any great lump in any one place but having used back packs all my life on land I know you can carry quite on lot on your back - as long as it is spread right and you can lift it up safely. I am not hugely freaked about surface issues with back inflation (like tendencies to fall onto your nose, it didnt happen to me, and I am quite comfy in water) but naturally I would not wish to increase any stupidities that cannot be corrected by weight distribution. (Having, say 60-70% of your weights on your back would not make you actually tip quite the opposite if you are exhausted? I would not like fighting the battle that way either but I would imagine back inflation fights it for me??)
The Dive Rite weight pockets I saw in the shop were the 32lbs. If I was to get those I could barely fit the pockets on my belt since I do not have much of a waist. Thus I would like to opt for the 16lbs which will make it a tight count if I opt for Transpac - esp if I ever have to pull extra rubber on. If I got the 16lbs pockets with Transpac and needed more weight on the back, are the trim weights usable? The shop I was in is not local and the guy said there are no trim weights for Transpac but what do I see on their web page?? Anyone use those? I am not even sure if I can get my weights to work this way and how much can I comfortably put on the trim clips (max 4+4??) With my current 23lbs I am barely there (16+8) and that is hoping swapping from Al to steel tank will somewhat counteract the added Transpac buoyancy. However, 23 is with rental fights and maybe with comfort of own gear I can drop a couple of more lbs. Anyone know of any other similar trim weights (of better price perhaps) that would work with the Transpac harness without too much installation? I would like the least lose bits to worry about so some sure-to-stay-put bits would be the best.
Also, I have another concern about Dive-Rite 16lbs pockets. In the picture they look quite different to the 32 pockets. Where is the red handle/pull? How do you even find how do ditch those? The pockets look like just any other accessory pocket and I dislike that. Was I to add maybe similar looking/size accessory pocket that I can now squeeze on the belt (better get color I guess), might I also accidentally ditch when reaching for stuff? Anyone have an option in mind that would do the same and give me a little space to get at least one other pocket on the belt (would really like to have one front pocket)? Preferably an option that looks like an obvious weight pocket and acts very secure? For my only ditchable weight I do not want things I need to 1) search, 2) open the velcro, 3) fish the weight out and 4) dump. I am not advanced enough to feel confident, I want something that goes in one move, so I can rip it off in a proper newbie manner if needed (thats kinda joke I am such a floater that my weak point in class was my reluctance of letting go of my weights since it would most likely always be greater danger for me).
And wings - scrolling (far) back to my profile - what wings would you recommend from the Dive Rite family? Seems like many here, when diving singles, use just the Travel wing with Transpac. Is it enough? Is the material sturdy enough for regular use? Since it might be a good secondary travel wing to get anyway it might be something to start with And another installation question is it a pain to keep your wings in order if you have the plate (Pac)? Do you need to constantly take the system apart (considering doing single tank all the time), readjust and reassemble? Or do you get it right and then just occasionally check everything is in place?
If any of you made it this far, thanks for listening! Any opinions one way or the other are welcome since table can be swept still, decisions will be made soon though.
Piikki tempted by the sleek sharp plate but seduced by the safe soft pack
P.S. How do those Dive Rite hinged tank straps work I once nearly dropped a tank on the ladder and been a bit freaked about tank strapping since. Do those things help/improve the tightening in any way?
