Help deciding on tech system
- Thread starter brickrncde1
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OP
brickrncde1
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Thanks for the reply. That's why I started this post so I could get some insight on what gear to move towards. I am looking to get a wing system and it appears doubles is the best bet for me.
A standard size backplate would likely be fine for you. The harness is made from a single piece of webbing and there are no sizes per se. You just size it to you and cut to length. Most backplate and wing systems are fairly easy to change the fit depending on your thermal protection. They also make it easy for go from single to doubles with just a simple wing change. You make be best to go with a complete package like this HOG Backplate and Wing Complete Single Tank Kit and then add a doubles wing HOG 35lb Doubles Wing when you are ready for that.
OP
brickrncde1
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Thanks for all the input. This board is a great place to hear what works and what doesn't.
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Unless you're very tall or very short the standard backplate should fit you. The harness is one size fits all, at least a "hogarthian" plain harness is. I wouldn't get anything fancy until you try a plain harness, maybe $30-$40.
DevonDiver
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Firstly, if you completed technical training in single+pony, then you'll benefit from supplementary training on doubles. I strongly recommend that. Doubles are sufficiently different in protocol, practice and configuration that your previous training won't have provided you with the necessary knowledge and ingrained skill-set to dive them safely - certainly not at technical level dives.
I've never heard of a course that qualified/dove to 200ft using a single+pony. Some tech agencies allow their introductory/entry-level tech course (i.e. AN or Tec40) to be taught in that configuration, but not subsequent courses. Those entry-level/introductory courses don't reach depths beyond 200ft, if they have a depth progression at all. There is something dubious about that. As a tech instructor myself, I inform every student that conducting that first course in single+pony is only suitable if they wish to remain at an adv-rec level. If they have any potential intention to progress to technical diving proper, then they need to conduct all their tech training, from the beginning, in full technical rig (backmount doubles or sidemount). Otherwise, they need re-training for the equipment and procedures.
Secondly, with regards equipment, the best advice is to discuss the matter with your prospective instructor. Failing that, identify who you will be diving with the most and see how they team-rig (if at all) their equipment. As general advice, with few specifics to go on, you can't go far wrong with a standard backplate (unless you are exceptionally short or tall), a single-piece harness and a donut wing of 40-60lb capacity. Beyond 60lbs is like buying a monster-truck for your day-to-day motoring needs, and just as laughable.
With regards equipment manufacturers, IMHO:
Halcyon: Good quality, but the most costly.
Agir-Brokk: Good quality, but costly.
Oxycheq: Decent quality, but somewhat costly.
DiveRite: Often over-complicated, but a wide range of options.
OMS: The 'Toyota Corolla' of tech gear. Reports of bad customer service.
DSS (Deep Sea Supply): Excellent personal service (Tobin is here on Scubaboard and helps people with advice), good quality.
I've never heard of a course that qualified/dove to 200ft using a single+pony. Some tech agencies allow their introductory/entry-level tech course (i.e. AN or Tec40) to be taught in that configuration, but not subsequent courses. Those entry-level/introductory courses don't reach depths beyond 200ft, if they have a depth progression at all. There is something dubious about that. As a tech instructor myself, I inform every student that conducting that first course in single+pony is only suitable if they wish to remain at an adv-rec level. If they have any potential intention to progress to technical diving proper, then they need to conduct all their tech training, from the beginning, in full technical rig (backmount doubles or sidemount). Otherwise, they need re-training for the equipment and procedures.
Secondly, with regards equipment, the best advice is to discuss the matter with your prospective instructor. Failing that, identify who you will be diving with the most and see how they team-rig (if at all) their equipment. As general advice, with few specifics to go on, you can't go far wrong with a standard backplate (unless you are exceptionally short or tall), a single-piece harness and a donut wing of 40-60lb capacity. Beyond 60lbs is like buying a monster-truck for your day-to-day motoring needs, and just as laughable.
With regards equipment manufacturers, IMHO:
Halcyon: Good quality, but the most costly.
Agir-Brokk: Good quality, but costly.
Oxycheq: Decent quality, but somewhat costly.
DiveRite: Often over-complicated, but a wide range of options.
OMS: The 'Toyota Corolla' of tech gear. Reports of bad customer service.
DSS (Deep Sea Supply): Excellent personal service (Tobin is here on Scubaboard and helps people with advice), good quality.
So sounds like a bounce to 180-200? With some sort of extended hangs in the shallows? Vplanner is not giving me too many no deco dives on air at 180-200 that aren't bouncy. Maybe I'm not getting the full picture.
I have an OMS plate with webbing, a Diverite wing, an Oxycheq wing for doubles, which I hardly use anymore since I am diving SM. Try stuff out if you can before buying. Though IIRC the plate was a blemished one which I snapped up for cheap.
Training does sound like a good idea, but it's not like I've never done such dives. CMAS 3/4* style diving was quite normal just a few years ago. Nowadays, I do not deem non-redundant diving safe enough...
Now for gear. Get a standard backplate. Not all are standard, including DiveRite and Apeks from my experience.
If you get a hogarthian harness, then there is no need to choose a L or XL or anything of the sort.
Also, do consider whether to go side mount or back mount. You may find you do not need a backplate at all after all...
Now for gear. Get a standard backplate. Not all are standard, including DiveRite and Apeks from my experience.
If you get a hogarthian harness, then there is no need to choose a L or XL or anything of the sort.
Also, do consider whether to go side mount or back mount. You may find you do not need a backplate at all after all...
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