How do you like the Ralf Tech WR1?

[Submerso]

I've done my PADI OW with a typical jacket style BC, and all my dives have been made with rented Jacket BC, but allways wanted to buy a Wing as my first option.

I pretend to evolve to Deco Procedures but is not in my immediate plans, so I wil dive with single 12l steel tank.

Recently I've been given oportunity to buy a Ralf Tech WR1, brand new and with a great discount.

I will like to know opinions about that rig, and if someones as any negative opinion about that wing...

 

[evil_xander]

...
Recently I've been given oportunity to buy a Ralf Tech WR1, brand new and with a great discount.

I will like to know opinions about that rig, and if someones as any negative opinion about that wing...

I didn't see one live but by the looks on the website, I dislike the following:
- no backplate - you lose one of the key advantages of such a setup, some weight on your back (and I'm not talking about integrated 'trim' weights or whatever they are called) and less elsewhere allowing you a much nicer position under water
- looks too wide for a single tank wing - smaller wing makes dumping air easier but this is not something that represents mission impossible or whatever, just a better approach, I didn't see the size of it, but you should keep it at around 15kg buoyancy max.

If the price was right, I'd still like to check can it be attached to a regular stainless steel backplate.

 

[eeng]

You probably will hear comments such as evil_xander where the person does not own a bcd and think this is a bad one without trying... but guess what? I do own one and a bunch of other ralf tech equipment. Ralf Tech has good quality and once i buy something is unlikely that I am going to return it back to the shop. To keep the message shorth here is why I like MY WR1 BCD.

It has a soft back and is very comfortable in the back. The weight keeps the tank in a vertical position, meaning that people suffering from back pain and people suffering w/ other problems (such as kidney stones or operations) could wear this bcd without problems. The stability underwater is GREAT, I went to dutch springs in pennsylvania and dove there with the bcd like a fish. Keep in mind this bcd back inflatable and could feel a little weird underwater for the first couple of times if you are not used to it. I strongly recommend this BCD, and for the price you'll think is expensive; however, once you own it let me know how you feel with it and how long it last (built with resistable type cordura). Also realize this BCD broke the world record in open circuit scuba diving at -330m / -1100 feet; that being said is a remarkable way to know its reliability and quality.

If your shop does not sell the BCD, then I recommend you get one. Here is an honest and great shop that you can rely on...

ACROTECH SCUBA

ACROTECH SCUBA

Take care and I'll see you underwater!

 

[evil_xander]

You probably will hear comments such as evil_xander where the person does not own a bcd and think this is a bad one without trying... but guess what? I do own one and a bunch of other ralf tech equipment.

I'm glad you're happy with your gear, but just a small digression, I never wrote it's bad. Look it up in my post if you don't believe me.

I just mentioned what I don't like about it, so however thrilled you might be with your gear (and everybody has the best gear around in their eyes, myself and you included) please don't put words into my mouth, I'm more than capable of expressing myself. Thanks!

BTW, the link you provided has the price for the 'limited' edition set to 850 USD, so I do hope that price is just to show how big discount you can get when they drop it to ~500 USD range. Otherwise, I wouldn't be caught dead paying that for it or any other BC for that matter.

 

[kiltdiver]

just like zander said, everyone in their own eyes have the best gear no questions asked. the best advice you can get is to look at where you would like your diving career go and try out different types of gear and see what is best for you, and only you. you do have lots of options for bcs. i know cave divers that still use jacket bcs. so its personal and comfort preference. there are some great jacket and back inflation bcs out there and also some great bp/wing setups also. find a diveshop or some friends that will let you try all different ones before you make a decision. good deals on gear is great but it you end up not liking that gear or it ends up not being what you are going to need any good deal is just going to be a waste of money. just my 2cents. and my personal preference is hog harness al backplate and a dive rite classic wing. but like i said before thats my preference and what is comfortable to me.

 

[Submerso]

Thanks eeng I was precisely hoping for opinions of owners or others with experience with that wing.
I apreciate all other comments. My first choice was a wing+harness+bp, but the option of buiyng the Ralf Tech WR1 for the amount proposed, the overall quality of ralf tech, the 10 years warranty, the looks of it, had all united "conspired" to charme me...