Is a 45lb wing too big for a single tank?

[Scuba Bud]

Hey,

So I'm looking at wings for my BP/W set-up and I might be able to get a good deal on a 45lbs OMS wing... The only concern is that this is for a single tank set-up.

I know the 32lb OMS wing is for a single tank and that 60lbs+ is for doubles but how about the 45lb wing? Is it going to wrap around the single tank too much or is it ok?

Thanks!

 

[RAWalker]

I have an OMS 45# bungee wing it is rated for both singles and doubles.
I have used it with a single AL80 and althought it isn't as streamline as my Oxycheq 30# Mach V it is a comfortable well mannered dive. With the bungies applying compression force against the bladder the taco effect is minimized.

 

[DevonDiver]

There is a good thread and 'buoyancy calculator' already posted on the forum.

The real question is... why would you need 45lb of buoyancy?

You need sufficient bouyancy to compensate for the weight of the equipment you are using and provide adequate surface support. Anything greater than this is surplus capacity. Having surplus capacity doesn't harm you, but it is far from optimal because your over-sized bladder will not perform as effectively (streamlining, air trapping etc).

Applying bungees to reduce the capacity of the bladder is one option. But why apply a solution to a problem, when you can avoid the problem in the first place?

Your first step should be to determine your actual bouyancy requirements. How much lift do you need?

The baseline is to be able to float, head clear of the water, whilst fully loaded with whatever equipment you are using.

As a recreational, single tank diver, it is extremely unlikely you will need 45lbs.

Even allowing for a large capacity steel cylinder, steel pony, canister light, metal reel... you won't have more than -30lbs to deal with.

If you find that you need 45lbs of bouyancy, then I would strongly suggest that you re-visit your weighting!

If your intention is too buy a wing that you can eventually utilise for diving doubles/tech... then I would advise you to get a separate, specific bladder for that purpose that you can swap in/out as required.

45lb and 60lb wings are for doubles diving.

 

[RAWalker]

Althought I agree with DevonDiver on the fact that 45# of lift is not needed for singles diving in most cases and it is less than optimal. Where I disagree is if your intent is to get a good deal on a rig that you can dive and optimize it later. As I stated I find the bungee 45# version to be a comfortable and well mannered dive as a singles wing. I do however prefer my Oxycheq 30# and now have the 45# for doubles. If your budget is limited, you want in on a BP&W and you have found a nice deal it is a viable way to start your BP&W collection. If the turns out not to suit your needs you can sell or trade it later.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

Yes, a 45# wing for singles is too big (in my opinion).
I dive in probably the thickest wetsuit out of anybody on scubaboard. I challenge anybody to come up with a thicker suit than what I'm using.
I use a #40 wing and actually I wanted a 30# which would have been fine but they sent me a 40# by mistake and I didn't feel like arguing or sending it back.
I dive in 45 to 50 degree water and sometimes I will use my thinner 7mm suit and use an 18# wing which works fine.
45# is overkill for a single tank and just extra baggage and unneeded drag. Get something smaller.

Happy diving.

 

[DevonDiver]

As I stated already... "Applying bungees to reduce the capacity of the bladder is one option. But why apply a solution to a problem, when you can avoid the problem in the first place?"

Even with bungees, a surplus capacity wing just adds a spectrum of problems and considerations that you should not need to worry about.

The whole issue of bungeed wings is a hot debate anyway.

Fair enough...if you have the opportunity to grab a one-off bargain (ie Ebay, buying from a friend), then you can make it work for you... It will never be optimal and it will have drawbacks.

For me, it would have to be one hell of a good deal for me to make those compromises. If you are buying new, then get the right size.

 

[redacted]

Probably a bit too big but if you are using a 7mm 2-piece in a larger size, the more common alternative of a 30 lb wing could be severly challenged on deeper dives. I have seen a large 7mm 2-piece that was about 32 pounds buoyant. At 5 ATM its residual buoyancy is about 6 lb so you could be getting real close for a 30 lb wing with is a typical gas load of 5 to 8 pounds. And if you added a hooded vest or other variable buoyancy item you could easily get to needing 40+ pounds of lift.

But with almost any lighter suit configuration and single tank, 45 would be excessive

 

[Scuba Bud]

I dive in cold water and I wear a 7mm+7mm vest with hood gloves and boots.

 

[redacted]

I dive in cold water and I wear a 7mm+7mm vest with hood gloves and boots.

30 would probably not be enough. 45 should do the job nicely in that configuration.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

A 30lb wing is more than enough with 14mm of neoprene. I know a diver who is 6"4" 270 or so and uses a 30. Why buy more wing than you need? What tank are you using? If it's an al80 then absolutley no problem. I dive a 30 lb wing with a steel 95 and steel plate in 3mm, 5mm, or drysuit. With the dry suit I need to add about 6 lbs on the belt. You also need to remember that once you go to a wing you can at minimum usually take 5-6lbs or more off the belt for the plate. There is another thread where Tobin from DSS gives a really simple formula for calculating needed lift. I'm 5'7" and around 160lbs. Cold water diving with that much neoprene is also no fun. Time to go dry.

And since no one else has said it yet I will. Bungee wings are wings of death and will kill you.:shocked2: