Is it worth to change my 32lb OMS wing for a 27lb wing for travel?

[Seta]

Hello,

I want to make my rig light for an 8 month trip to Southeast Asia. I already ask for fins at the fin forum but I need to make a decision about my wing system.
I own a OMS 32lb wing with steel back plate and I plan to get an aluminium backplate or even a mini plate.
The thing is that even I am 1.85 tall 85kg I find my 32lb OMS wing is more than enough, so I wonder if it would make sense to sell it and get a 27lb one.

Will the size/weight benefit be good enough to to justify the extra expense? Other wing you may recommend of similar cost and easy to get in Spain/Europe?

Regards
Javier

 

[The Chairman]

If you're comfortable with it, stick with it. You're not going to save much if any weight going to a smaller bladder. If you really want to save weight, try the 44lb Zeagle Express Tech. It's a hybrid between a BC and a BP&Wing. Super light to travel with, with all the benefits of a BP&Wing. I travel extensively, and it's my go-to rig.

 

[scubadiver888]

I have a 27# with steel back plate and metal STA (single tank adapter) which I use at home (cold water diving). The weight of the STA made me think I need a new wing with a built in stabilizer bars when traveling. So I bought a 32# wing with a built in stabilizer bars and an aluminum back plate. Got to the point I was diving more when I traveled then at home. So my 32# wing is my go-to rig now. It works great for warm water diving.

If your 32# wing has a built in stabilizer bars then I'd say it is fine for traveling with. Maybe looking into a DSS Kydex back plate. I don't know if it weighs less than a mini back plate.

 

[Hoag]

If you decide that you do want to go to a smaller wing for traveling, Piranha Manufacturing has an incredible deal on Hog 23 pound wings for $149.95US (about 131 Euros) plus shipping.

 

[guruboy]

Try a single layer travel wing that does not have separate outer shell and inner bladder. Should save you some weight.

 

[Seta]

@Hoag Problem buying from USA is customs, applied both to the item and shipping. Easy add 60€ plus delays. Seems like a good deal though
@guruboy Did not think of that...like what? Any durability concerns?

 

[scubadiver888]

If you decide that you do want to go to a smaller wing for traveling, Piranha Manufacturing has an incredible deal on Hog 23 pound wings for $149.95US (about 131 Euros) plus shipping.

That is a great price. If I didn't have 4 wings already I would definitely go for this.

@guruboy Did not think of that...like what? Any durability concerns?

If you are going to be traveling with the gear, I'd be worried about getting a leak. If you have an inner bladder you can always patch it. Not sure how easy to patch a single layer travel wing.

 

[ronscuba]

Try a single layer travel wing that does not have separate outer shell and inner bladder. Should save you some weight.

Who still makes these ? I thought most manufacturers changed away from this style ?

Difference between 32 lb and 27 lb wing is too small to make a change. If 17 lb meets your lift requirements, then it might be worthwhile.

 

[Seta]

I have just disassembled the wing and it weights 1.1kg/2.4lbs, the whole system with mini aluminium backplate, (1lb) weight pockets, straps D rings, etc.. will be around2.75kg/6lbs. So even changing the blade I think it will no be possible to loose much weight, maybe just 1lb
Even the Xdeep ghost weights 2.3kg/5lbs so I think I will just keep the OMS 32....

Thanks for the feedback

 

[Centrals]

Keep the wing and replace the SS plate with Al one. All dive operators in SE Asia will provide weight belt wiht no extra cost.