Looking for my first BC

[lowwall]

Now I'll check the compatibility of the xr wing with different plates! thx for the help

You just need to check that the cam bands line up. The spacing on the slots is not standard, but everybody (?) makes the slots on both the wing and plate oversize to allow for some flexibility in dimensions. The cam bands are all that is needed to hold everything in place when it's on a tank since the wing has fabric stabilizer bars sewed in. No need for an STA (if the plate has the matching cam bands) or bolting the wing to a plate.

 

[Hoag]

I just stumbled on this youtube video, but this might meet your unique needs @axluba. It has both a shoulder and a "kidney" dump on the right side.

 

[axluba]

Ya that deal has been on there a few months now so you may be safe waiting. Last month I missed out on a new red devil. Sold for $190 shipped. I wanted to cry. I forgot to check my phone before the listing ended.

the deal ends the 22nd of December... I might have to reevaluate my finance priorities!

damn for 190 I wouldn't even think twice
apparently the computer should be the priority... Less exciting! (to me)

You just need to check that the cam bands line up. The spacing on the slots is not standard, but everybody (?) makes the slots on both the wing and plate oversize to allow for some flexibility in dimensions. The cam bands are all that is needed to hold everything in place when it's on a tank since the wing has fabric stabilizer bars sewed in. No need for an STA (if the plate has the matching cam bands) or bolting the wing to a plate.

I wasn't planning on an STA (I like the stabilizer concept). However, even if it's not necessary I think I'd like to bolt the wing to the plate for the simple reason that I think it would make my life easier to align everything when I put the tank on (as I don't have a left hand it seems to me that it would be more complicated to maintain the wing properly while cinching down the tank) but maybe I'm overthinking it!

also when I see the price of the Mares XR backplate alone I might reconsider

I just stumbled on this youtube video, but this might meet your unique needs @axluba. It has both a shoulder and a "kidney" dump on the right side.

yes most of the BCD I saw have that combo right shoulder/kidney dump valve! But the Lite hawk is definitely in consideration as a BCD if I decide to go the bcd way (which is not sure) Thank you for the share!

 

[lowwall]

apparently the computer should be the priority... Less exciting! (to me)

Who says that? Any Nitrox compatible computer will be fine. You just need to figure what format works best for you. I guess a console, because you can hold it in one hand and still press the buttons.

I think I'd like to bolt the wing to the plate for the simple reason that I think it would make my life easier to align everything when I put the tank on (as I don't have a left hand it seems to me that it would be more complicated to maintain the wing properly while cinching down the tank) but maybe I'm overthinking it!

I've used unbolted wings from 2 manufacturers with my backplate and they always self-align. I just tried sliding my BPW onto a tank one-handed and it was no problem.

 

[axluba]

Who says that? Any Nitrox compatible computer will be fine. You just need to figure what format works best for you. I guess a console, because you can hold it in one hand and still press the buttons.

I meant a priority as in "buy it first" and my instructor says so. My only problem with that is given the viz on the lake here not sure the LCD will work so well, ideally something I could read without shinning a torch on it or pushing a backlight button each time I wanna read it.

I was thinking a wrist mounted big buttons would be my best bet. I don't think a watch style would work for me. Consol would work but I would always need my right hand to see it and then it's harder to do anything else at the same time.

I've used unbolted wings from 2 manufacturers with my backplate and they always self-align. I just tried sliding my BPW onto a tank one-handed and it was no problem.

that's good to know! it will open options for the BPW

 

[lowwall]

I meant a [computer as a ] priority as in "buy it first" and my instructor says so. My only problem with that is given the viz on the lake here not sure the LCD will work so well, ideally something I could read without shinning a torch on it or pushing a backlight button each time I wanna read it.

I was thinking a wrist mounted big buttons would be my best bet. I don't think a watch style would work for me. Consol would work but I would always need my right hand to see it and then it's harder to do anything else at the same time.

How do you change settings on a wrist-mount? Even if you don't need to change the screen underwater, you still have to do stuff like set the 02 percentage topside. Or do you have a left arm you can strap it to?

A computer isn't something you need to look at continuously. Most people do so for their final ascent, but you can learn to gauge your ascent rate by watching bubbles or just through practice and check occasionally to verify. While it wouldn't be my recommendation for a 2-handed diver, a console clipped via retractor (or bolt snap if you want to be a purist ) makes a lot of sense for your use case. You can even get an air integrated console computer with all the fancy features, although they cost a lot more than separate computer and spg.

 

[axluba]

How do you change settings on a wrist-mount? Even if you don't need to change the screen underwater, you still have to do stuff like set the 02 percentage topside. Or do you have a left arm you can strap it to?

A computer isn't something you need to look at continuously. Most people do so for their final ascent, but you can learn to gauge your ascent rate by watching bubbles or just through practice and check occasionally to verify. While it wouldn't be my recommendation for a 2-handed diver, a console clipped via retractor (or bolt snap if you want to be a purist ) makes a lot of sense for your use case. You can even get an air integrated console computer with all the fancy features, although they cost a lot more than separate computer and spg.

yeah I have my left arm. I could easily push the button of a Puck, Zoop/vyper, a iX3m, Aqualung I770r, G2, quad, genius... either with my left arm or with my right hand with the computer on the left arm. I'm not a big fan of putting money into the best/last technology thing (like phone, computer...). I like good bang for the buck, great quality but sturdy. not new and shiny.

I'm far from being a purist of anything I do think wrist mounted would be easier. Having something that avoid me to have a spa is enticing but AI will ask for some more money!

There is a big scuba diving fair in Paris the 10th-11th and 12th of January... maybe there will be good offers for different type of gear... dunno if it's custom to have special offers in the diving world during fairs..

 

[lowwall]

OK. Since you could place it on your left arm, that is the best option. You might want to ask about which computer on a different thread.

Thinking about what other accommodations would make sense.

SPG - either run your SPG hose from a HP port on the right side of your regulator to your right hip D-ring OR keep it on the left, route it under your arm and clip it to the left shoulder d-ring. If you do the latter and get the bolt snap in just the right spot, you should be able to read the spg without unclipping it.

octopus (backup reg) - I strongly recommend a backup on a necklace made from bungee cord. It's out of the way of everything else and you always know where it is. You would donate your primary if your buddy needs it. You can use the normal octopus hose as your primary hose and route it under your right arm.

 

[axluba]

OK. Since you could place it on your left arm, that is the best option. You might want to ask about which computer on a different thread.

Thinking about what other accommodations would make sense.

SPG - either run your SPG hose from a HP port on the right side of your regulator to your right hip D-ring OR keep it on the left, route it under your arm and clip it to the left shoulder d-ring. If you do the latter and get the bolt snap in just the right spot, you should be able to read the spg without unclipping it.

octopus (backup reg) - I strongly recommend a backup on a necklace made from bungee cord. It's out of the way of everything else and you always know where it is. You would donate your primary if your buddy needs it. You can use the normal octopus hose as your primary hose and route it under your right arm.

For the computer LCD is fine with the lake viz according to my instructor. If I do a thread how long before somebody tells me to buy a shearwater?

I like your SPG suggestion and I will definitely take it into account! It confort me in the idea to go for a BP/W (modularity to adapt things to my handicap) and my instructor agrees with the BP/W idea even though she ride a BCD.

For the reg configuration I have a bit more time to think about it. I'm not set on the primary donate/long hose config yet.

 

[Aviyes]

For the reg configuration I have a bit more time to think about it. I'm not set on the primary donate/long hose config yet.

Doesn't even need to be a long hose config. Just a bungee'd secondary around your neck and the standard length primary hose for donate.