Nomad XT For Singles?

[Dehydrated_Atom]

So I'm in the market for a new setup.

I'm really liking the Nomad XT as it is modular and can be configured for doubles, side and even singles? I have also seen the Nomad XT wing on a friends set up, and I really like the durability it appears to have.

I typically dive a single 100. If I make a trip to do a deeper dive, then doubles it is. I'm not terribly interested in sidemount at the moment as I just don't have a need, but I like the idea of doing doubles with a pony bottle attached where one would normally sidemount a tank.

Anyway, is this setup too much for someone who dives singles a majority of the time? I've been told something like a voyager wing on a transpac might meet my needs better. But I really like the versatility of the Nomad XT. Am I being stubborn?

 

[Dive Rite]

Hi DA,

Thanks for posting. We get this question quite a lot. The best answer is to wear a rig designed for the type of diving you do now. The Nomad XT is a sidemount rig primarily. However, if you are a sidemount diver who occasionally needs to make a single tank or double tank dive, it can be reconfigured for it. Example: travel, remote expedition, reconnaissance dive.

For a single 100, the VoyagerPac, Voyager + TransPac or Voyager + TransPlate is ideal. You've got a streamlined rig that will carry your single tank (plus a pony if needed). If you want to step into greater streamlining, you could add a Tech Buttplate to the TransPac or TransPlate at a later date and sidemount a pony bottle, for example. When you are ready to step to doubles, add a Rec EXP or Classic EXP, depending on the tanks you'll dive.

The SuperFabric of the XT is alluring, but intended for those who scrape and squeeze. Not a necessary feature for those of us who dive open water or fairly open spaces.

I strongly recommend you avoid the XT and go for the Voyager + harness at this point. You'll be happier in the long run and can always trade out at a later date.

Cheers,
Kathleen

 

[Dehydrated_Atom]

Wow, thanks for the quick response!

As the voyager set up is the ideal singles rig, is there a reason I should consider the rec wing over the classic wing for my doubles set up? Or is this simply a matter of personal preference?

 

[Dive Rite]

The Rec wing and Classic wing have different amounts of lift. If you are going to dive small, steel doubles or double aluminum, the Rec wing is great. If you are going to dive heavy steels then the Classic. We have a good article in our online Solution Finder under BCDS and Harnesses called "Which Dive Rite Wing is Right For Me?" See if that gives you more help as it is customizable regarding your stature, exposure protection, environment, etc.

Solution finder, dive gear solutions, Dive Rite equipment FAQ - Dive Rite Scuba

Let me know if you have more questions!