Oh, I hate to do this...........

[buff]

I have decided on getting a "winged-type" set up-I like the idea of a modular design and I have a short torso with broad shoulders so I'm hard to fit with a regular BC.
I KNOW THERE ARE A TON OF POSTS ON THIS!!!!!!!! So I am real sorry for bringing it up again.
Here's the question(s): BP and wings are very popular but I don't see how wearing a piece of sheet metal aluminum on one's back can be comfortable if you're diving in shorts and T shirt like I do in Cozumel(I live in Minnesota so Cozumel water feels HOT!!!). I am currently just OW certified but I'm going "all the way to the top-I mean bottom, baby!"
I know OMS has a BP setup that slips inside of a "Dive Rite" looking soft harness(I think Green Malehsi(sp.?) dives with this. Does this OMS design have stabalization weight pockets in the back of the setup??-I know the Dive Rite model has bolt on stabalization weights. Are stab. weights necessary??
Are bungee straps necessary on the wings? Do bungee cords help stabalize air motion in the wings or do they just trap and compartmentalize air making it harder to purge air??-or do they just help to keep the wings "low profile"-thereby minimizing drag?
Man! I am a big advocate of online shopping but I must say that this is so confusing that I might have to stop at the LDS down the street and have them help me out!!! They'll pass out if I walk in and say "No tank refill this time-I'm here to buy something".

Thanks
Mike

 

[scubanole]

When I got my BP and wings I thought there is now way this can be comfortable, but it is very comfortable. The only way I would think that it would not be is if you dove without a t-shirt and the harness rubbed you raw where they come over your shoulder. At least give the BP and wings a try and see what you think.

 

[Rick Murchison]

I use the Dive-Rite Transpac 2 with the Rec wings for doubles & stages, and with the travel wings for singles - this is a very comfortable getup for Cozumel.
Rick

 

[roakey]

Originally posted by buff
...but I don't see how wearing a piece of sheet metal aluminum on one's back can be comfortable if you're diving in shorts and T shirt like I do in Cozumel(

This could be interpreted as a statement rather than a question.

I’ll take you word for it that you can’t see how a backplate could be comfortable on bare skin. But believe me, it is. In Cozumel I dive in just a polartec with a backplate and it’s completely comfortable. However, if you have a short torso you might get some pinching around the waist. If your LDS has a backplate I’d try it. Or you could order a Halcyon and if you on’t like it ship it back within 30 days and you’ll get a complete refund. AUL makes a short backplate (at least in theory) and I know FredT from the diverlink board has turned out a few (AUL’s backplates are actually FredT backplates).

Originally posted by buff

Are bungee straps necessary on the wings? Do bungee cords help stabalize air motion in the wings or do they just trap and compartmentalize air making it harder to purge air??-or do they just help to keep the wings "low profile"-thereby minimizing drag?

Bondage wings offer four major features over non-bungeed wings:

1) In case of a leak they will deflate on you, making it difficult if not impossible to make it to the surface (depending on the equipment you have on).

2) Increased resistance to oral inflation, creating a potentially dangerous situation if you’re OOA or you have to shut down your right post.

3) Many loops of cord that raise the probability of entanglement.

4) Increased drag (yes, the wing gets compressed in a smaller area, but the surface is convoluted).

If you can’t live without these features, buy a bungee wing. Otherwise just get a smooth one.

Roak

 

[Green_Manelishi]

I do not use an IQ or TransPac style "soft" BP.

I use an OMS stainless-steel BP with OMS "STA" (when
diving singles). The wing used varies depending on
tank(s) and exposure suit.

Wetsuit and single tank I use a small wing of unknown manufacture. (only used on shore dives in shallow water)

Dry suit and single tank I use an AUL wing.

Dry suit and doubles a Halcyon "explorer" #55.

The harness is one piece of webbing with a scubapro buckle
on the left and d-rings on each shoulder and left waist. On my right waist strap is either my cannister light, or a piece of PVC pipe with a webbing loop that I can use in place of the light simply to pass the 7ft primary hose under. (I've tried placing the hose in the waist band and do not like it being there)

I will avoid the bungee-wings debate: I do NOT use them
but I know some that do and they like them.

I am unsure what you mean by "stabilization weights". I
suspect you are referring to the "bands" that the DiveRite
TransPac (II?) uses to stabilize doubles. With a conventional (ie. HARD) backplate there is no need for those bands.

 

[JoelW]

Buff,

If I remember right, you are here in the Twin Cities. If so, you might want to have a chat with Rich Dreher, the owner of Scuba Dive and Travel just south of Downtown. When I started plate hunting he was the only place in town that was willing to talk without starting the "I should be looking at Extended Range/Deco Procedures class where I would learn all about that" discussion. He is into swimming into holes in the ground which makes his stability suspect though.

Also, once again if you are in the cities, tomorrow morning (Saturday) about 9:00am a couple of us are going to be out at Little Long Lake by Mound. One of the guys will be there with lots of Halcyon labels on. He has their bp, Pioneer wing, ACB pockets and, for ease on the back if needed, the backplate pad. I have an OMS plate and STA, one piece harness, and a Dive Rite Trek wing (no bungee). I ended up getting my gear through Rich for a fair amount less than if I bought it online.

JoelW

 

[Lost Yooper]

Buff,

I use my BP and wing in the pool for an hour and half at a time with no shirt, and I don't even know it's there. Trust me, it is absolutely 100% comfortable.

Bungied wings are a gimick. Roakey hit it right on the head.

Get the Halcyon, you won't regret it -- I promise.

Mike

 

[Iguana Don]

Abyss makes their plates in 3 different lengths, vertically challenged, normal and nose bleeders!

ID