Old DiveRite Junior Wings Question

[mahjong]

Hi.

I just bought an old set of DiveRite Junior Wings (with the side clips)--never been wet. These Jr Wings have only one set of cam-band slots in the center--not an upper and lower set to accommodate a dual cam band set up.

I'm not familiar with DiveRite's older stuff, but I was curious to find that the power inflator (which is clearly new) does not say "DiveRite"--it looks generic to me. Also, the Wings do not say "DiveRite" or "Jr Wings" on the black outer nylon shell--there is only a tiny sewn in seam tag that says "DiveRite Manufacturing." Finally, the inflator-tube "elbow joint" is permanently affixed to the innermost rubber bladder, so you cannot replace the elbow joint with one that dumps (the innermost rubber bladder is surrounded by a red nylon bag and the outer stretchy nylon shell--not the heavy-duty cordura of later Jr Wings and Trek Wings, which replaced the Jr Wings).

Is there someone who is familiar with this older equipment? Do these Wings/inflator appear "authentic" from the description?

Many thanks.

 

[msandler]

YES! you have authentic DR wing. Nice find! Its a very versatile wing. Do not worry about the non-dump inflator hose, it is preferrable.

 

[msandler]

Oh yea, the side disconnects can be webbed through the BP to snug in the wings for single tanks. Also, you may have a pair of grommeted straps at the inside perimeter of the wing. these can be placed on the lower STA or Band bolt alos keeping the wing snug.

 

[mahjong]

Thanks...Dive Rite power inflators don't say "DiveRite"? Also, is there any way to make this work on a BP setup using 2 cams and "no" STA? Because the Wings only have one set of cam slots in the middle, I can't thread the two cams through. I can of course buy an STA--but I'd rather not. Can I have new slots put in by a tailor (ever heard of this being done)?

Yes, the Wings do have the two small straps on the inner-lower perimeter. I can't quite figure out how they work. They don't reach the lower STA bolt hole, unless I really pull them, in which case the center material will gather towards the center--and, there will be THREE grommets staked up between the STA (were I to use one) and the BP. I simply can't imagine how that could be stable.

But for the fact that these Wings only have the two center slots (rather than a set of upper and lower slots each like most of today's Wings), they look great and would be extremely versatile. If I can't figure out how to use these without an STA, I just might install them on a Scubapro backplate, which only requires one center cam band slot.

Thanks again.

 

[msandler]

Most wing power inflators are generic and no they don't say dive rite nor does the bladder outter shell. Dive-Rite's plastic STA is less than 60 bucks. You could possibly have a seamstress make slots in the shell, or a metal shop make slots in the plate (probably a better choice). The STA is the best bet - no questions.

 

[mahjong]

Thanks Mike. I probably will be buying an STA. However, I have a conceptual problem with the STA that no one seems to understand when I explain it. Let me try with you: Using my Jr Wings, I would in effect be bolting the STA onto two grommets; in other words, the STA will never be flush with the BP spine because of the Wings grommets. Now, I thread my harness differently from recommended, so that the grommet is in the front rather than back. If I were to thread according to instructions, then the harness grommet would overlap with the upper Wings grommet. This would mean that that the STA would be bolted to two grommets on top and one grommet on the bottom. I simply can't imagine that this could be very secure, especially once a tank is mounted to the STA. Well, no one has ever understood what I'm talking about--I wonder if you do? Thanks again.

 

[msandler]

I understand perfectly. The fact of the matter is; it is not unstable - trust me. Just the same, I DO take a pair of pliers and really crank down those wing nuts. Actually, the grommets are good. If the weren't like this, the bolt on the STA would is a bit too long and will contact your dive suit. As a result you would need to put washers where the grommets are

good luck!

by the way, any of those junior wing left? what did you pay for it - if you don't mind?

 

[msandler]

Yes, the Wings do have the two small straps on the inner-lower perimeter. I can't quite figure out how they work. They don't reach the lower STA bolt hole, unless I really pull them, in which case the center material will gather towards the center--and, there will be THREE grommets staked up between the STA (were I to use one) and the BP. I simply can't imagine how that could be stable.

missed this one

Actually, these additions are applicable or suitable to side mount diving. I didn't imagine you would be rigging for side mounts. Like I said, a very versatile wing; compact, streamlined, plenty of lift for doubles, great with singles and side mount diving and good for large and small divers. I have found the "limiting" features on the wing can be used to restrict the wing (though unnecessary) for single mounting as I described previously. For the grommeted straps just use a tie wrap through the grommets to collect the wing below the lower bolt - sorry, its been a while.

 

[mahjong]

Thanks for all this info and assurance re the grommets/STA--I will pick up an STA just to be able to use these Wings, which are really neat. I think I got a good deal--I picked up the Wings for $100. Literally never been wet--I haven't even dove them yet. I'm still putting together my DR setup. I've another question re the DiveRite harness webbing: I find it quite stiff--no different from ordinary weight-belt webbing (dull black in color), and stiffer than Scubapro weight-belt webbing. Moreover, there's nothing about it that makes it appear stronger than other webbing; in fact, all the friction caused by threading this stiff stuff will surely hasten its wear, even if the fibers might be a bit stronger. Have you found this with DR webbing. I was expecting the thicker, heavier, shinier, but slightly softer harness webbing, like I've seen on some setups.

 

[msandler]

Great deal indeed. Your comment on the webbing is accurate. All harness webbing is now like this, well at least; OMS, OXYCHEQ, and DR are as I had recently purchased webbing from each. Interestingly, I also purchased 20' of bulk 2" webbing from ReefScuba - also very stiff compared to my old DR wing/BP webbing (in fairness, the old stuff has hundreds of dives).

I have noticed the new webbing needs about 15 saltwater dives and it starts to show signs of softening so maybe eventually... There is soft webbing out there, perhaps poly webbing is softer than this "new" nylon stuff. I have found webbing specifically for crotch straps is softer as is 1" webbing. At any rate, the new webbing is harder to manipulate - "nature of the beast" but does seem to hold up well.