OxyCheq O-pac vs JET Harness, 45# vs 30#

[dtdesola]

I'm struggling with a couple of decisions, thought I'd make life even harder by asking all of you your opinions on the questions at hand.

Question #1. OxyCheq O-Paq vs JET Harness.
Based on a number of extremely favorable posts, I'm looking into a JET harness as well as an OxyCheq O-Pac, which was recommende by an LDS. In terms of comfort and function, does anyone have any experience comparing these two options?

Question #2. I dive in cold water with a 7mm wet suit and big single steel tanks in the summer, and in warm water with a 3mm suit in the winter/spring. I'd like ONE wing to do both. Has anyone had experience diving an OxyCheq 45# wing in warm water with very little weight (I'm 5'11" and typically have needed about 8# in warm water). I'm concerned about trim issues, and would like to avoid the possibiilty of overkill. On the other hand, underkill is much much worse.

Thanks for your input.

-David

 

[Scubaroo]

I won't get the opportunity to dive the O-Pac until late June, but in regards to your second question, the 45lb Standard OxyCheq wing is a bit unique in that it has the same profile as the 30lb wing - with a central gusset to provide the additional capacity. So until you put more than 30lb of lift into it, it's the same profile as diving the smaller wing.

People for some reason seem unable to accept this - everyone assumes that 45lb must mean a bigger wing than 30lb, which is true of most designs, but not in this case.

 

[LioKai]

I dive the JetHarness in a 5mil, a 3mil, and a DUI drysuit. The 26lbs of lift is way plenty, even in the rough waters of the channels between the Islands (Hawaii). The bottom 3-4 inches of the Jet wing is larger than the rest of the "doughnut", keeping the overall profile exceptionally slim.


If you want the larger bladder, then I have a suggestion for you that is the best of both worlds, order a specific wing from Oxy and the custom harness from Jet. Ask Jeff from JetHarness if he has any larger wings yet. His line of products is continuing to grow all of the time.

Matthew J D'Avella

 

[LioKai]

One more note, if you are diving in a dry suit:

Be sure and check the location of the chest strap on the OxyCheq so that it does not interfere with the suit inflator.

OR

Make sure that you inform Jeff (JetHarness) of your drysuit of choice so that he can install the chest strap in the correct location.


Matthew

 

[Scubaroo]

One more note, if you are diving in a dry suit:

Be sure and check the location of the chest strap on the OxyCheq so that it does not interfere with the suit inflator.

What chest strap? The O-Pac has a hogarthian one piece webbing harness.