Question about Dive Rite Wings

[Selachimorpha]

Hi there,

I am looking into buying a backplate and wing system and have some questions with regard to dive rite gear.
I know that I want a Basic Harness with 2 inch crotch strap and a metal backplate. I don't want a trans-pack or transplate.
Now I will mainly be using the gear with a single tank, but may wish to use it for doubles in the future. Looking at your website I have come across 3 wings that I have further questions about. They are the Travel EXP, the Travel 360 and the Rec EXP Wings.

It says under the product description on your online catalog for the Travel EXP that it can be used with any metal backplate, but when I use the solution finder, it says that it is not suitable for use with metal backplates. I'm assuming from the picture (it looks very narrow) that you can't use it with a metal backplate?

If this is the case then it is between the Travel 360 and Rec EXP wings. Is the Rec EXP too big for singles? There is a picture of the Rec Exp clipped to a TransPac for singles diving, is it also possible to clip it to a basic harness or does this not work? Anyone have experience using a Rec EXP with singles?

What kind of solutions do you provide in terms of stowing DSMBs or lift bags, is there a similar system to the halcyon storage pac available that clips to the backplate, or is it a case of using a pocket or having it dangling from a D-Ring?

Thank you for your time, if you need clarification on anything, dont hesitate to ask.

 

[Dive Rite]

Hi Shark diver,

Good questions, thanks for the post. Sorry about the Solution Finder...both the Travel EXP and Travel 360 work with metal backplates. I need to update our Solution Finder article. We had an older version of the Travel, without metal grommets, that was not able to fit a metal backplate.

Lots of divers buy the Rec EXP Wing because they want the versatility to someday dive doubles. However, I have to say that my recommendation is to buy a wing for the configuration you are diving right now. The Rec EXP Wing has 50 lbs of lift, which is too much for a single tank. To control that lift, we clip it to the side of the TransPac, so that the wing does not "taco" up and around the tank. It is a good fix, but it is a fix...not a primary design for single tanks.

If you are diving singles now, I suggest the Travel EXP. It is small, streamlined and very easy to dive.

We stow SMBs with a compression sleeve attached with two quick links to the bottom of the plate or side of the plate (depending on where you prefer to have it). Some divers who dive dry may use a pocket, but most use a sleeve or storage pouch and the most common attachment point seems to be the base of the plate (make sure the plate you purchase has holes along the perimeter).

I hope this is helpful,
Kathleen

 

[Selachimorpha]

Thanks Kathleen,

That reply was very helpful, I think its great that we can talk directly to someone from Dive Rite, I wasn't too keen on the Rec Exp anyway, because of the excess lift, just needed to be assured that the Travel Exp works with a metal backplate!

Many thanks, keep up the good work!

 

[rescue15]

I use the REC wing with no problems with singles. Is the REC EXP bigger?

steve

 

[Dive Rite]

I use the REC wing with no problems with singles. Is the REC EXP bigger?

steve

Hi Steve,

The Rec EXP is not bigger than the Rec and many divers do enjoy the Rec wing with a single tank. However, when a diver asks for a recommendation and they are primarily diving single tanks, we recommend a wing designed for their current configuration, which is going to lend itself toward the best performance for that particular set up.

Glad to know the Rec is working well for you.

Best,
Kathleen