Rec XT hybrid wing

[divezonescuba]

That would be super helpful, thank you! The visualization will really help piece it together.

I understand you will probably be biased in this question but how are the PADI tech courses? I know it's more about the instructor, but I ask because there are a couple TDI shops near me and I'm wondering if curriculum wise, there is a benefit to one over the other.

Actually, I will probably also pursue being a TDI instructor in the near future, so maybe not all that biased.

I will say that the PADI sequence is more structured in terms of progression than TDI with respect to depths, number of deco cylinders, dive structure, and prerequisite courses.

For example, with TDI you are allowed to go directly from AN/DP (usually combined, one deco tank / 150) to Trimix (normoxic trimix, two deco/stage tanks, 200). TDI advanced trimix (hypoxic trimix, at least three deco/stage tanks) requires either extended range or trimix. This means that you could bypass either extended range (2 deco, 180) or helitrox (one deco, 150) to get to trimix.

With PADI you are required to do tec 40 (one 50% deco, 130), tec45 (0ne 100% deco, 145), and tec50 (two deco, 165) before taking tec 65 (normoxic trimix, 210) or trimix (both normoxic and hypoxic trimix, multiple deco and travel gas tanks).

This is good and bad depending on your point of view. The fewer required TDI courses allows competent students to progress faster while the greater number of PADI required courses results in students gaining skills and advance in smaller steps.

I am sure others will disagree with this assessment.

 

[Marie13]

Actually, I will probably also pursue being a TDI instructor in the near future, so maybe not all that biased.

I will say that the PADI sequence is more structured in terms of progression than TDI with respect to depths, number of deco cylinders, dive structure, and prerequisite courses.

For example, with TDI you are allowed to go directly from AN/DP (usually combined, one deco tank / 130) to Trimix (normoxic trimix, two deco/stage tanks, 200). TDI advanced trimix (hypoxic trimix, at least three deco/stage tanks) requires either extended range or trimix. This means that you could bypass either extended range (2 deco, 180) or helitrox (one deco, 150) to get to trimix.

With PADI you are required to do tec 40 (one 50% deco, 130), tec45 (0ne 100% deco, 145), and tec50 (two deco, 165) before taking tec 65 (normoxic trimix, 210) or trimix (both normoxic and hypoxic trimix, multiple deco and travel gas tanks).

This is good and bad depending on your point of view. The fewer required TDI courses allows competent students to progress faster while the greater number of PADI required courses results in students gaining skills and advance in smaller steps.

I am sure others will disagree with this assessment.

Just want to correct one bit. TDI AN/DP is 150ft, not 130ft.

TDI Decompression Procedures Diver - SDI | TDI | ERDI | PFI

 

[Domovoi]

Excellent, I registered for ITT/AN/DP starting next Tuesday. It should be a blast, the instructor even has a couple different doubles wings he is going to let me try out.

 

[divezonescuba]

I stand corrected 150 ft.

 

[stuartv]

I have been using the Rec EXP (same wing, different outer shell material - 45# lift) for diving double steel 120s for several years. It is my favorite doubles wing. I would not use it for single tank diving, though.

I also have a Dive Rite Classic XT (60# lift) for when I am also humping deco cylinders. The 45 is okay with a single AL40, but let's just say I don't find it to have a significant excess of lift. If I'm diving in really cold water, so a drysuit and thick undies, I would definitely use the 60# wing.

I like the TDI progression. 3 steps for an OW diver to get to full trimix.

ItT/AN/DP/Helitrox all in one combined class gets you to 150' with unlimited deco, up to 20% helium, and 1 deco cylinder (up to 100% O2).

Trimix gets you to 200', unlimited helium, and 2 deco cylinders

Advanced Trimix gets you to "past 200'", hypoxic gases, and 3 deco cylinders/stage bottles

ItT/AN/DP/Helitrox is definitely the biggest single step up in all of dive training (in my personal experience, anyway). If you have no prior experience with diving doubles, it's not a bad idea at all to plan to do Intro to Tech first, as its own class. Then spend some time diving doubles and practicing the skills. Be able to do a solid valve shutdown drill while maintaining good buoyancy, good trim, and good situational awareness. Practice in a pool, hovering in horizontal trim just off the bottom and be able to do a complete valve drill without touching the bottom, without raising up more the 2' from the bottom, and while maintaining eye contact with your buddy the whole time. That's a good place to start AN/DP.

THEN go back for AN/DP/Helitrox. On that, I would definitely prefer an instructor that can include Helitrox as part of the training. It does not require any additional dives beyond what AN/DP requires. It just adds material to 2 sections of the classroom training - Physiology and Dive Planning - where you learn about how helium factors into those things. Being able to use some helium when you're diving to 150' is a handy thing to have to help mitigate narcosis and keep gas density down. Both of which enhance your safety.

 

[CaveSloth]

I also have a Dive Rite Classic XT (60# lift)

I acquired one of those and haven't dove it yet. Would I find it problematic diving dual 85s?

 

[Marie13]

I found an older horseshoe version of the 45lb wing didn’t have enough lift for me, with the extra weight I have to carry on top of HP80 doubles and one deco bottle. I now use the Classic XT with the bungee on the wing. My instructor doesn’t care about the bungee as this is just OW diving.

Highly recommend adding Helitrox to AN/DP. That’s what I’m in the midst of now (local instructor).

 

[stuartv]

I acquired one of those and haven't dove it yet. Would I find it problematic diving dual 85s?

I cannot imagine so.

 

[DiveTucson]

ItT/AN/DP/Helitrox all in one combined class gets you to 150' with unlimited deco, up to 20% helium, and 1 deco cylinder (up to 100% O2)..

Helitrox has been updated to allow up to 35% Helium.

 

[al248005]

I use the REC EXP as well for my double 108's. Great wing. I think it might be a tad big for singles.