Request for Dive Rite's recommendation on Al or SS backplate & wing size in my case

[fnfalman]

First of all, I do know that Dive Rite.com has that gear selection help section but it's too generic. I would like to post the specifics in my case and hope to get an advice that's more tailored for my needs. I currently have the TransPac with Venture wing and love it. However, I would like to try out the hard backplate and see what the whoopdedoo is all about, not to mention that I want a backup BC setup anyway.

I'm a SoCal diver primarily and I dive with 7-mm wetsuit year round using the extra heavy Faber M-series 100-cuft tank. This tank is -6.5lbs. I also plan on buying another Faber M-series 120 tank and this tank is also about -6.5lbs buoyant. So either way the tanks aren't going to affect my current setup which is the TransPac with 10lbs of dive weight (2 x 2lbs harness weight and 2 x 3lbs in each of the weight pouches).

Should I go with an aluminum plate? Because the SS backplate would add -6lbs to the -6.5lbs of the tank. That means that I may be swimming with my head down not to mention I'll only have 4-lbs in the weight pouches.

Also, I am thinking of using the Travel 360 wing but I don't know if that would be enough to float me AND a buddy that needs rescue. Should I stick with the Venture wing for the extra lift of the 45-lbs wing over the 30-lbs lift of the Travel 360?

 

[Dive Rite]

Hi there,

Well, gosh. There is no simple answer to your questions...much of what you ask is diver preference. Let me start with the backplate. Typically (typically), one matches a steel backplate with aluminum tank and aluminum backplate with steel tank. The reason is that a steel backplate will give extra weight to the aluminum tank as it becomes empty and buoyant. With a steel tank, you don't need the extra weight, so you go aluminum.

Since you like your current setup (harness weights with weight pockets) and it trims you out...I would stay with that configuration and go aluminum plate. However, if you want to eliminate the harness weights, you can go steel backplate. It won't push you head down. What is nice about a weighted backplate is that it gives uniform weight across the torso which creates nice balance in the water. Attached weights tend to pull a diver as they are not centered on the body. We usually adjust to this pull, but still it is a factor.

As for the wing, I would stay with the Venture. Given your rig configuration and your wish to rescue a buddy, the Venture would be ideal. It is designed to keep a diver high above the water in rescue scenarios. We sell a lot to Public Safety Search and Rescue teams for that very reason.

I hope this helps. Let me know if I can answer anything more.
Kathleen

 

[fnfalman]

Hi Kathleen,

Your reply helps out quite a bit. I think that I'll go with the SS TransPlate and just go with less weight in the weight pockets.

And I'll stick to the Venture Wing as well.

PS I'm distraught to hear that you guys are eliminating the colors in the harnesses and wings. I know that the majority of the people prefer black, but there has to be a few out there that like some colors?!! I'm not a naval commando and I don't want to look like one.

 

[Dive Rite]

Glad I could help! We are going to all-black in the TransPac and Transplate harnesses. The Venture wing will still come in colors along with a few of the more popular wings.

No worries...we won't go 100% naval commando!

Thanks,
Kathleen

 

[rescue15]

I have owned both the Venture and rec wings and for me, I found the Venture Wing harder to trim. It was great below the surface, but on the surface I felt like I was being pushed face down into the water. Once I switched to the Rec wing this problem disappeared. with no changes to my weight configuration. This just may have been my setup, but I thought I would throw my experience out there for others to see.

Both are great wings. I liked the Venture better in warm water with a 3mm. It didn't feel good in my dry suit. Both wings were used on an aluminum transplate.

Steve