I'm curious to hear from those folks who CURRENTLY dive a single tank and wing. Specifically those that do not have the "donut" style of wing. Why do you dive a "horseshoe" wing? What has been your experiences with it?
Single Tank & No Donut
- Thread starter neophytediver
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I dive a Halcyon 18lb wing when I go to Cozumel, but most often at the Aquarium where I volunteer. It's tiny, has very little drag and presents me with the same "issues" that the wings I use for my doubles have (having to occasionaly come head up slightly, drop my right shoulder down and then move head down to vent the last air from the rear dump).
None of which is a strong argument for its horseshoe shape.
Note the 18lb wing has a *very* narrow application, and is pretty much limited to diving AL80s with little or no exposure protection, which is another reason to go with a bigger wing.
So, knowing what I know now, I'd probably just get a 30s lift donut wing and be done with it. But since I already own the 18, it is sweet to dive with.
Roak
None of which is a strong argument for its horseshoe shape.
Note the 18lb wing has a *very* narrow application, and is pretty much limited to diving AL80s with little or no exposure protection, which is another reason to go with a bigger wing.
So, knowing what I know now, I'd probably just get a 30s lift donut wing and be done with it. But since I already own the 18, it is sweet to dive with.
Roak
Tao of the Dive
Rabid Otter Spotter
I dive with a Genesis Recon wing, in a single tank config and so far, I love it. However, Still, I anticipate the day I go doubles on it. I've never had a problem with diving in a head down orientation, and its easy to purge, in almost any position I may be in.
I originally picked it because I'm a big dude, and I wanted a back inflate, but wasn't too keen on a plate config at that time. Still not keen on it, especially after diving my recon.
I originally picked it because I'm a big dude, and I wanted a back inflate, but wasn't too keen on a plate config at that time. Still not keen on it, especially after diving my recon.
rjchandler
Contributor
I bought em because that was all there was. (18 and 45)They work so I still use them. They're easier to dump if you shorten the corrugated hose. Have to do a shoulder roll once in a while but not that often.
I also have used a Recon extensively and have not had any problems with the horseshoe shape. Despite it's size, use of bungees and lack of other DIR traits, the Recon is one of those rare wings that actually works very well with either singles or doubles.
In the past I have also used a Tusa BCJ-4900 with a 40-45 ish pound horse shoe wing and early in my diving career used horse shoe shaped wings by Water gill (in an At-Pak) and Scubapro (I forget what they called their hardpack and wing combo).
I currently have a Dive Rite Rec Wing and have also encountered no problems to date.
Worst case with a horse shoe shaped wing in head low position you may have to roll a few degrees one way or the other to move some air from one side of the wing to the other but this is essentially an automatic response if you have much experience. The difference in stability between a donut and a well designed horse shoe wing just is not that significant in my opinion.
In the past I have also used a Tusa BCJ-4900 with a 40-45 ish pound horse shoe wing and early in my diving career used horse shoe shaped wings by Water gill (in an At-Pak) and Scubapro (I forget what they called their hardpack and wing combo).
I currently have a Dive Rite Rec Wing and have also encountered no problems to date.
Worst case with a horse shoe shaped wing in head low position you may have to roll a few degrees one way or the other to move some air from one side of the wing to the other but this is essentially an automatic response if you have much experience. The difference in stability between a donut and a well designed horse shoe wing just is not that significant in my opinion.
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