Switched to backplate and wing

[wunat]

Just want to share my experience for those considering trying out or switching to backplate and wing set up.

I have the chance to try out my setup yesterday and I have to say I am impressed. My setup is as follow:

DiveRite RecWing + Aluminum backplate + DiveRite Transplate

With a few self-made trim weight pockets, I take it to the open sea. Switching from my bc jacket (SeaQuest Pro QD+), I have to say that the BP+Wing setup gave me all the advantages others have shared in this forum before. Stable buoyancy and it does actually gave me better stream-flow underwater considering the fact that the Pro QD+ has a large mass with those integrated weight systems. I enjoy it a lot.

Many has said that wing or back-inflation bc might be disturbing on surface. I talked to a few people and they recommended me to not fully inflate the wing and balance the setup with trim pockets on the upper tank strap. I have to say it works great. I have no difficulties floating vertically on the surface as I did with bc jacket. Even better, I don't feel the pressure of the inflated aircell like that of a bc jacket.

Well, I have to say that I love the setup and will dive regularly with it. I would probably keep my Pro QD+ to further my diving certification.

In any case, this is just my personal experience and I would only say that those interested should definitely try it out.

Enjoy diving...........

 

[cool_hardware52]

Just want to share my experience for those considering trying out or switching to backplate and wing set up.

I have the chance to try out my setup yesterday and I have to say I am impressed. My setup is as follow:

DiveRite RecWing + Aluminum backplate + DiveRite Transplate

With a few self-made trim weight pockets, I take it to the open sea. Switching from my bc jacket (SeaQuest Pro QD+), I have to say that the BP+Wing setup gave me all the advantages others have shared in this forum before. Stable buoyancy and it does actually gave me better stream-flow underwater considering the fact that the Pro QD+ has a large mass with those integrated weight systems. I enjoy it a lot.

Many has said that wing or back-inflation bc might be disturbing on surface. I talked to a few people and they recommended me to not fully inflate the wing and balance the setup with trim pockets on the upper tank strap. I have to say it works great. I have no difficulties floating vertically on the surface as I did with bc jacket. Even better, I don't feel the pressure of the inflated aircell like that of a bc jacket.

Well, I have to say that I love the setup and will dive regularly with it. I would probably keep my Pro QD+ to further my diving certification.

In any case, this is just my personal experience and I would only say that those interested should definitely try it out.

Enjoy diving...........

Congrats on the new rig. Don't know if your using a crotch strap, but if not I'd recommend it. The crotch strap will help at the surface. As you add air to the wing the rig rises, without a crotch strap you stay in the water, now the rig is above and behind you.

With a Crotch Strap you and the rig will rise out of the water.


Enjoy the new set up,



Tobin

 

[wunat]

I am planning to try out the setup with the crotch strap. Many has recommended in this web-board that crotch strap is not necessary as I am using this setup for single tank. But I am thinking of trying it to feel the difference though I didn't really have the difficulties on surface.

Thanks alot for the suggestion. !!!!

Ciao,

 

[jagfish]

Welcome to the board...

I second the crotch strap idea...It will help your stability at the surface...

 

[RICHinNC]

I switched from the same bc to the same bp and wing as you except that I went with the stainless steel plate. I found if I put the weight pockets as far back on the belt as possilbe it not only gets them out of the way it does a lot for trim...plus....helps counter that tendency to push forward when over inflating at surface.

Letting the tank ride a little lower will help counter that as well.

One recommendation. After every use Take your rear dump off and your inflator hose off and clean the thread really well....maybe even lub with a plastic lub. Ive got only 12 dives on the wing and the plastic threads are frozen and need attention even though I had washed the exterior maticulously.

Rich

 

[Buccaneer]

I can't agree more. I too just recently went to a wing/BP set-up. Dive-rite SS bp, Oxycheq sig. wing and a DIR/hogarthian harness set-up. I love it. Easy, comfortable, and way streamlined!

 

[scubadobadoo]

I also love mine and agree that a crotch strap can help stabilty. A few months ago I surfaced in 6-8 foot seas and was really being tossed about in a storm. I feel that the crotch strap kept the wing from riding high because I could actually feel the wing thrusting upward as the waves swelled and the strap prevented it from going above my head. And no, the crotch strap wasn't hurting me but rather helping me although it sounds like it might have been painful! And yes, I do think I had too much air in the wing and that didn't help. Just a thought and my experience. Have fun with your new toy!

 

[CNTdiver]

Whether to have one or not, let us look at the situation. You are at a deco stop hanging upright and you inflate your wing a bit to get neutral. Without a crotch strap, that air will simply travel to the highest point, which will pull the whole harness and everything connected to it upwards. This is not to say that it will rocket off, but with a crotch strap, the system cannot really ride up or go anywhere. The crotch strap is basically the fifth point in a "5 point harness" often used in car racing. I know that that comparison is a bit far fetched, but you understand what I am saying. Hope this helps.

 

[CNTdiver]

Whether to have one or not, let us look at the situation. You are at a deco stop hanging upright and you inflate your wing a bit to get neutral. Without a crotch strap, that air will simply travel to the highest point, which will pull the whole harness and everything connected to it upwards. This is not to say that it will rocket off, but with a crotch strap, the system cannot really ride up or go anywhere. The crotch strap is basically the fifth point in a "5 point harness" often used in car racing. I know that that comparison is a bit far fetched, but you understand what I am saying. Hope this helps.

Regardless of a simple recreational aluminum 80 dive or a staged decompression dive, the crotch strap will assist in stabilization.

 

[spectrum]

I would probably keep my Pro QD+ to further my diving certification.

Why do you say this?

Pete