Testing a BP/W

[ae3753]

Don't do it. It won't give you a good feel of the set-up since it's beyond sub optimal.

The wing will be too wide and taco too much. Air will get trapped, and you will have to actively manage the bubble.

Your chest will be more streamlined, but the wing will cause unnecessary drag. In addition, the taco'ing wing could have a negative impact on your trim.

Sure, you can dive it. However, if you want to get a good feel for what a BP/W can do, using the wrong wing isn't the way to go.

 

[deich]

I have the the STA... it will "taco" a bit but i dont believe it will be too much of a problem...

 

[ae3753]

I have the the STA... it will "taco" a bit but i dont believe it will be too much of a problem...

Here's simple a test.

1. Place the wing on the floor.
2. Put the tank on top.
3. Lift the edge of the wing, simulating air being filled.
4. That's more or less how it'd taco.

Sure, you can manage it. But know that it's suboptimal and any decision on performance of a bp/wing has to be weighed against this.

Here's some issues with too wide wing and trapping air:

1. Difficult to vent/dump
2. Affects yaw - off balance feeling, tilting to one side
3. Affects pitch - off balance feeling, feet light or head light

Good luck.

 

[MSilvia]

Can you do it? Yes.
Will it feel like a BP/W dive with an appropriately sized wing? No.
Should you base an opinion of BP/W systems on a dive in this configuration?

Would you purchase pants based on trying on a demo pair that was a few sizes too big?

 

[Hragin]

I was just at my local dive shop this week trying out (in a pool) BC's for purchase. I did run the Halcyon BP/W using the 30# Evolve with a single. If I choose to learn doubles it's a simple upgrade. (I may go with the Dive Rite Transpac/Venture wing...somewhat more comfortable for me.)

 

[RJP]

why does a 40# wing have to be assumed it is for doubles. i am not all that familiar with halcyon.

Halcyon Evolve 40 is a doubles wing.

 

[spectrum]

Quick question for the BP/W folks...

I recently was given a BP/W setup to try: Halcyon Evolve wing, ss bp, STA.

So, from my reading I understand this wing will not perfom well with a single tank. Will it however, give me a basic feel for the set-up?

Thanks, D

Yes it will.

The wing may be a tad bigger than ideal and the form factor may not be optimal for a single cylinder but it's lift on your back.

For a try-dive you will get to experience diving in a harness. It's not a moonshot, any difference in "streamlining" will be trivial. If that matters you're swimming too fast.

I do suggest you study the dump valve placements in advance so you can predict what will work in the water.

Any time you can get your hands on free demo gear it's a good deal.

Pete

 

[Garth]

i don't consider my diving skills 'optimal' yet nor my dive equipment. I'm working on it, but until my wallet is 'optimal' my equipment wont be either.