The BP/Wing/Harness setup I may get

[neophytediver]

OK, after reading hundreds of pages on info regarding the various thoughts regarding a BP/W setup here's where I'm leaning:

S&W Hammerhead II backplate
DIY Harness (everything from Reefscuba.com)
Abyss Rec2Tec 45# wing

I've figured I can get the entire set up for right at $350 including shipping.

Interested in seeing what everyone thinks about this rig. Keep in mind that I dive single AL80s right now and I dive wet. I know there is a little taco with that wing and singles but:

1) The Rec2Tec line of wings is meant for singles
2) I can deal with a little bit of tacoing
3) I talked to Chris at Abyss and he's assured me the tacoing is minor

So, here's your final chances to attempt to change my mind regarding my choices. Please give me REALLY GOOD REASONS not to go this way and show me places I can put together a compairable rig (SS BP, 45# wing) for the same amount of money or less NEW. (It's not that I'm a snob about used kit, but if I'm going to trust my life to something, I'd rather trust something new rather than something with unknown or questionable maintenance.)

 

[LUBOLD8431]

Any tacoing is not a good thing, even if it is minor. Make a wing that is designed specifically for SINGLE TANKS!!!
It seems that even OMS understands this. Whats wrong with Abyss???

BTW, just because something is CHEAP doesnt mean that its good. Spend a little bit more, and get a quality rig from someplace like COVCI...

 

[Dan Gibson]

To you, is tacoing only a reference to a wing that extends above the tank? If it is, I'm ok with your statement. If it means no wrapping whatsoever around the tank, then I would disagree.

Excessive material is definitely bad. Wrapping around a wing a little creates stability. All wings wrap to some degree around a tank.

Any tacoing is not a good thing, even if it is minor. /QUOTE]

 

[ScubaRon]

To you, is tacoing only a reference to a wing that extends above the tank? If it is, I'm ok with your statement. If it means no wrapping whatsoever around the tank, then I would disagree.

Excessive material is definitely bad. Wrapping around a wing a little creates stability. All wings wrap to some degree around a tank.

It doesn't matter whether a wing extends above the tank or not. The critical point is the BC hose elbow. If your wing extends above this point in a normal swimming position, you may not be able to vent air from your wing, and this is a very bad thing.

Neophytediver, you claim you can "handle a little bit of tacoing". I wonder how? The only way to handle it that I am aware of is to go vertical. I can see someone who dives doubles most of the time living with this every once in a while, but if you are planning to dive singles, why would you even want to put up with this?

 

[MikeS]

DIY Harness (everything from Reefscuba.com)

You may want to consider a Harness kit from Fred-T, IMO the hardware (keepers and d-rings) that you get from Fred will be far superior than what you would get from Reef Scuba.

Mike

 

[Boogie711]

I got my harness kit direct from S&W when I bought my backplate from them... I don't know if they still do that, but if they do, you'd probably be able to negotiate a deal.

 

[Boogie711]

Also, for the money you're paying for a Rec2Tec wing, you're going to be a lot happier with a single tank wing in a 'doughnut' formation - ala Halcyon or Oxycheq. You can get a 30lb single Oxycheq (which is an AWESOME wing) for $230.

I like Chris, and I like Abyss stuff, but the Oxycheq wings are fantastic.

 

[cyklon_300]

that is short of being completely functional for my diving purposes...why a 45? Are you diving 7mm two-piece, a bunch of lead, and carrying a bag of hammers?

I have both wings (Halcyon27 and Oxy30) that were previously recommended, either one is a good option for single Al80 diving.

 

[The Chairman]

45 does seem excessive for a single tank.

Say "No" to tacos... When I only had one BC, I made a spreader plate that flatenned the wing when I dove without doubles. The stability difference is HUGE. Ultimately, I now own a BC for my single tank dives (Oceanic Chute II) and use my BP & Wings for doubles only. BTW, FredT (user on this board) sells the finest BP in my estimation, and has the best D-rings as well. You might check him out before you buy.

 

[Dan Gibson]

I have Halcyon 18#, 27#, 36# Pioneer wings and 40# and 55# Explorer wings. Each and everyone wraps a single or double tank somewhat. Some portion of each wing does ends up higher than the elbow. The high point is where the air will seek. This is not a problem. As for dumping air that some think would get trapped, this is what a rear pull dump is for. There is no need to go vertical in most circumstances.

The portion that wraps around helps with rotational stability. You want the center of lift higher than the centroid of the tanks and diver. If the wing was inflated, but all the lift was below that tank, you will be less stable. It would be like trying to balance on a knife edge. This is why a jacket BC can't come close to a back inflation unit when it comes to ease of maintaining rotational stability while in a horizontal position.

I wish I could see a picture of what you guys deem tacoing. Anyone have a good example to post? Where is the point when it is excessive? I can assure you that my 18# wing is not excessive in size for a single tank wing and it does wrap that tank somewhat.

It doesn't matter whether a wing extends above the tank or not. The critical point is the BC hose elbow. If your wing extends above this point in a normal swimming position, you may not be able to vent air from your wing, and this is a very bad thing.

Neophytediver, you claim you can "handle a little bit of tacoing". I wonder how? The only way to handle it that I am aware of is to go vertical. I can see someone who dives doubles most of the time living with this every once in a while, but if you are planning to dive singles, why would you even want to put up with this?