Trans-Pac or BackPlate

[Technology_Shark]

I find my diving habits are changing and I seem to be progressively pushing the limit between recreation and technical. I have since decided to start taking some deep diving technical classes. I am curious as to how the Trans-pac stacks up to a stadard bp/w setup. Mostly I dive singles but want the option of diving doubles as I see myself going this route in the future. My biggest concern would be that I buy a Trans-Pac and then find out that I wanted a BP/W setup all along. I don't want to buy one if two years from now I am going to be making it into my pool BC. Would love to her your input.

 

[cool_hardware52]

I find my diving habits are changing and I seem to be progressively pushing the limit between recreation and technical. I have since decided to start taking some deep diving technical classes. I am curious as to how the Trans-pac stacks up to a stadard bp/w setup. Mostly I dive singles but want the option of diving doubles as I see myself going this route in the future. My biggest concern would be that I buy a Trans-Pac and then find out that I wanted a BP/W setup all along. I don't want to buy one if two years from now I am going to be making it into my pool BC. Would love to her your input.

Transpacs are a nicely made, popular choice. You can change wings if you need to. Widely adjustable.

Having said that...

One of the key benefits of a BP&W is the total lack of inherent buoyancy, and the fact a SS backplate puts ~5 lbs up over your buoyant lungs.

While it is possible to mount doubles to a Transpac most will agree that a backplate is a better choice for securing doubles.


Tobin

 

[scubadobadoo]

Tobin is correct and I will add that many divers who buy the very well made transpac end up stripping the padding and extra parts off of it after time and add a plate to it anyway, thus making it a BP/W in the end.

 

[TheRedHead]

A backplate is a much better choice for doubles. My buddy tried doubles with a transpac using the metal braces and it sucked. They were never stable and it was a big hassle switching from doubles to single.

 

[David Watson]

go with the bp/w. If you buy a transpac, you'll find that you will want to change or have to change (depending on the type of training you are getting) before long.

plus, the taurus wing for the DSS plate is awesome for your doubles. I love mine!

 

[Dayo Scuba]

Back plate and wing would be the way I would go. You might want to get the padded straps if you are used to a BC type of rig. If yo have any question please feel free to contact Florida Technical Scuba. 407.880.7946

 

[Dayo Scuba]

Shark's Eye

Just what it looks like to me.

 

[Jarrett]

I like my Transpac, but if I was going to go into more technical diving, I would be giving Tobin a call in a hurry.

 

[Kevin K]

As it was put to me once here on SB... Transpac is for P***ies and Transplate is for Real Men!!!

 

[ArcticDiver]

I find my diving habits are changing and I seem to be progressively pushing the limit between recreation and technical. I have since decided to start taking some deep diving technical classes. I am curious as to how the Trans-pac stacks up to a stadard bp/w setup. Mostly I dive singles but want the option of diving doubles as I see myself going this route in the future. My biggest concern would be that I buy a Trans-Pac and then find out that I wanted a BP/W setup all along. I don't want to buy one if two years from now I am going to be making it into my pool BC. Would love to her your input.

Maybe my experience will be helpful.

I own both. For single trank, large or small, diving the TransPac is comfortable and works very, very well. For doubles though it just isn't stable enough for the weight spread.

I know several people who dive large single tanks with Y valves in their technical and cave diving. In fact the NACD Cave Diving book allows a single tank user to use thirds while a doubles user must use sixths at the Intro level. So, there is nothing wrong with using a large single with H or Y valve and dual regs for "tech" diving.

But, if you absolutely must go doubles you need a BP. Take a look at the Zeagle BP wth the Deluxe Harness. It works very well for singles or doubles.

In some circles it is a fad that one must use a BP to be in style. I don't subscribe to style. I like to use function as my guide. Once you go a BP now you have to solve where you are going to put all your gear that would otherwise go in a BC pocket. Typically this means adding pockets somewhere. Or strapping things on externally. So, the BP/W while touted a lot isn't always the best answer.