Transpac Harness + Wing

[Kryssa]

How hard is it to attach the Transpac Harness to a Wing? I'm considering this for my first BC purchase and want to make sure I'm not getting in over my head. I've been told this is an nice set up that can "grow with my diving".

Also, how do you decide which wing to purchase? I am considering the Rec EXP or the Voyager EXP. Any input on either of these wings? I dive dry at home in Monterrey, CA but will also be doing a couple of trips a year to warmer water.

Thanks!

 

[cmburch]

Pretty easy. There are holes on both and you can use the plastic bookscrews supplied with TransPac or purchase stainless steel screws. I use the expensive DR SS screws.
http://northeastscubasupply.com/sto...accessories/bookscrews-sex-bolts/cat_450.html

The TransPac comes with tank cambands that go through the slots on the wing.

Since you are a cold water diver and require weight to offset the buoyancy of a suit, you may consider an SS backplate/wing setup such as the TransPlate or just a simple harness.

I use an Oxychec Mach V Extreme on a TransPlate and a TransPac.

There are many backplates that may offer better customization than a TransPac.

For single tank recreational diving can not beat the design of the Oxycheq Mach V. There are other manufacturers now that have similar designs. Then just have to determine the lift. Usually about 30lb for our area. I use a 40lb, but it is not necessary. Just what was on sale.

Check out SCUBAToys forum for ideas on setting up a Rig and to get an idea of pricing.

Warm water may require a wing with less lift and lighter BP.

 

[fnfalman]

It takes about 10-seconds to attach the wing to the harness.

The Transpac is a highly versatile system. With the right adapter kit, you can dive double tanks with it, you can do sidemount with it, you can do rebreather mount with it.

A stainless steel hard plate is nice for Cali diving, but if you were to plan on travel & dive, especially in warmer climes or in freshwater, the Transpac will do you well.

I use the hard plate for diving in SoCal or wherever that requires salt water & 7mm wetsuit. For all other places, I use the Transpac.

If you're going to dive single-tank for now, you don't need any more lift than about 30-lbs. I'd recommend checking out either the Travel EXP or Voyager EXP. When you dive double then you'd need to get a larger wing.

 

[Colliam7]

How hard is it to attach the Transpac Harness to a Wing? I'm considering this for my first BC purchase and want to make sure I'm not getting in over my head.

As several have said, not difficult, doesn't take that long, althoug you have to pay attention as you do it. It isn't quite a 'Lego' set-up.

I've been told this is an nice set up that can "grow with my diving".

It can. It is a competent BCD for single tank diving, and can allow you to move to backmount doubles if that becomes an interest, OR sidemount doubles with the additional of a butt-plate. I have started recommending that relatively newer divers, who think they may eventually consider two tank diving, consoider the TransPac when they decide to buy their first BCD. Previously, it was all 'BP/W'.

Also, how do you decide which wing to purchase? I am considering the Rec EXP or the Voyager EXP. Any input on either of these wings?

For single tank diving, you need a relatively minimum amount of lift, and you want something designed for single tanks and therefore streamlined in that configuration. Most single tank wings fall in the 18-30lbs lift range, with a few exceptions. The REC is more lift than you need. In fact, the Voyager is probably more than you need. If you want to stay in the Dive Rite line, the Travel wing may be a better consideration. The Oxycheq Mach V is a VERY nice wing, and is available in 18 and 30 lb versions (and 40, for that matter). There are MANY threads on SB regarding wing selection and lift calculation, including an equally current one (http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/basic-scuba-discussions/333502-what-size-wing.html) on the topic. Many of them include posts by Tobin, owner of Deep Sea Supply, and he is a tremendously valuable repository of informtion on the topic. I would either do a search, perhaps using 'wing lift', or PM him directly, at cool_hardware52.

 

[fnfalman]

Let me clarify one more thing about wing lift. Like I said before, for Cali diving with a single tank, one probably doens't need more than 30-lbs lift, but one should do a weight check and calculate out the actual minimum lift required. HOWEVER, if one were to think about hunting and harvesting, one may consider a) getting a slightly bigger wing for hauling your harves, or b) carrying a lift bag to haul your harvest.