Transpac II Problems - Tank Banging Head

[Gar]

I have had a Transpac II for ~ 30 dives. I love the BC except for one issue that may cause me to replace it.

When diving with the Travel wing and 8-10 lbs of integrated weights, I can not consistently keep the tank from banging the back of my head. It appears that I could solve the problem easily by not using the top tank strap and when attaching the tank. Just moving the bottom strap higher on the tank, but I'd prefer not to "band aid" the issue.

I have worked with the LDS I purchased it from and done everything they suggested. I have the shoulder and chest straps tightened appropriately, it is sized appropriately for my body type (XL). The Epaulet is positioned correctly on the top of my shoulder. I am not using the crotch strap when this problem occurs and would prefer not to.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[archman]

I also noticed this problem. I dive the same rig as you, except for becoming disgusted with the integrated weight system and threading lead directly onto the waist webbing.

My top camband is about as high as it can safely go on an Al80 tank. If I position it even a smidgeon lower, I tend to run into the head banging issues. I don't know what the deal is with the TransPac... you think they would have troubleshooted this out long ago.

 

[fpsndiver]

Are you using DIN or Yoke valves on your 80's?

I have a Transpac II, and have no problems at all. I dive doubles and singes with it. Never hit my head on it at all.

My tanks all have DIN valves though. Usually DIN First Stages don't stick so far out of the tanks, and are less likely to hit you in the head.

Tom

 

[ICY ICE]

I noticed something similar when diving with a AL80; only on the surface, I did have a crotch strap, that might of kept it from hitting my head?????.

Never had this problem with my steel 95's........I think its a counter ballance thing.......try a steel tank this should correct your problem.....also I recommend you first try the crotch strap, this might be the solution.

 

[Gar]

I am using Yoke valves on 80s. I know several people with this BC that have no problems. My father dives with the exact am rig and does not have this issue either. This makes me suspect that i\t is something relatively simple that I am overlooking, but after taking it apart many times and adjusting during dives I cant find it. Seems to me if there was a way to lower the top band - that would take care of it.

 

[RICHinNC]

Is there any latitude in placement of the tank bands?? Can they be moved up or down on the bc?

 

[halocline]

Depending on your reg, you might try turning the tank around so that the yoke knob is facing you and the 1st stage barrel is on the far side of the tank. I do this with my jetharness plate and MK15. You have to change ports on a few hoses, but it's no big deal. That way you can adjust the tank height where you want it for trim instead of for keeping the reg off the back of your head.

Another little advantage to this for me is that the LP inflator and primary 2nd stage hoses are now just the right length for my rig, where before they were 2" too long.

 

[hchen]

I have dived with the Transpac travel wing and first time using the BC, I was banging my head against the tank too. Everytime i lifted my head while finning to look ahead, i'll hit smack into the tank. But I sorted that out by moving the top-most band almost to the curve of the tank. Because there's second band holding the tank in the middle, there should not be a danger of the tank slipping even if the top band slides off. So far it works for me.

 

[Rick Murchison]

If properly sized and rigged, you shouldn't be having this problem with a Transpac.
Aluminum tanks tend to float the bottom end of the tank when you're horizontal - if your waist strap isn't tight enough that will float the bottom of the tank away from you and pivot the valve closer to your head.
Check that your waist strap is nice and tight.
You may have your shoulder straps too tight - try loosening them a little and taking up the slack in the crotch strap, as well as moving the waist belt a little lower.
And, of course, going to an 8" steel will keep the butt-end of the tank down and move the valve ¼" further away too.
Let us know how it works out.
Rick

 

[Gar]

Check that your waist strap is nice and tight.
You may have your shoulder straps too tight - try loosening them a little and taking up the slack in the crotch strap, as well as moving the waist belt a little lower.
Let us know how it works out.
Rick

I have tried many different variations on the shoulder straps. I will be in Dominica next week and will continue to tweak the shoulder straps and try tightening the waist band. Thanks.