Transpac versus whatever

[TartanFrog]

I am new to diving. I dove during the 70s but no certifications and didn't dive after that until recently. During recent resort dives and certification I have used various jacket and back inflate BCs. My LDS carries a couple variety of jacket/vest BCs and the Dive Rite line. The instructors and sales force are split virtually down the middle on which type of BC I should acquire.

As I gain experience I see myself heading into cavern, possibly cave, wreck penetration and other diving like that in addition to other recreational diving. I am leaning toward a Transpac with wing, etc. My rationale is that I really like the way it fits, there is considerably less bulk, and that it doesn't ride up or flop around when properly adjusted.

So the question -- As a beginning diver are any particular wings recommended?

 

[lukemillar]

I am new to diving. I dove during the 70s but no certifications and didn't dive after that until recently. During recent resort dives and certification I have used various jacket and back inflate BCs. My LDS carries a couple variety of jacket/vest BCs and the Dive Rite line. The instructors and sales force are split virtually down the middle on which type of BC I should acquire.

As I gain experience I see myself heading into cavern, possibly cave, wreck penetration and other diving like that in addition to other recreational diving. I am leaning toward a Transpac with wing, etc. My rationale is that I really like the way it fits, there is considerably less bulk, and that it doesn't ride up or flop around when properly adjusted.

So the question -- As a beginning diver are any particular wings recommended?

Wings are generally not selected based on experience level, but rather what kind of diving you do, what kind of tanks you use, whether you dive singles or doubles, dive wet or dry, how much weight etc!

Dive Rite have a pretty good solution finder which will help you choose a wing based on your current diving:

Solution finder, dive gear solutions, Dive Rite equipment FAQ - Dive Rite Scuba

Hope that helps

Thanks
Luke

 

[Scott L]

I am new to diving. I dove during the 70s but no certifications and didn't dive after that until recently. During recent resort dives and certification I have used various jacket and back inflate BCs. My LDS carries a couple variety of jacket/vest BCs and the Dive Rite line. The instructors and sales force are split virtually down the middle on which type of BC I should acquire.

As I gain experience I see myself heading into cavern, possibly cave, wreck penetration and other diving like that in addition to other recreational diving. I am leaning toward a Transpac with wing, etc. My rationale is that I really like the way it fits, there is considerably less bulk, and that it doesn't ride up or flop around when properly adjusted.

So the question -- As a beginning diver are any particular wings recommended?

I believe the Transpac is a perfect first BCD for a lot of folks. Much more streamline than the average Jacket style. I used on for 8 enjoyable years. That said, If you know you are heading toward cave, etc. I would highly suggest going with BP/Wings. It may be difficult to shun the LDS but I much prefer Halcyon, Oxycheq and DeepSeaSupply over DR. Just my 2psi...

 

[TartanFrog]

Okay thanks for the input! This selecting gear process is a pure PITA. Too many good choices make the selection process a real pain. LOL

 

[a22shady]

Looking at where your going I would definetly go with the Transpac or a BP/W. I personally Like the Halcyon eclipse. The great thing about these systems is that when your ready to go doubles all you need is a doubles wing which usually bolts on. Buying ight the 1st time and can save you money from paying twice. In these types of BC's you are ready for what you want to do. Mount a canister light, clip off spools, clip a scooter, pony bottles, etc....

Also just so you know there are other manufactures that make other Bp/W (HOG,Hollis,OMS,) Everyone has an opinon on each and why. Best thing to do is get into a shop or two actually see touch and possible try it on to see how you like it.

 

[Cave Diver]

As I gain experience I see myself heading into cavern, possibly cave, wreck penetration and other diving like that in addition to other recreational diving. I am leaning toward a Transpac with wing, etc. My rationale is that I really like the way it fits, there is considerably less bulk, and that it doesn't ride up or flop around when properly adjusted.

So the question -- As a beginning diver are any particular wings recommended?

I went from a jacket, to a Transpac to a BPW in my first year of diving. If you're leaning towards Overhead Environment diving, I'd skip the Transpac and go straight to a BPW. It can still be used for recreational and I'd wager that you like it better for technical stuff than the TP.

 

[stu_in_fl]

If your shop is a DR dealer then, Dive Rite have the Transplate which is a BW/W (so would perhaps be a better choice than the Transpac if you are thinking of Cavern / Wrecks etc. in the future).

The main choices you then need to answer are - steel or Al for the plate; and size of wing.

 

[fnfalman]

If you expect to hump your gear for a long walk, especially uphill or downhill, the Transpac might be the ticket for you. Dive Rite designed the Transpac so that the exploration cave divers can hump their gears to the site, dive, then hump out. Or even dive to a spot, jump out, hump the gear to the next cave section and dive again.

The Transpac is also a very verstile rig. You can use adapter kit to carry double-tanks on your back. You can use adapter kit to carry rebreather. You can rig it up to do sidemount tanks. However, its main strength is the relative comfort one can use it to hump gears in relative comfort.

As far as wings go, the smaller the better. Use the smallest wing that you can get away with, be it single tank diving or multi-tanks diving. To determine needed wing lift, usually you'd need to have your own gears so that you can calculate out the gear's overall negative buoyancy and get a wing that can lift it when the tank is full. This includes, heavy cannister light, big knife (some of these knives are 2-lbs plus), pry bars for scallop hunting, tank (steel, aluminum, make & model, size, etc.), exposure suit type, amount of lead worn.

 

[TartanFrog]

Ok thanks, that makes a lot of sense. I have considered a couple of the other brands, but the closest Halcyon dealer is over 40 miles away through some nasty traffic (DC Metro area). Not my 1st choice when needed service or parts, etc. I do like the way the Transpac fits and feels. And for me, comfort is not a bad thing.

I know this will create a firestorm of questions of truth but I have a PADI instructor at my LDS that is also a rescue diver for one of the local FDs. He will be doing my AOW and Nitrox training in a few weeks. He has several BCs including a Transpac and has offered to let me try a variety of them during my AOW dives. I know that sounds odd but it is real. So with that in mind, I guess I will continue looking at stuff but not make a real decision until I have had an opportunity to try a few more BCs including the Transpac.

 

[cmburch]

I have a TransPlate and a TransPac for single tank recreational diving.

I feel the safest with the TransPlate for hiking the California coastal cliffs to get to the best dive spots. My TransPlate has a SS BP (stainless steel backplate), STA (Single Tank Adapter that locks the tank into place), and 2" crotch strap. This is one solid unit and does not sway when hiking.

I also think my TransPlate is more comfortable in and out of the water.

It is good to be able to try different gear to get what best fits your needs.

Dive Rite has high quality well designed equipment. They are innovators in their field.