Transpac vs. Transpac II

[KzooJason]

I'm currently finishing up my OW certification and I'm looking at my first set of equipment. I've seen references to Transpac and Transpac II on ScubaBoard and at various online shops but I can't seem to find anything that describes the difference. The folks at my LDS are carrying Transpac and the Dive Rite catalog they had didn't mention a TransPac II. Can anyone help clear up the difference between the two? Are people simply referring to different model years of the same product and, if so, which years are which?

Thanks,
Jason

 

[piikki]

If I recall correctly how this was explained to me, today there is no such thing as TransPac vs TransPac II. All new ones are basically TransPac II versions but because there are no two types (I guess older and newer), they tried to just start calling them all simply TransPacs. But people still have the TPII in their minds, and that's why you see both names floating around.

If iyou are looking for new harness, whatever name it should mean the newer version. If you are looking for used one, then the old plain TransPac (number I) might emerge. To my understanding this needs to be quite a lot older - I am sure someone knows exactly how much older.

 

[RICHinNC]

Easy problem to solve.....get the TransPlate and you will be happier.

 

[PhilEllis]

Maybe I can expand a little more on the Transpac vs Transpac II issue......

The original Dive Rite harness was called the Transpac. I was produced by Dive Rite for something like five or six years. Over time, they developed several changes/innovations, which were implemented when Dive Rite switched manufacturing vendors. They called the "new" harness the Transpac II. It was thereafter called the "II" and that name has been engrained in everyones mind. They continued to call it the Transpac II for a number of years, even through the Dive Rite 2004 dealer catalog. In the 2005 catalog, they dropped the "II" designation.

At about this same time, they started to integrate changes as those changes were developed and tested. Unlike other buoyancy vest manufacturers, Dive Rite does not hold changes for the next model year. They make them "on the fly" as they are developed. I don't think they need a "model" designation because they employ more of a continuous improvement model for their mainstay product. I don't expect you will ever see a Transpac III. So, dropping the "II" seems to be a natural step.

P.S. Dealers are sometimes slow to change their conversation about a product. My store was guilty of continuing to use the Transpac II designation even after Dive Rite had dropped it. We have recently made the name change (better late than never) in keeping with the Dive Rite marketing. Thanks.

Phil Ellis
Dive Sports Online
www.divesports.com
(800) 601-DIVE

 

[KzooJason]

Thanks piikki and PhilEllis for the excellent descriptions of the history of TransPac... it makes quite a bit more sense now. I was worried that I might accidentally buy an old or inferior version of the harness but it sounds like that won't be a problem. In fact, if the color/size needs to be special ordered by my LDS it sounds like I'll get the latest and greatest changes from Dive Rite.

On the flip side, RICHinNC has me wondering about the TransPlate. I've read good things about that setup on SB but I'm wondering if, as a rank beginner, the TransPlate might be more comfortable/easier to use. On the other hand if it is a superior setup it might be the right thing to do. Darn... just when I thought I had figured out my shopping list.

Jason

 

[piikki]

Thanks piikki and PhilEllis for the excellent descriptions of the history of TransPac... it makes quite a bit more sense now. I was worried that I might accidentally buy an old or inferior version of the harness but it sounds like that won't be a problem. In fact, if the color/size needs to be special ordered by my LDS it sounds like I'll get the latest and greatest changes from Dive Rite.

On the flip side, RICHinNC has me wondering about the TransPlate. I've read good things about that setup on SB but I'm wondering if, as a rank beginner, the TransPlate might be more comfortable/easier to use. On the other hand if it is a superior setup it might be the right thing to do. Darn... just when I thought I had figured out my shopping list.

Jason

I schemed the same way as your thinking is going. I am new and when I was looking at the TransPac I was confused about the versions. I saw some in shops and they looked different (rubber versus cordura on some spots etc), different year on tag... So, I saw the colors were pretty new, and decided I'll get color and ensure I won't be getting an old stock piece. Not that I didn't want color anyway - I have not slipped into the stealth mode yet.

Definately consider the plate versus soft pack at this point, although it is easier to move from TransPac to plate later too if you just get a wing that goes with both. But then again you'd have to start comparing all the possible plates - which is another story again... They are not all the same, so good luck

And thanks very much for expanding the story behind TPII from me too Phil!

 

[Thomas VJ]

I agree with RICHinNC.
If in doubt, get the TransPlate - You will probably never regret it!

Or if possible, see if you local gear pusher will let you borrow one of both for a couple of test dives before you buy it ...

Have you made up your mind on which bladder you will get with it?

 

[RICHinNC]

I have a TransPlate....and have only read for a long time threads on those who have owned a TransPac.

The Plate will do doubles well...the Pac will not. The Plate will give you more flexibility and stability....

Its all one's personal taste. I have the Plate and love it.

rich

 

[KzooJason]

I think I'll stop by my LDS and see if there's any way I can try out the TransPlate. I know they have one in stock but I don't know if they let people demo them. One way to find out I suppose...

I'm currently looking at either the Rec Wing since it supports doubles or the Trek Wing which only supports a single tank but is smaller than the Rec Wing. I'll be travelling with it and wouldn't mind the smaller size. It's unlikely I'll be double tank dives in the immediate future and, even if I need to buy another wing later, having a small one to travel with wouldn't be a bad thing. I considered the Venture or Travel wing but with only 30lbs. of lift I'm concerned that it might not be enough.

Thanks again to everyone that's responded. This thread was actually my first post and it's been great to have people respond with such great information.

Jason

 

[RICHinNC]

I have the Rec and have so far only done singles. Some say the Rec isnt good with singles but I have had no bad experiences at all. If you can afford two wings....go for it. If not, I dont think you will regret getting the Rec.