Transpac wing BC

[TimK]

Hi folks,

I have an opportunity to buy a used, size large, Transpac BCD from an assistant dive instructor were I'm doing my open water cert (2 weeks to go). He's asking $200 for it and when I looked at it it looked to be in very good condition. It comes with the crotch strap and can be configured for double tanks although he is diving single with us. I checked out the Dive Rite website and there seems to be a lot of customizable features to this rig but would like some opinions from the guys in the field using this BCD. Any hints as to what I should be looking for?

Thanks,

Timk

 

[leadweight]

I have one with about 450 dives on it. They hold up well. There are a variety of wings for it. The small travel wing, which I own, is for single tanks only. It is rated for 30 pounds lift, but reality is more like 25. If you are overweighted (and I am not) your head will be low in the water. However, it is joy to use.

The larger wing, most likely the Rec works nicely with doubles, and I recently borrowed one for a series of dives with a twinset. It is U shaped so air can get out of balance if you are not careful. This wing works with a single tank as well, but is not as much fun as the Travel wing.

The rig is quite comfortable and easy to adjust.

 

[Cuda_72]

If the $200 includes the entire thing (Transpac & wing) then that is a very nice price. I have dove the transpac with Rec wing for about 15 dives now and I really enjoy it. You might see if you can test dive the transpac to make sure that it fits you well.

I am not sure what else you have tried out in way of BCs, but at that price it definitely deserves some thought.

 

[RICHinNC]

Def dont buy you cant test dive. And it should come with more than just the TP...

You can get a full rig, TransPLATE, wing, strap, harness, and weight pouches for $435

 

[bradshsi]

Depends if it comes with a wing or not. $200 for the Transpac and a wing is excellent value. $200 for just the Transpac alone is so-so. (For comparison leisurepro.com is selling new Transpac harnesses for $256). They also come up fairly often on ebay, although the best time to buy is in the winter.

I use a Transpac II with a Rec wing (all up cost $260 from ebay). I'm happy with the performance of it.

My one observation is that the Rec wing is a compromise U shaped design for both single and double tanks. This makes it a little harder to vent than a donut shaped wing. I always roll my left shoulder slightly higher when venting. I had to remember to do it at first but now it's automatic.

You should check that the wing you use with the Transpac, fits your type of diving. If you are diving warm water with a single tank, then the Venture or travel wing would probably be your best bet. However if you are diving close to home with a lot of weight, drysuit etc then the Trek or Rec wings might be a better choice. Like the others said, try before you buy....

A crotch strap is a must with this type of harness, otherwise it can be uncomfortable when you are on the surface (you tend to slide down out of the harness). The crotch strap also stabilizes the harness and makes control more precise IMO.

Other than that what you fit to it is personal preference. I've heard mixed reviews about the Transweight pockets. Some people like them, others don't. Personally I use a separate weight system (DUI Weight and Trim).

Hope this helps

 

[TimK]

My understanding is that it is the entire harness, SS backplate, wing, weight pockets, crotch strap etc., so the $200 sounds pretty good. I'll try to do a test dive with as suggested.

 

[drbill]

I use the ScubaPro X-Tek which is very similar (identical?) to the original TransPac. Absolutely love it... over 1,100 dives on it!