Travel wing?

[DiverDebbie]

My husband and I have the Apeks WTX harness and WTX4 wing with 45lb lift. We did take them warm water diving and it was fine (despite being teased by the locals about our "parachutes" But they just take up so much space and weight in the gear bag for traveling, and honestly, I started out diving a Sherwood, even in cold water, that only had 23 lbs, so I know the 45lb lift is overkill for warm water rec. diving... but I like the harness and would rather not just get a travel BC.

Can anyone recommend a travel wing that will work for the Apeks harness that is substantially lighter/compactable for travel? (i.e no point wasting the money to go to say a 30/32lb wing that's almost as big/heavy)

 

[Nemrod]

What is an Apec harness and how is it different from a Hog rig single loop harness?

This is lighter than just about anything but I don't know about a Apexco harness.

I bet diving with a 45 pound wing is like diving with a hot air balloon tied to your back or maybe the Goodyear blimp--lol.

N

 

[Far_X]

I was going to suggest a 32lb from OMS before you said no point in getting something so big. I have been carrying the OMS wing for three years now and find it the perfect size for me. I do throw in a 6lb backplate with a single piece of webbing and that is all I need. I know, no help to you at all. Sorry.

 

[BKP]

The WTX is a very nice harness. I'm assuming you have the full deluxe harness, and not the WTX harness/backplate combo (although the full deluxe can take a backplate also).

That WTX4 *is* a monster for doing singles diving in warm water. You might want to check Oxycheq (they have an 18lb. Mach V), or Deep Sea Supply (DSS - they have a 17lb. Torus). Both will fit a standard backplate, however, you'd have to check if your WTX would take either of those wings without the backplate. I'm not sure the slots would line up, without the BP.

 

[Knuspar]

sorry for asking something off topic, but what do you call that replacement octopus you use on

?

Im assumign its one of thoose where you just get the boubles out at your valve on the tank insetad or "in your face"?

 

[TN Traveler]

N's rig is a Aqualung Royal AquaMaster Regulator. It is an old double hose regulator that has been rebuilt. The exhaust is behind your head - no bubbles in the face.

I'm guessing his is about 35 years old. There are quite a few of us now diving rebuilt double hose regs (mine just had it's 50th birthday). Check out the Sea Hunt forum on ScubaBoard or Vintage Double Hose if you want to learn more. There are all sorts of new parts available for them now - lots of silicone - that make them better than the originals.

 

[ZzzKing]

The actual octo is a US Divers Conshelf 14. They have a wide exhaust tee and do a good job of sending the bubbles around your mask. The primary is the double hose as TN said. The original didn't have an octo, I don't think, so that is a later modification. Probably a good idea for buddy diving, though.

What N didn't include is what is in the picture. It is an Oxycheq Ultra Light plate with 2" webbing harness. The wing is an Oxycheq 18# Travel Wing, I think it is a Razor which they just stopped producing. Their Mach V wings are really good also and they make an 18# wing in that as well. I have a rig just like his except for the double hose regulator. It's really sweet to dive. There is very little drag, it packs very small and weighs very little.

That wing is probably borderline as far as floating the rig with a big, full steel tank. It is plenty for light exposure protection and aluminum tanks. With 3mm full suit I dive it with a 4# belt. With no neoprene I don't need weight.

 

[Nemrod]

That "octopus" is actually a 1966 Calypso J second stage, similar to the older Conshelf seconds. They had a wider exhaust T than do many regulators today. That regulator, BTW, has been mine since I bought it new in the Summer of 66. It is reliable to a fault. I only carry it when I am diving with a buddy or my wife so that I have air to share with them since their modern plastic crap usually conks out. Gotta be there for them, when I am solo, it stays in the bag.

The primary regulator is a highly modified USD Phoenix Royal Aqua Master, it knows no equal.

N

 

[DiverDebbie]

Thanks BKP and ZzzKing. I'll check out the Oxyxheq and DSS and see if they'll work. I've got the full/deluxe harness (whatever the manufacturer calls it) and dove it without a backplate last in Jamaica.
Far X - Do you travel with your 32# OMS? I'm sure it's a great wing, but I just thought it wouldn't be all that much smaller? ...but... 13 pounds is still quite a difference.
Thanks everyone for your input. We've still got 5 months until TCI to figure it out