Twinset wing for single, is it really that bad ? (Comparison to big jacket bcd)

[Piotr_F]

Hi everyone,

I am shopping for a new BCD and starting to lean toward a BPW setup. I've read everywhere that using a twinset wing for a single-cylinder setup is a bad idea because the volume is too large, which can cause "tacoing" and other issues.

However, many back-inflate jacket-style BCDs have a lift capacity well over that of some twinset wings (>20L). I've never heard any criticism about those types of jackets, so my question is: Are twinset wings really that bad for single-tank diving, considering that some jackets designed primarily for single tanks have the same lift capacity?

Additionally, some 20L wings are advertised as single-tank wings, while some 17L or 22L wings are labeled as twinset wings. I understand that their shapes are slightly different, but is the difference really that significant?

Does anyone as firsthand experience on husing a 22L twinset wing for a heavy single set up (steel tank + steel stage tanks + heavy camera) ?

Thanks for your answers !

 

[pdwh]

I just started with a backplate/wing setup this weekend (first dives with it in open water yesterday). I'm interested in the answer to your question as well. Some of the twinset wings I've seen have the slots for cam bands to use with a single tank (and even mention it on the manufacturer's web sites). I'm in the market for a better wing for it (the one I had was sort of secondhand and free but isn't ideal and needs a new inflator if I keep using it).

Just a note of encouragement on the switch - I was able to drop 5 pounds of weight (2 kg) when diving in 7mm suit and my trim was 100% better because of the flexibility on where I put the weight compared to a standard BC. It was MUCH easier in the water and my air consumption is already dropping.

 

[Piotr_F]

I just started with a backplate/wing setup this weekend (first dives with it in open water yesterday). I'm interested in the answer to your question as well. Some of the twinset wings I've seen have the slots for cam bands to use with a single tank (and even mention it on the manufacturer's web sites). I'm in the market for a better wing for it (the one I had was sort of secondhand and free but isn't ideal and needs a new inflator if I keep using it).

Just a note of encouragement on the switch - I was able to drop 5 pounds of weight (2 kg) when diving in 7mm suit and my trim was 100% better because of the flexibility on where I put the weight compared to a standard BC. It was MUCH easier in the water and my air consumption is already dropping.

Great to know I'm not the only one wondering! I probably won’t be able to drop as much weight as you, since I’m currently rocking a sweet 0kg, but the idea of better trim really appeals to me.

 

[pdwh]

Yeah, I need 18 pounds with no wetsuit. I'm using a 12 pound stainless steel backplate that has made a huge difference in my trim.

 

[Still Kicking]

Can you cut a 2x4 with a hammer? Yes you can.

 

[iointerrupt]

However, many back-inflate jacket-style BCDs have a lift capacity well over that of some twinset wings (>20L). I've never heard any criticism about those types of jackets

I will criticize them. Excessively large wings/bcd's make everything worse. They introduce significant drag, they require more weight to sink, they are harder to completely empty, and so on. In general, they make diving suck more. The people diving those oversized BCDs just don't realize it.

That said, wings come in a big range of sizes and shapes. If you can find a doubles wing that is significantly narrow enough, it might be acceptable with singles. The wings I use for tiny doubles would probably be ok-ish for singles. My actual double wings would be nearly un-divable on singles.

 

[pdwh]

I will criticize them. Excessively large wings/bcd's make everything worse. They introduce significant drag, they require more weight to sink, they are harder to completely empty, and so on. In general, they make diving suck more. The people diving those oversized BCDs just don't realize it.

That said, wings come in a big range of sizes and shapes. If you can find a doubles wing that is significantly narrow enough, it might be acceptable with singles. The wings I use for tiny doubles would probably be ok-ish for singles. My actual double wings would be nearly un-divable on singles.

What wing do you use with tiny doubles? Any specific brand/model recommendations? I'm hoping to order a new one in the next month or so and would appreciate any input.

 

[inquis]

It's less about the amount of lift and more about where that lift is placed. A doubles wing is much wider so it is located outside of the doubles tanks. As for criticism of the amount of jacket lift, that's out there as well. It simply doesn't need to be that much, since the only things it should be compensating for are the weight of the gas you haven't yet breathed (2-4 kg/5-8 lbs depending on cylinder) and wetsuit compression past the safety stop (ballpark 3 kg/7 lb for a new, single-layer 7mm).

Just get a 14 kg/30 lb singles wing, as it handles cold water just fine and isn't overly large for warm water or packed in a suitcase.

 

[Piotr_F]

It's less about the amount of lift and more about where that lift is placed. A doubles wing is much wider so it is located outside of the doubles tanks. As for criticism of the amount of jacket lift, that's out there as well. It simply doesn't need to be that much, since the only things it should be compensating for are the weight of the gas you haven't yet breathed (2-4 kg/5-8 lbs depending on cylinder) and wetsuit compression past the safety stop (ballpark 3 kg/7 lb for a new, single-layer 7mm).

Just get a 14 kg/30 lb singles wing, as it handles cold water just fine and isn't overly large for warm water or packed in a suitcase.

Thank you for your answer! However, 14 kilos would actually not be enough at my max certification depth, even without a stage tank. Also, I like the idea of having a little more lift in case of an emergency. Good point on the lift actual location and shape of the wing.

 

[Umuntu]

I'm in the market for a better wing for it (the one I had was sort of secondhand and free but isn't ideal and needs a new inflator if I keep using it).

A new inflator is only 20 bucks at DGX (US) or DiveInn (Europe).