Types of BC's
- Thread starter AaronB
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My point exactly. Unless specifically counterweighted, a wing will float an unconscious diver face down on the surface. That is why I do not advocate the use of BP/W for novel divers and it is why I do advocate that the use a jacket style BCD, preferably with counterweights on the the tank strap.
Again, Lynne makes great points. However, I mostly shoot video when I dive so when shooting I have to bring several items along besides the basic gear.
White board, extra light, and the ability to clip off the camera and video lights when necessary. Yes, there is more entanglement issues but I knew the job was dangerous when I took it.
Along the lines of what is really important in a BC, it's ability to do what I expect of it, not fail, durable, simple and secure.
White board, extra light, and the ability to clip off the camera and video lights when necessary. Yes, there is more entanglement issues but I knew the job was dangerous when I took it.
Along the lines of what is really important in a BC, it's ability to do what I expect of it, not fail, durable, simple and secure.
To me, the most important features of a BC are that it has to fit, and fit well, and hold the tank stable, and it has to have adequate but not excessive lift for the purpose. It has to vent easily, and have some attachment points to help keep gear tidy.
I clip very little to my BC, except my pressure gauge and my lighthead and primary reg when they are not being used. Anything you clip to you runs the risk of being lost, and also the risk of getting tangled up if you dive near kelp or weeds, or anywhere where there's fishing line or navigational line. Putting stuff in pockets keeps it much more secure, and streamlines you. At any rate, I've found 4 d-rings to be more than adequate, even for tech and cave diving. (Yeah, you need the 5th on the crotch strap for the scooter . . .)
Fast response! I was just hunting through your posts moments ago to see if you had mentioned anything about that before.
Can I ask the question what a single tank adaptor actually does and secondly, why it is not applicable to the WTX Harness?
Also - you mentioned previously about stuffing ankle weights down the backplate compartment to help with trim. Do you do this all the time? Is this your only additional weight apart from your weight system (belt?). Have you put any weight on your cam bands at all?
Actually, I think you'll find that warning on most (maybe all) BC's.
IIRC- For it to be a life jacket they would have to get it coast guard certified (in the US anyhow) and without an auto inflation mechanism built in (think CO2 cartridge) or a fixed minimum amount of buoyancy they can't be.
The WTX's has two cam straps and securely holds a single tank securely to the harness. STA's are mainly used on single, hard Back Plates that don't provide the slots for the cam bands.
I don't stuff them in unless I'm on a trip where weight is important (like if I'm going on a flight). I do however slip in two stainless steel bars wrapped in heavy, adhesive backed urethane. It takes 6lbs off my belt and spreads it close and up my back. I don't add weights to my Cam bands because it moves the weight further from my center and I can just slip it in the plate pocket anyway.
Cool. Thanks for the info. I think I've pretty much made up my mind with everything. All that's left is to head to the shop and hand over my plastic! Although.. I'm sure I'll think of another question sometime soon!
Edit: Already have! In terms of fixing the wing to the WTX Harness - do I need any specialist tools / fittings or is it all included / self explanatory?
Edit: Already have! In terms of fixing the wing to the WTX Harness - do I need any specialist tools / fittings or is it all included / self explanatory?
Eric Sedletzky
Contributor
My wings do not float me face down in the water because I hardly have enough air (or no air) in the wing at the surface to create this problem. I also dive where it is really cold and wear at minimum a 7 milimeter two piece wetsuit that has lots of inherent buoyancy so I am at an advantage. Someone diving warm water with minimal protection would not have that advantage.
But I agree with you, a novice diver really would need to be mentored or to take a class in the proper use and weighting of a BP/W to get the full benefit from the system.
