Venting Rec Wings: How Serious an Issue Is It Really?

[jim T.]

Something I've forgotten to ask (hijacking my own thread!

Does the transplate harness hold up ok under the weight of doubles?

Do the 32lb weight pouches present any problems with trim? They seemed to stay back near the shoulder straps fine on me.

They're kind of spendy (ala carte anyway) and I'd hate to find that they inerfere with trim/venting positions any. I'd think not, but I do remember Bob/Grateful Diver having that issue several yrs. back...

So far everyone's positive comments are beginning to burn a whole in my wallet!
:07:

 

[Rick Murchison]

Before I run, Rick, can you tell me what doubles you're using? Thanks.
Does everyone feel like the bladder is as tough as most competitors?
Does everyone feel like using the inflator hose dump vents the wing evenly on both sides?

I use the Rec wing for 104's / E8-130's when sidemounting; with a backplate for LP 85's and AL 80's. For larger doubles and BP I use the classic wing.
I don't know if it's "as tough as" other wings but I believe it is - I've had my Rec wing for 10 years.
Never noticed any asymmetrical dump problems. That's not to say there aren't asymmetry problems with singles and the rec wing - some folks say they don't have any problems with asymmetry and singles, but I did - it is the principal reason I went to a donut wing for singles.
Rick

 

[MSilvia]

I never had any trouble dumping from my rec wing, but I found it to feel a little bit unstable when diving with doubles. When I switched to an Oxycheq wing for doubles, the problem disappeared immediately. I thought it was fine when diving singles, if a little bit bigger than necessary.

 

[jim T.]

Thanks for getting back to this, Rick. MSilvia, thanks too. This has all been very helpful!

I just found a new dealer in my area (doesn't even have a storefront up and running yet) who will show me an Oxycheq singles wing. I'd like to go with the 45 for singles if it looks to be much better quality or looks like it'll serve my needs better than the Rec Wing.

This is a hard decision to make. The experimental ability to try singles and doubles in various configurations on one rig (Rec Wing) and saving some dough upfront, before ultimately knowing what diving pursuits I'll eventually do most of the time still appeals...

Rick if you don't mind elaborating/clarifying just a bit more, could you describe the symmetry issues diving singles with the Rec Wing?

Knowing you've dove your Rec Wing for 10 yrs. and have been happy with it and had enough confidence with it to purchase a 2nd Dive Rite wing is reassuring and encouraging.

MSilvia, was the instability with doubles due to the tanks not letting the wings inflate enough or some other issue?
Thanks once more.

 

[paulithepin]

I use a transplate and recwing with steel 95"s and 100"s. I have no problems with tacoing, or achieving buoyency. Great set up. Rent or borrow before you buy!
Paul

 

[DA Aquamaster]

I use the 32 pound Dive Rite weight pouches and prefer them over the Halcyon pockets they replaced.

In my opinion the Halcyon pockets extended way too far forward (and were designed with the light canister and D-ring attachments on the out side of the pocket) which brought the weight too far forward and aggravated the tendency for a wing to tilt you face down on the surface. I was incredibly happy to find a e-buy buyer for the Halcyon pockets, but felt a little guilty dumping those worthless things on him.

In contrast the DR pockets stay snug on the waist strap next to the backplate and do not interfere with D-rings, stage bottles, light cannisters or removal of a lift bag stowed on a the botom edge of the plate. With steel doubles, I float vertically in the water on the surface unless my 60 lb wing is nearly fully inflated. The trim underwater is perfect with my configuration.

 

[jim T.]

DA. Thanks for answering my questions regarding the 32lb. weight pockets. I'd read some unsatisfactory reports concerning the older/slanted forward model but the new ones seemed to stay out of the way back by the shoulder straps.

paulithepin, thanks for your user review.

Unfortunately I don't have rental/use accesss to the rigs I'd like to rent before buying.

I think the only issue for me is ultimately whether or not to go for a singles dedicated wing
(likely Oxycheq 45) or a singles/doubles wing so that I can experiment with one system to see where I want to go, with my diving.

I'll have seen both wings/manufacturers after this coming Sunday.

You guys are all awesome in your sharing of info. and consumere reporting.

 

[paulithepin]

I also use the 16lb weight pockets, they do stay back near the plate, and I forget they are there!
Paul

 

[spyder]

I'm using the new style 16lb weight pockets and love them. They're all the way back against the tank, out of the way yet easy to get to. Balance on the surface is perfect vertical, no tendency to face plant. Underwater horizontal is natural. YMMV

 

[jim T.]

Anyone doubled up the 16lb.ers on each side rather than go with the 32lb.ers to divvy up ditchable weight better? (I need 36lbs. with drysuit and my current jacket/back inflate b.c.) If the DiveRite plate is 5lbs. I'm wondering if going with multiple smaller weight pouches works better?

I'm still wrestling with the hog.harness vs. the transplate harness.
I have a heck of a time releasing quick release plastic gizmos with gloves on anyway and the floppier straps can be annoying BUT I would like to not spend an inordinate amount of time readjusting when I go to warmer climes.

I will finally get to see an Oxycheq wing tomorrow to compare with the Rec/compromise wing thing. There's a brand new dealer nearby. Samish Divers who only had an e bay store for awhile...

The guy who bought the Rec Winged Transplate Harness Rig I tried on at the LDS was supposed to do this same dive today and I was looking forward to checking it out in use, but he didn't show. :-(