What size wing with old Double 50's

[Danny D]

I want to get a pair of the old double 50's to complete my vintage diving outfit. However, the one part of it that isn;t vintage is gonna be the steel backplate and wings. any suggestions about the wing size i should use ()combinstion). I use a 6.5 mm wet suit. Also if anyone has a set of those tanks they might want to get rid of email me..... the last set I bought the guy said that they would pass the hydro, they didn;t and he never gave me my $120 back :boom: .......anyways any help or opinions would be great.


Danny D
Homeydan@aol.com

 

[Bob3]

You need an old SEATEC wing, they still make the critters. Conservatively rated at 35 lbs
SEATEC came out with their wings in early 70s. & you can easily rig them onto a cloth harness if you wanted to.

Have you looked into some old steel SCBA bottles? They're about 50cf, have 3/4" straight threads & fairly decent bouyancy characteristcs. (heavier than my old USN twin 50s) You can get 'em cheap, too.

 

[Danny D]

I had actually bought a set of double steel 50's last year with the pack bands valves and everything. I was told that they would pass inspection and they didn;t . The guy never gave me back my money ..WHere can I find just the bottles then ?

 

[Bob3]

...I was told that they would pass inspection and they didn;t .

Did they fail hydro or just viz?
Some shops have a bad attitude towards vintage gear, you're supposed to be buying new stuff. From them.

 

[Danny D]

THe tanks failed the hydro test. Yeah my shop thinks I am crazy using the old gear but I love it. I am just looking for some double tanks to finish my rig off. It was very disapointing when the tanks came back with xs stamped on them.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

Steel tanks almost never fail a hydro - I'd ask to see the test report.

On the other hand, the old steel 50's came in 1800 psi and 2015 psi flavors and mine were occasionally refilled by ignorant LDS staff to 3000 psi. like they would an AL 50. 3000 psi is the hydro test pressure for an 1800 psi tank and only 358 psi short of the test pressure for a 2015. That sort of sustained pressure is not good for a tank, even a steel one.