which BP/W to start with?

[Tobagoman]

Hi all you tech weenies! Here is my question...
I plan on taking the IANTD advanced Nitrox/Deco diving course and then move up to Trimix. I want a good entry level BP/W to accomplish this. I am not a rich person, but don't want to buy something that is not going to be adequate either. I know that the DiveRite RecWing and Transpac II is not really a good choice for doubles (from reading all the posts here), its a shame because I've seen some used ones that I can afford.

Is the DR classic wing with the SS back plate (used older model for ~$200.00) a good choice? I plan on diving dual steel E7 100's and depths not much deeper than 200'

Let me tell you a little bit about me and maybe that will help with a decision on what would be a good BP/W setup for me;

I'm 41 years old and have been diving for 20 years.
I started out as a government diver for NOAA in the mid-80's and we did alot of tec type diving then for a variety of missions.
Before I left NOAA, I got my NAUI recreational diver card (1987) (left NOAA in 1989).
I've only done recreational diving since, although I did become a divemaster (I only list my logged recreational dives on this site, not NOAA dives or dives as a working DM).
When I dive with a shell drysuit and a single AL80 I wear about 14-16 lbs of weight and about 8-10 lbs with a single steel 100 (varies with amount of undergarments).

I'm 170 lbs, 5'10" without any noticable fat.

I know there is no tried and true formula, but I don't want to spend the money on something now and find out it was all wrong later.

Thanks for any advice!

 

[simbrooks]

The rec wings will work on E7-100's a lot better than the classic wing as they are narrower for a 7.25" tank, the classic is meant for 8" tanks and would wrap around your 100's tacoing up nicely! As for AL or SS BP, what do you need for weight in a drysuit with one of those 100's? Take about 2-4# off for the second 100 (its -1# (i think) if empty, but it shouldnt be empty), now what have you got left, decide if you want that as a v-weight, in the BP or on your waist. Do you see yourself using the BP for singles tanks with a smaller single wing? What weight do you require with that configuration - work from there on your weight requirements and see what you need.

Ebay has a few BP/rec wings going at the moment for around $150-200 from what i saw. Dive-rite is all good for new price as well compared to many others who charge a lot more. Also think that you cant really get into tech diving on the ultra cheap, its going to cost you a bunch anyways.

 

[DepartureDiver]

I plan on diving dual steel E7 100's and depths not much deeper than 200'

You say that now ... but once you start you will eventually go where you never thought you would ... not that it matters when picking a plate/wing. I'll let others chime in with their experiences with different brands, but my little advice is make sure you get a steel plate and don't worry about frills. If the wing covering is solid and the bladder material strong and thick (you can ask your LDS about this), then you are set. You don't really need anything else such as padded straps, pockets, etc. You may eventually put a pocket directly on your suit.

 

[simbrooks]

but my little advice is make sure you get a steel plate and don't worry about frills.

He may not need an SS BP, i am looking at using my AL BP with my new drysuit for my double HP-120's and still think i will be slightly overweighted, the SS BP would be just that 4-5# more again.

 

[matt_unique]

Hi all you tech weenies! Here is my question...
I plan on taking the IANTD advanced Nitrox/Deco diving course and then move up to Trimix. I want a good entry level BP/W to accomplish this. I am not a rich person, but don't want to buy something that is not going to be adequate either. I know that the DiveRite RecWing and Transpac II is not really a good choice for doubles (from reading all the posts here), its a shame because I've seen some used ones that I can afford.

Is the DR classic wing with the SS back plate (used older model for ~$200.00) a good choice? I plan on diving dual steel E7 100's and depths not much deeper than 200'

Let me tell you a little bit about me and maybe that will help with a decision on what would be a good BP/W setup for me;

I'm 41 years old and have been diving for 20 years.
I started out as a government diver for NOAA in the mid-80's and we did alot of tec type diving then for a variety of missions.
Before I left NOAA, I got my NAUI recreational diver card (1987) (left NOAA in 1989).
I've only done recreational diving since, although I did become a divemaster (I only list my logged recreational dives on this site, not NOAA dives or dives as a working DM).
When I dive with a shell drysuit and a single AL80 I wear about 14-16 lbs of weight and about 8-10 lbs with a single steel 100 (varies with amount of undergarments).

I'm 170 lbs, 5'10" without any noticable fat.

I know there is no tried and true formula, but I don't want to spend the money on something now and find out it was all wrong later.

Thanks for any advice!

The primary consideration is what you need for lift. The DR Classic provides 59lbs of lift which will be fine for what you described. I assume you are diving dry and the drysuit offers your backup means of lift. If you were diving wet I would suggest other choices, dual bladder, etc. You can buy the DR Classic Wing, harness, and SS BP for $329. (http://www.northeastscubasupply.com/specials/BP_Famous_Specials.html) They only recently changed their description to "Big Name Manufacturer", notice the DR sticker on the waist buckle

I am guessing Simbrooks was thinking you were diving with singles. A .75" per tank size difference would not cause a taco effect with the same wing.

--Matt

 

[simbrooks]

I am guessing Simbrooks was thinking you were diving with singles. A .75" per tank size difference would not cause a taco effect with the same wing.

They are just cut differently, the rec wings are long and narrow, the classic, wide and slightly shorter. I have put both wings on my tanks and have found they dont go as well together as the rec+7.25" tanks. There is only 8# difference in lift, so its hardly anything. Depending on what course you are doing (adv nitrox/deco?) you should probably still have more than enough lift with the rec to take on the 100's and a couple of deco bottles. I havent dove a rig like that yet, but one day and i check out my buddies rigs all the time, including those who are going on deco dives (not buddying with them at that time), they dont seem to have their wings all that inflated when using a couple of AL80's as deco bottles along with their doubles, so i would think 51# is still plenty. I would not dive singles with a rec wing ever. I was just stating that he might be starting off from the position of having two tanks, already knowing what weighting he required for that set up, and suggesting rough ideas on how to move his weight around when increasing his tank loading - of course do some pool or shallow water dives to check out you new rig, where you want to put weights etc.

 

[Quarrior]

My .02 worth. BP DSS SS plate. I have the DR plates and had the opportunity to dive the DSS plate a couple of weeks ago. Really made well. I like the rubber protection around the slots to keep your webbing from becoming frayed.

Wing, the DR classic will work fine for doubles. DO NOT attempt to use a doubles wing for singles or vice versa. Personally, I prefer Oxycheq wings. In fact I heard they just came out with a new doubles wing.

 

[Tavi]

You may need an Aluminum Plate.
With my 130's and a steel plate I was to top heavy. I had to switch to Aluminum.

I'm curious as to what works best with the 100's though. I plan on doubling up a pair of 100's next spring.

Best of luck, I'll be watching this thread to see what works for you (we're about the same build).

 

[Scubaroo]

Personally, I prefer Oxycheq wings. In fact I heard they just came out with a new doubles wing.

Yup - 50lb doubles wing is now available in a Signature Series version. They're not on the OxyCheq website yet, but are in stock and available for shipping. www.covci.com should have them soon.

 

[Diver0001]

....snip....
I know that the DiveRite RecWing and Transpac II is not really a good choice for doubles (from reading all the posts here), its a shame because I've seen some used ones that I can afford.

The RecWing will fit the DR backplate too. It's good with a big-ish single and a twin 10 or twin 12 long (assuming steel). With larger twins you'll need to try it. I think it has enough lift for twin 100-'s but I'm not entirely convinced that it's wide enough.

Is the DR classic wing with the SS back plate (used older model for ~$200.00) a good choice? I plan on diving dual steel E7 100's and depths not much deeper than 200'

I don't think the classic wing will work well with singles. It's a good choice for your twin 100's though.

R..