Wings and Lift Capability

[Jerryg]

I've been reading and searching and still can't seem to come to a resolution on what to buy and why to buy it. Here's my problem. I AM going to buy a BP/Wing setup, probably an OMS rig. I expect the unit to last me maybe 10 years, and want something that will be flexible, and that can grow with me as my diving ability increases. By the way I am OW, AOW, and Rescue Diver certified, and am toying with wreck and cave diving. BUT I can't figure out the needs for the huge changes in lift capability. OMS offers packages from 35lbs to 100lbs with and without bungie cords. The difference in cost from the 35lb to the 100lb setup is really negligible. Would buying the 100lbs wings with bungie cords be overkill, or will it just provide more flexibility in the future. Would the 100 lb wing be much less aerodynamic, or would the bungie cords really alleviate that problem. Are the bungie cords dangerous while diving. Thanks for any feedback.

 

[MechDiver]

I dive PST LP-95 doubles, 13ft argon tank, two alum 40s and drysuit using a 55lb wing.

Bungies are an answer to a question nobody asked, as is a 100lb wing. None of the divers I know has OMS wings FWIW.

This is all pretty well covered in posts here. Look at Oxycheq or Halcyon wings to see what lift ranges are useful, and how they should be made.

MD

 

[Wendy]

Bungees don't make things more streamlined, kinda the other way around, and 100 pound wing s are over kill.

I don't know if you wanna hear this, but if you are diving single tanks now and plan to move to doubles as your diving grows and expands you are better off getting a wing dedicated to just singles and one just for doubles. There are wings out there 'designed' for both, but its better INMO to have different wings.

If you told us what size tank you dive with now and maybe what size doubles you would be planning on getting in the future it would help folks here in answering your question. For cave diving most divers I know use a 55lb wing.

Are you set on using OMS stuff? Cuz there is more than one maker of wings to look at. Also just get a bp and webbing, don't get one of these fancy harness with all the bells and whistles.

 

[Jerryg]

Thanks Wendy
You confirm what I've been thinking. I was looking for flexibility in my equipment as my diving grows. However I have been concerned that "one size really doesn't fit all" and maybe I will need two rigs as I progress. I currently dive single al80s, but have ordered a PSTe7-117. I want to move into a bp/wing setup and will probably take your advise and settle on a different set of wings for singles vs doubles. Thanks again

 

[JPBECK]

You will still be flexible by going to a BP--- However like the rest have said and I am sure you have read--- There is not a do-all wing. Most divers that care about performance will have two sets, a set for single cylinder diving, and a set for doubles.
All you have to do to change them out is remove the bladder and either string the cams in place or bolt it to the BP.

As to lift--- you have to look at how much you truely need. Noone I have ever met needs 100lbs of lift. After all you are not going to use your body as a lift bag are you.