WTX Inflators / Harness vs. Webbed Harness

[theycallmedanny]

Hi There,

I've recently been certified and am looking to buy some gear; however, i've got a few questions before i can finally pick up my BCD.

I've been looking at the Apeks WTX series. I've decided on the 30lb WTX 3 bladder, but I'm having a hard time deciding on the harness. Apparently the WTX harness is comfortable and easier to get in/out of, but the Webbed Harness is more stripped down and easier to dive in. Any thoughts?

Also, i'm not a big fan of the WTX inflator. The buttons seem "sticky" to me and the whole unit seems a little bulky. Is this a good inflator? Would you recommend getting something else?

Is the Powerline inflator a better choice?

What about an Airsource 3? I really like the way the buttons are laid out on this unit; seems convenient. It would also double as an alternate airsouce for me; however, i haven't heard much about this product.

Any and all thoughts are very much appreciated.

Danny

 

[Mtbr]

When I first switched from a BC to a plate/wing, I opted for an adjustable harness with quick release.

After several dives, I found myself getting in an out of my harness without using its adjustments or quick release. I now have one piece webbing and couldn't be happier. My advice is to start with a one piece harness first. If after several dives and you're not comfortable with it, then change it to an adjustable setup.

Now to the WTX inflator. It appears Apek uses the same generic inflator that comes standard with most wings. Try a different inflator and see if it's as sticky.

I can't comment on the Airsouce3. I had an Airsouce2 setup with my wing, and it sucks. The breathing performance on a Airsource2 was nothing short of horrible. I ended replacing it with an Atomic SS1. The SS1 breathes as well as my Atomic B1 and M1. If you have to the route of octo/inflator, a SS1 is your best alternative.

Here's another advice that will save you $. If you ever plan on diving technical in the future, skip the inflator/regulator combo. I ditched my SS1 and got a plan old regulator as my backup.

Good luck!

 

[Wayne at DiveSeekers]

One piece harness ....you'll get used to it.

If you like the style of the inflator/reg combo then i would go with the Atomic SS1. IMO, best breathing of that style.

I agree with Mtbr, ditch the idea of inflator/reg combo and go with a standard second stage as a backup.

 

[Scott]

I tried another students WTX in my tec class and I admit it was fairly comfortable and has some good features. ie: loops on the shoulder, quick release on the shoulders, pull down shoulder straps. I still prefer my Dive Rite Deluxe harness though. It has a single shoulder release.

I never noticed the inflator being any different than the one on my wing. Is it different than what is on my Sea Quest BC? Yes it's a tad hader to depress but only if I pay attention to it. If you want one that is hard I have a spare inflator from the early 80's you can try.