Buying My 1st Wing - Advice Needed.

[darthmoll]

I used a transpak for about six years, it did a lot of diving, and if it hadn't been stolen I think I would still be using it. I have used a few different types of wings, some for longer than others, but I would still go for the transpak, it is now made by Scubapro.
The wing had an internal bladder and an outer bag with a zip, it can be retarded or not as you wish, backplates can be fitted.
You must think a lot about what you want out of the wing long term, a few quid saved now might mean that you have to spend a lot in future. Remember most of the kit lasts for years if correctly maintained.

[Dominic]

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Quote[/b] ]Your other thread on drinking underwater, the squeezy lucozade cartons are great.

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But what's the DIR way to carry it? :o)

I'll give them a try this weekend, with any luck.. STILL hoping my new drysuit will be here by then...

[Jay]

Well, I've made my choice and just to be contrary, I have opted for OMS! Looking at a 45lb single bladder reinforced wing with stainless steel backplate and basic harness and D rings. Why? It suits the diving I do at the minute as well as for the forseeable future and it is expandable as and when I need to, and its affordable. Also looking at twin 12's with an isolation manifold. Should be taking ownership within the month so (hopefully) will have it for St Abbs!!

Regards

[Davey Willo]

Man I am Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo jealous!!!

[Jay]

Yeah, well I have had to put my record decks on Ebay to pay for this (yep, I used to be a DJ!!). Figured I'd have to give up one labour of love to fund another.

Still, should have them by the end of April all being well - and then the fun starts!! I reckon it'll be like my first ever OWD all over again (hehe).

Regards

[Jay]

I've just placed my order! OMS wings with basic harness and sainless steel backplate, 2 x 12l steel O2 cleaned tanks with Scubapro cam bands (using a double boot rather than bolting them together) and an O2 cleaned isolation manifold. Should be taking possession when I return from Gran Canaria in a fortnight (whoohoo!!)

Regards

[Andy Phillips]

Hello everybody,

Need a bit of help, just about to go wing shopping and am just getting a few opinions to help with the decision.

Kind of made my mind up to a short list of two. Either Diverite superwings or Halcyon dual bladder. Both give the advantage of a backup bladder if needed, both have a choice of back plates, harness configeration etc. Just wondered if anyone had an opinion about either, use them and can tell me why they think there choice is the way to go. &nbsp;It's a shed load of cash and I would hate to make a mistake.

Thanks

Andrew

[Jay]

OK - first question. Why do you want / need a double bladder? Not necesary unless you are planning the deep, long dives requiring several stages etc (you can't inflate them both at one time - can only use second if first fails otherwise you'll burst 'em)

Regarding backplates, speak to Andy2tanx - he can get you one for about £30 and its as good as the £100 ones Diverite / OMS etc sell

Harness config - you can get loads of different whistle and bells harnesses (I bought the basic OMS one) but I have now changed onto a homemade single webbing harness (made for about £30 including D rings etc) - just as good as the £100 ish OMS one, if not better.

My advice is do NOT rush into it - if you can wait a few weeks, Andy and I will meet you somewhere and show you the harnesses we have come up with. Alternatively, phone Andy Hayhurst on 07702819381 for advice re Halcyon

Regards

[Mr T.]

Not to contradict Jay, but Hayhurst can give you advice on virtually all types of wings - Diverite, OMS, Halcyon etc. He'll give you the pros and cons of each type - he should do, he's both dived with and sold them all at one time or another.

Take some time to discuss with him (and others) your diving aspirations and the kind of kit that suits you and the kind of diving you're gonna be doing. Like you say, you're gonna be spending some cash - best get it right from the opinions of guys that have been there and done it. Your call and good luck.

Cheers and HTH,

[Dominic]

Halcyon do a dual bladder?? Aren't they meant to be only for strokes?

(I did hear of one idea for dual bladders I thought quite creative: Remove the inflator and put a blanking plate over it. Then if you get a puncture whilst on holiday, you can just switch the inflator to the other bladder and not miss out on any diving)

Have you seen the combro backplate? It's what I use, and it's a lot cheaper than the branded ones: www.backplates.co.uk

As for the harness: A four-meter length of webbing from your local dive store will do as well as anything from the manufacturers.