Wings and Fings

[Digger]

I've got to reccomend the combro plate to anyone thining about getting a S/S plate. They're cheap, do what they should and I have only one problem with it - there are no slots for using buddy twinning bands. I've got around this by just getting the S/S bands for the tanks I use, but it is a bit of a pain.

I've also cut the slots in my Buddy wing, as well as putting eyelets in for the bolts. Looking at others using the buddy bands now it makes things seem much more secure and the tanks are always where they should be, and where I've decided to put them. Unfortunately if I want to change tanks between dives, I either have to undo the S/S bands and swap them onto full tanks, get a fill, or take two twinsets diving.

[DanG]

Ok this is an interesting one for me since most of my dives I have used a buddy comando bcd, well when I say used I mean attached my cylinder to it as I never actually use it for buoyancy as even at the surface its more comfortable to inflate my suit which led me to wonder why exactly I was using it.
I have recently obtained a OMS harness and find it is much more comfortable in all respects, it makes my cylinder fit in a very snug spot on my back which my bcd tends to miss, I can also throw it over my shoulder much more easily.  However being just a harness it doesn't give me any backup buoyancy for emergency situations (except for dumping a bit of weight).
I would be interested to know how many other people dive without any bouyancy compensation apart from thier suit?  I know of only 2 other poeple personally.

[And]

<font color='#0000FF'>Hi

Many of the CDG do as they have a sidemount rig. Just use the harness to sling the tanks and suit for buoyancy. Oh, and wellies for propulsion

Andy

[Digger]

Stoney Cove will chuck you out if you try it. We've had a few of our guys have to chuck ABLJs on to get into the water.

It used to be all the rage, but most tend to go for redundancy certainly for more serious dives. The minimalism feels good, but having a wing on makes little difference to me, and I'd say for most, it's worth having as a backup.

[DanG]

Hehe, yes and why exactly would I want to dive in Stoney cove? &nbsp;I think I have done quite enough time in that place and since I live on the coast now its much cheaper to dive in the north sea
I heard they aren't allowed to use the chamber there either now due to HSE reg's so its kind of running outa plus points.

I think it isn't much different to diving in a wet suit when you think about it, you have no redundancy there either, just maybe a dry suit has slightly more chance of going wrong through flooding.

[Noel Johnson]

Hi Lou, Sorry I'm a bit late into the discussion but here's my 5 pence worth. I too bought a Portland type 2 plate and harness second hand (thanks Andy) and coupled it to a brand new Diverite Recwing and made my own single adaptor (we've had this discussion about the need for an STA on handbagnet) and It's taken a little getting used to. I think I finally got the hang of it on Monday in Stoney although the only problems I had in the end were coping with the weight of it with a 15 and a pony (back mounted) and putting it on as there seemed to be straps everywhere.

If it's any help I found that if I adjust the shoulder straps to my body so there is only a little &quot;pull down&quot; adjustment this makes it easier to don by unclipping one of the shoulder straps and I've also removed the chest strap but left the crotch strap in place. This may sound like a daft question but have you removed any lead from your belt - I've found (even with my ample frame) that I've had to get rid of 4-5 kilos through using the plate and harness (my first dive too was comical) and this caused a lot of the problems I was experiencing in the water.

Stick with it though and you too can fall in love with the wing exactly like I have.

When are the pair of you stoneying again?

Cheers and I hope this helps or indeed makes any sense,

Noel

[Lou]

Hi Noel,

The weight was coming off the belt fast! &nbsp;First I took off 2 kg for the plate but forgot that I was in fresh water, so then took another 2 off, still too heavy. &nbsp;Got it right in the end.

Stoneying again on 7th Sept when Matt &amp; son, and C &amp; I are doing a few dives amongst our TDI Basic Nitrox course. &nbsp;Maybe see you there??

Actually got a busy dive schedule for me.....Plymouth, then Stoney, then Farnes and then Vancouver Island, all before the middle of October - hurrah!!!

I am def sticking with the wing. &nbsp;I do like it already and can dive it, it is just niggles.....y'know!

Lou