View Full Version : What wing?
hi all,im starting to extend my diving now and after goin to scapa in september, on 15 and a pony and doin 40+ felt like it was time for twins!Iv got my twin 10ns off ebay and now im after a wing, harness, backplate etc..so wondering what you all use?advantages,disadvan,price?the lads in our club tend to have the oms singlebladder which seem really good.jus wanted to no what other decent ones ther are, cheers dan.Safe diving.
Kedo
Personally I have an OMS for the 12's & 10's, a Diverite for the single or twin 7's.
I us an OMS back plate with a break in the shoulder with both wings. In truth, now I'm on a YBOD, i use the standard wing & the backplate on the CCR.
You will find a lot of views, There is very little between them, other than the bungy / non bungy argument & the single shoulder break or one piece harness argument. Ultimately its what you prefer.
OMS
Diverite
Halcon
Frog etc are all good products.
A full diverite harness is generally a softharness rather than the steel backplate, although i believe you can fit a backplate if you wish.
Gareth
Me and SWMBO both dive the same: DiveRite Classic, a home built harness and a cheap and cheerful BP (Mine is UKRS/Nigel SWMBO is a Portland Oceaneering).
Cheap, bullet proof and customisable
I am now commuting to work by car and spending a lot more of my time doing 70(+) on the motorway. A few of my friends drive BMW's and others Audi, one even has a Merc. What do you good people reccomend?
You see the problem....?;)
What I would do is create alist of what you want in a wing. Do you want a single piece harness or with breaks? Single or dual bladder? Bungeed or not? Once you have made these basic choices then look at the wings that offer these options. narrow down you list and then ask people their opinion on your shortlist. Will be much more productive in the long run i should think.
iain1965
19-10-2008, 19:33
I am now commuting to work by car and spending a lot more of my time doing 70(+) on the motorway. A few of my friends drive BMW's and others Audi, one even has a Merc. What do you good people reccomend?
You see the problem....?;)
What I would do is create alist of what you want in a wing. Do you want a single piece harness or with breaks? Single or dual bladder? Bungeed or not? Once you have made these basic choices then look at the wings that offer these options. narrow down you list and then ask people their opinion on your shortlist. Will be much more productive in the long run i should think.
Brings to mind a new film thats out, "How to lose friends and Alienate people", we need more people like this in the forum. NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!
Steve in Sharm
19-10-2008, 19:36
What I would do is create alist of what you want in a wing. Do you want a single piece harness or with breaks? Single or dual bladder? Bungeed or not? Once you have made these basic choices then look at the wings that offer these options. narrow down you list and then ask people their opinion on your shortlist. Will be much more productive in the long run i should think.
Cool,
I want a nice soft harness, I find the OMS backplate rubs my fat back!
Breaks in the harness,
Dual Bladder,
Both airways coming off the back,
Bungeed,
and, if possible, for it to be a doughnut shape or some other form of air migration,,,
Over to you guys!
Brings to mind a new film thats out, "How to lose friends and Alienate people", we need more people like this in the forum. NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!
And your post gave the OP what good advice exactly?
There are hundreds of options available and with an open question as the OP initially made he would get a plethora of differing opinions and possibly end up more confused than ever. I simply pointed out how difficult it was to give advice based on his original post, he obviously hasn't taken offence, why should you?
iain1965
19-10-2008, 20:04
And your post gave the OP what good advice exactly?
There are hundreds of options available and with an open question as the OP initially made he would get a plethora of differing opinions and possibly end up more confused than ever. I simply pointed out how difficult it was to give advice based on his original post, he obviously hasn't taken offence, why should you?
Gave the same good advice yours did SWEET FA, at least I wasn't trying to be a smart arse.
bythesea
19-10-2008, 21:12
If you are diving in a dry suit you only need a single bladder in the wing as the suit gives you secondary inflation, if in a wetsuit a twin bladder is better, as for the arguments re bungees and breaks I am not even getting into that....so many arguments for and against but at the end of the day it is down to what you are happy with.
Steel backplate for diving here ali for taking on holiday..it's a weight thing....
OMS for bungies
Halcyon for purists
Frog if you are lucky enough to find one in the UK at the mo.
Dive rite seems to get good rep
As for price there isn't much in it expect around 400 quid inc backplate and harness what ever one you go for
hey sorry for no replys, been working away,yea i can see wer u are coming from but to be fair i carnt really narrow it down to what i want with having not used a wing, harness etc.. i guess it will just come with experience in what im going to want from a wing!ive tried my friends oms single bladder and iq harness which was very comfortable so i guess im jus gona go for option i think. If anybody knows anyone getting rid of wing,backplate etc.. drop me a post-stoke area..cheers for all your help guys.Dan
Gave the same good advice yours did SWEET FA, at least I wasn't trying to be a smart arse.
Although you didn't. I found HeO2N2's post to be a useful one. He was making the point that there is no right answer and everyone has their own opinions which are very different. I agree and I think the best policy is to try wings as many as possible. (I have about four, but that's another story) I think my favourite is the Dive Rite Rec wing which is a nice all round wing.
Janos
ive tried my friends oms single bladder and iq harness which was very comfortable so i guess im jus gona go for option i think. Dan
I had a OMS IQ pack for a few years and yes they are comfortable however as Digger (Mr Moon) will say few people can do shutdowns in an IQ pack and I couldn't. If I were you before buying something you would be better trying a couple of options first.
When you tried the IQ pack did you try any skills ?
Richard Whitcombe
20-10-2008, 15:07
Brings to mind a new film thats out, "How to lose friends and Alienate people", we need more people like this in the forum. NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!
Why don't you want people who offer the most sensible advice?
He's right. So many options for wings and plates and harnesses and nearly all comes down to personal preference there is NO "correct" answer. You need a list of criteria and go from there.
Absolutely pointless recommending a wing suitable for twin 15s with a one piece harness if the person prefers a break harness and has twin 10s, no point recommending bungee wings if he's ever think of DIR route. Without more specifics its impossible to suggest anything.
Trying is the best answer but i'll admit thats easier said than done. In lots of clubs people dont use wings at all so finding one to borrow is hard.
I had a OMS IQ pack for a few years and yes they are comfortable however as Digger (Mr Moon) will say few people can do shutdowns in an IQ pack and I couldn't. If I were you before buying something you would be better trying a couple of options first.
When you tried the IQ pack did you try any skills ?
No didnt really try any skills, i can see what you are saying thers so much to think about lol,im pretty tall with long arms so i dont think it will be really hard, iv got a slob knob on too which i thort was impertive.I just want get out with them now.il have a look at the dive show with my DO hopfully find something.cheers Dan:)
iv got a slob knob on too which i thort was impertive.:)
Where did that conclusion come from ?
No didnt really try any skills, i can see what you are saying thers so much to think about lol,im pretty tall with long arms so i dont think it will be really hard, iv got a slob knob on too which i thort was impertive.I just want get out with them now.il have a look at the dive show with my DO hopfully find something.cheers Dan:)Oooo you don't need a slob knob. Shutdowns are all to do witht he right suit and undersuit and technique.
Personally I would go for a simple stainless backplate and simple harness with a break in the left armpit if you are RIB diving. Pop a D ring each side of the break in case it pops then you can mend it temporarily with a double ender. Get someone who dives a wing properly and regularly to help you set it up. Tips like putting the buckle off centre to the right helps in little ways and knowing which way to twist the webbing when threading it throug the bottom slots all helps.
As for the wing, anything over 55lb is mahoosive. 45lb is about right for twin 12's. 100lb wings steer well clear. There is a reason why OMS 45lb wings are like hens teeth second hand but the 100lb wings are easy to find. The good thing about the OMS and DiveRite ones are the slots in them for cambands- if you get a Frog of Halcyon one they don't come with the slots so if you want to do a holiday twinset with cambands and an ally plate, you have to get the Stanley knife out.
GoDive are doing a DiveRite ally plate for £30 at the moment. Stainless ones are pricier but you can get them 2nd hand occasionally for about £35-40.
Maria CM
21-10-2008, 10:43
Hmm...
Following this with interest as I plan to move to wing and twins once I have more money in the bank.
Why are some bungeed and some not?
I had assumed I would get a slob knob as I have very, very, poor mobility in my shoulders due to an old neck injury - is there any reason why I shouldn't
best wishes,
Maria
Why are some bungeed and some not?
Personal preference, but in my experience it tends to be to stop an oversized wing flapping about (See Woz comment about 100lb wings being easily available). personally I go for unbungeed as I follow KISS
I had assumed I would get a slob knob as I have very, very, poor mobility in my shoulders due to an old neck injury - is there any reason why I shouldn't
I've seen three fail when needed so I would never rely on one. If you do not have sufficient mobility for fast shut downs then I would go for twinverts
http://www.nigelhewitt.co.uk/diving/rig.html
My wife made the change a few years ago and would never go back
Maria CM
21-10-2008, 11:31
Personal preference, but in my experience it tends to be to stop an oversized wing flapping about (See Woz comment about 100lb wings being easily available). personally I go for unbungeed as I follow KISS
I've seen three fail when needed so I would never rely on one. If you do not have sufficient mobility for fast shut downs then I would go for twinverts
http://www.nigelhewitt.co.uk/diving/rig.html
My wife made the change a few years ago and would never go back
Thank you. I've had a scan through and it looks a lot easier that way up from Nigels pictures - so thank you Nigel too. I shall read it a bit more diligently later and add and amend accordingly to my pages of notes for wings and twinsets that I am developing to try and make things clearer for me! :)
best wishes,
maria
Thank you. I've had a scan through and it looks a lot easier that way up from Nigels pictures
maria
Of course it's easy, everyone can scratch their a**e, but why not have a go at the upright position before going down the invert route - yes I know I was once an inverts girl, but people seem to see this as the first option now and it isn't necessary for everyone.
As Woz mentioned shutdowns will be fine once you have the right technique and some practice, without the need for valve guards, custom hoses and and the like.
And looking back my inverts rig looked a bag of crap compared to my nice current kit :)
but why not have a go at the upright position before going down the invert route
Yep, try right way up first: KISS principal, and get someone that knows what they are doing to show you how to do a shut down. Using the correct technique[1] gives quiet a bit of extra reach
[1] the trying to scratch your ear with your elbow technique copyright Vic
Yep, try right way up first: KISS principal, and get someone that knows what they are doing to show you how to do a shut down. Using the correct technique[1] gives quiet a bit of extra reach
[1] the trying to scratch your ear with your elbow technique copyright Vic
hey, isnt using a slob nob a bit eaiser to do than trying to reach round your neck.i suppose in the pool its easy with the practice, but at 40 meters dark, cold, and with 8 mins deco showing,i just think in that situation i no what id prefer to do at the moment.cheers for the help on the size i need.best wishes
safe diving, dan.
hey, isnt using a slob nob a bit eaiser to do than trying to reach round your neck.i suppose in the pool its easy with the practice, but at 40 meters dark, cold, and with 8 mins deco showing,i just think in that situation i no what id prefer to do at the moment.cheers for the help on the size i need.best wishes
safe diving, dan.
Just dive indies and the problem goes away ;-)
TOny
hey, isnt using a slob nob a bit eaiser, but at 40 meters dark, cold, and with 8 mins deco showing,i just think in that situation i no what id prefer to do at the moment.
safe diving, dan.
I love it when people sign off "safe diving" :D
Best keep that slob knob well maintained ;)
Shutdowns are not that tricky. I've got limited mobility in my right shoulder (it's partially dislocated and keeps popping out) but can still do it.
There are a few tricks:
1. don't stick your elbow out
2. as soon as you jump in the water, do a "Superman" pose to pull your suit and undersuit up so you can extend your arms. Do this before the air comes out of your dump valve and clamps your undersuit to your body
3. get your trim sorted so you're flat or even slightly head down in the water. Then gravity is working with you to bring your valves closer
4. don't tip your head forward
5. if you can't reach your centre isolator, put the back of your hand on the back of your head and use your neck to push your hand back
6. practice practice practice. The drill I do is (after telling my buddy!):
6.1 close isolator
6.2 switch to backup reg
6.3 close primary
6.4 open primary
6.5 switch to primary
6.6 close backup
6.7 open backup
6.8 open isolator
6.9 check all valves are in the correct position
hey, isnt using a slob nob a bit eaiser to do than trying to reach round your neck
Yep right up to the point when you twist it and it breaks in your hand which I have seen three times. Then you die if you can not do a shut down normally
Then you die if you can not do a shut down normally
Or hope your buddy is paying attention :)
Electricgahs
30-11-2008, 08:59
Hi,
a bit late in the discussion....I just tried yesterday my OMS 95lb dual bladder with AL backplate and standard harness, using twin S80 and I found it great...sea was a bit choppy and we were diving from the beach : when I fully inflated it seemed I was on a rib, far away from the water and able to swim on my back until the point of splash.
I swapped the two inflators though : my main is the one on the left shoulder, and I dump gas from the two right valves (shoulder and kidney), both valves facing up when I face down.
Only down side is if I use the secondary inflator, I can dump gas from the two left valves (shoulder and kidney), but they are facing down with me, so I have to either adjust my position or use the deflate button.
Electricgahs
Richard Whitcombe
30-11-2008, 16:36
Only down side is if I use the secondary inflator, I can dump gas from the two left valves (shoulder and kidney), but they are facing down with me, so I have to either adjust my position or use the deflate button.
Electricgahs
Most decent wings the dumps will be facing down not up. Its deliberate design and works very well.
Also if a dual bladder wing its recommended to not connect the 2nd inflator unless its needed for an emergency to stop it self inflating by accident and so on.
Electricgahs
01-12-2008, 05:34
Most decent wings the dumps will be facing down not up. Its deliberate design and works very well.
Deliberate ? Never heard that... you tend to be horizontal in the water, facing down, so dumps work better if on the back...although the "elastomeric bands" are supposed to squeeze the wing enough to be able to dump air from wherever...Anyway I am still experimenting and getting confidence, so I will keep trying !
Also if a dual bladder wing its recommended to not connect the 2nd inflator unless its needed for an emergency to stop it self inflating by accident and so on.
Yeah I know (Andy Pimpkin, Little Britain:D )
Deliberate ? Never heard that... you tend to be horizontal in the water, facing down, so dumps work better if on the back...
If I am properly horizontal in the water, then I use the kidney dump. However, if horizontal, the wing will wrap around the tanks a bit like a U. This means that the dump, which was facing down, now is on the outside of the wing, on the side away from my body.
If the dump was on the top of the wing, then when the wing wraps, it would be between the wing and tanks and so harder to reach.
Janos
Electricgahs
02-12-2008, 05:43
If the dump was on the top of the wing, then when the wing wraps, it would be between the wing and tanks and so harder to reach.
Janos
You have a point, but that is why they attach a pull string to the dump valve, to reach it easily. You can always replace the string with a longer one if you need.
Anyway, I will try during the weekend and let you know.
Cheers:)
Richard Whitcombe
02-12-2008, 15:15
You have a point, but that is why they attach a pull string to the dump valve, to reach it easily. You can always replace the string with a longer one if you need.
Anyway, I will try during the weekend and let you know.
Cheers:)
Ive only seen one "outside" dump with a pull cord and thats the semi-wing buddy make (tekwing). In practice it doesnt work as pulling the string simply crunches the wing up. A longer string is just asking to snag on stages and other things.
The inside/down position has been settled on by all manufacturers for a long time and for good reason - its the best method.
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