Good wing for technical diving

[matejmiklanek]

Hello all,

which wing would you recommend from these two as a first wing for technical diving? Or any other wing...

DTD - Stream Ring 20L or 15L
TecLine - Donut 17 Special Edition

Thank you all

 

[RyanT]

First, I would ask what you mean by technical diving. If you're referring to using double tanks (aka twinset) and stage bottles with high O2 mixes for decompression as technical diving, then I would suggest spending some time just diving and getting more experience first. I'm basing this on your posted 25-49 dives experience. If this is where you are, I would recommend getting a couple of hundred more dives and some AOW training under your belt before thinking about tech diving. That being said, a BP/W is a great way to start, even with basic diving. The BP and harness can be used in any diving situation, only the wing may need to be modified for diving (e.g. single versus double tanks).

 

[matejmiklanek]

First, I would ask what you mean by technical diving. If you're referring to using double tanks (aka twinset) and stage bottles with high O2 mixes for decompression as technical diving, then I would suggest spending some time just diving and getting more experience first. I'm basing this on your posted 25-49 dives experience. If this is where you are, I would recommend getting a couple of hundred more dives and some AOW training under your belt before thinking about tech diving. That being said, a BP/W is a great way to start, even with basic diving. The BP and harness can be used in any diving situation, only the wing may need to be modified for diving (e.g. single versus double tanks).

By BP/W you mean the DTD wing?

I am working on getting my couple of hundres dives as we speak. However in the meantime it is pretty expensive and tiring to borrow all of the gear from local diving shops, so I'd like to start buying some of it. I do not want to go for a recreational BCD, rather I'd like to get a wing so I can start diving with 2 tanks as soon as possible. I guess it's much better to dive with wing as I know I'd like to do decompression diving and possibly caves.

Thanks

 

[Caveeagle]

Start with what type of tank and suit are you diving now. You will probably want a smaller wing with around 32# or less if you are diving a single steel tanks and maybe a smaller lift if you are diving single aluminum tank.

When you transition into doubles, you might be able to still use a 32# wing if you are also using a drysuit. But, again, we need to know if you if doubles are alum or steel. Even the type of steel tank could make a difference.

Also, if you will be primarily diving fresh or salt water will also matter. The type of back plate you select will also matter. Aluminum is a good 'middle of the road' choice.

Sorry, but there are really no easy answers without more information. Focus on the gear you will need for the next 100~ dives. You never know.. Your diving goals could change.

 

[matejmiklanek]

I'm using normal 12L-15L steel tanks from local dive shop and I'll be diving in in fresh waters 95% of the time. Right now I am fresh AOWD diving in wet suit. This wing is supposed to be my first piece of gear (excluding jet-fins and dive computer). I plan to buy dry suit after getting my wing. So any advice on which type / size is welcome. In each shop I look at there are several different backplates... I have no idea which to chose.

 

[Caveeagle]

Do you have a tech instructor or mentor? Although some folks have their favorites, most backplates are dimensionally pretty close. If you are average build, then just find the best deal on one. Probably aluminum will serve you best for the time being.

The type of harness you get is a personal preference, unless you going the DIR route, and then you might want to make sure you have the 'approved' type. example, the type with 1 piece webbing that loops through all the points, or the 'deluxe' type with buckles and maybe even padded shoulders and loops for inflator etc.

Both those wings you linked to seem very large for your current single tank needs. For a couple of my single tank rigs, I use the HOG 32# wing and find that works pretty well with single LP72, HP100, LP104. tanks that I use regularly. If you do step up to the drysuit before you get doubles, then the 32# wing might Still work. Or you might want a bigger wing. I have a Hollis 55# wing that I use for double LP95s. That wing might actually be a little big for that, but it still works.

But once again, these are all generalizations. Lots of things play into this, like body density and other gear you like to carry.

PDCA...
Plan
Do
Check
Adjust

 

[matejmiklanek]

Do you have a tech instructor or mentor? Although some folks have their favorites, most backplates are dimensionally pretty close. If you are average build, then just find the best deal on one. Probably aluminum will serve you best for the time being.

The type of harness you get is a personal preference, unless you going the DIR route, and then you might want to make sure you have the 'approved' type. example, the type with 1 piece webbing that loops through all the points, or the 'deluxe' type with buckles and maybe even padded shoulders and loops for inflator etc.

Both those wings you linked to seem very large for your current single tank needs. For a couple of my single tank rigs, I use the HOG 32# wing and find that works pretty well with single LP72, HP100, LP104. tanks that I use regularly. If you do step up to the drysuit before you get doubles, then the 32# wing might Still work. Or you might want a bigger wing. I have a Hollis 55# wing that I use for double LP95s. That wing might actually be a little big for that, but it still works.
....

Thanks for the advice. I do not have a mentor / instructor yet. There are only limited options for those where I come from. Maybe there are only 2 "known" technical diving schools here and both I think are going the DIR way.

I will check the things you posted. Thanks again.

 

[Caveeagle]

That's good to know. I am not fully up to speed on all the DIR standards, but I suspect some of these decisions will be made for you.

 

[BoltSnap]

I'd check what the local technical divers are using where you are first.

 

[BoltSnap]

Check this company:

Finnsub - FLY 20D DIR