akivisuals
Contributor
So I've been looking into a SS backplate/wing setup since my Aqualung BC took a dump and have been getting such a varied response to the amount of lift I need. Some very highly regarded people have said I could use a 20 lb wing while others recommend a 35-40 lb wing. I'm a bit confused as to the direction I should take. I know that I want enough lift for all the stuff that I might wind up taking along whether that's a camera setup or a game bag filled with lobster or a speargun and fish.
Some background. I'm 145 lbs. and 5'4". I dive mostly SoCal water (high 50's-low 70's) in a wetsuit (at the moment). 7mm full suit with a 5/3 hooded vest, 3mm gloves, and 5mm boots. I've tried to sink it all wrapped together and am looking at around 16 lbs. or so to get it to sink. Maybe less, everything is so squirrelly trying to get it all stable underwater. My tank is a steel HP80. I carry a 13cf pony bottle with it's own regulator at times. In my Aqualung Dimension i3, I use 12 lbs. of lead when I use the pony and around 14 lbs. when I don't. I'm not sure if this is "perfect" weighting but it seems to work for me.
Can anyone suggest how much lift I require? I'm thinking that a 35-40 lb. lift wing will be good if I'm hunting or carrying heavier camera gear. Thoughts? Recommendations? Thanks y'all, the recommendations I've gotten here have been really helpful so far!
Some background. I'm 145 lbs. and 5'4". I dive mostly SoCal water (high 50's-low 70's) in a wetsuit (at the moment). 7mm full suit with a 5/3 hooded vest, 3mm gloves, and 5mm boots. I've tried to sink it all wrapped together and am looking at around 16 lbs. or so to get it to sink. Maybe less, everything is so squirrelly trying to get it all stable underwater. My tank is a steel HP80. I carry a 13cf pony bottle with it's own regulator at times. In my Aqualung Dimension i3, I use 12 lbs. of lead when I use the pony and around 14 lbs. when I don't. I'm not sure if this is "perfect" weighting but it seems to work for me.
Can anyone suggest how much lift I require? I'm thinking that a 35-40 lb. lift wing will be good if I'm hunting or carrying heavier camera gear. Thoughts? Recommendations? Thanks y'all, the recommendations I've gotten here have been really helpful so far!