Any trans pac or BP divers here?

[tom wicker]

I understand this question should have been asked in the equipment forum but I would feel more comfortable asking it here among the Dixie Divers I hope I’m correct in assuming that some of you divers that are a bit old school started off with a vest bcd. Today I slipped on my Trans Pac for the first time after looking at it for some time now. Having been use to diving with a vest for about nine years of diving it just didn’t feel right, actually it felt as if nothing was there, I guess I would have to admit the chest squeeze of the vest gave me a more secure feeling.
My questions would be did it take awhile for you wing divers get use to the feel of every thing on your back? It feels like I’ll fall out of mine :11:
Question number two I didn’t go with the optional crotch strap. After putting on the pac I got to thinking actually fearing again with just two shoulder straps a small chest strap and a cummerbund strap. Do any of you feel the need for the crotch strap?

Dang I feel as if I need to take a class just to use this thing. I would hate to ask Fritz to put me in a pool:eyebrow: I feel like a Turtle with this thing

[SuPrBuGmAn]

Hell, I'm thinking about sewing a damned crotch strap to my vest, those things help quite a bit in situating the BCD properly.

[tom wicker]

Damn I feel the need to sew some sides on this Trans pac ( It brings new meaning to nude diving for me)

[mwhities]

I just received my BP/W last night. I've put it together and hope to dive in it in the pool.

With the feel of "nothing there" I believe is the idea of the BP/W, although stream lining, trim , and buoyancy is what it's supposed to be for.

I chose to go with a crotch strap. Reasons, I've read that on the surface, without the crotch strap the wing actually does (as BC wearers will say) *push* you face forward into the water. With the crotch strap, it's all secure and you actually tend to float more backwards. *shrugs* I have yet to try. The reason is that the strap keeps the BP/W from going "up over" your shoulders. When that happens, it will push you forward. Secondly, there is a d-ring there for a scooter. :)

I'll post my first "dive" experience in the pool Sunday night or whenever I get a chance to get in.

Good luck and let me know how the transpac works without the crotch strap.

Michael

[algulfdiver]

It also helps to use a steel tank to put some weight on Your back, this means You can take some weight off your weight system.

[algulfdiver]

and I would go with a crotch strap for sure

[tom wicker]

I just received my BP/W last night. I've put it together and hope to dive in it in the pool.

With the feel of "nothing there" I believe is the idea of the BP/W, although stream lining, trim , and buoyancy is what it's supposed to be for.

I chose to go with a crotch strap. Reasons, I've read that on the surface, without the crotch strap the wing actually does (as BC wearers will say) *push* you face forward into the water. With the crotch strap, it's all secure and you actually tend to float more backwards. *shrugs* I have yet to try. The reason is that the strap keeps the BP/W from going "up over" your shoulders. When that happens, it will push you forward. Secondly, there is a d-ring there for a scooter. :)

I'll post my first "dive" experience in the pool Sunday night or whenever I get a chance to get in.

Good luck and let me know how the transpac works without the crotch strap.

Michael


I guarantee it will be a solo dive with no one around for mile to see me make a fool out of myself. You know It never cross my mind about it putting face down pressure on the surface. I crossed some of your threads where you were putting together your BP You went with a new style backplate didn’t you? I thought about a BP system but where I can only get Sundays off I had a limited resources where I could purchase from.

I’m do want to hear complete details of you maiden voyage with that gear

[tom wicker]

and I would go with a crotch strap for sure

Gary what are you store hours? Is there any nights your open late? Thanks for the advice on the strap and tank. What are them steels you use?

[mwhities]

Yeah, i bought a long pattern back plate, 30# LCD wing and a Hog harness from DSS (http://www.deepseasupply.com). Tobin really knows what he is doing and can answer any question you have about the rig. I do want to eventually go to a doubles setup but, because of $$, it will be a long while.

I'll be sure to PM you when I post it. Be looking out in Hogarthian Diving under the Technical Diving Specialties incase I forget. :)

Michael

[mwhities]

BTW, Gary HAD a nice looking DiveRite rig hanging up in his store. That was the first place I actually looked at a back inflate of some kind. I liked the "openess" of it. the BCD *crushed* me per say and I don't like that feeling. I just hope I like the feel of this BP/W rig. :)

Michael

[algulfdiver]

Gary what are you store hours? Is there any nights your open late? Thanks for the advice on the strap and tank. What are them steels you use?
You know I'll stay around after hours any time someone ask me to.
I'm there till 5:30
I am a Faber, Worthington and PST dealer as far as Steel goes. I Like Faber LP 95's myself

[cmufieldhockey8]

I guarantee it will be a solo dive with no one around for mile to see me make a fool out of myself. You know It never cross my mind about it putting face down pressure on the surface. I crossed some of your threads where you were putting together your BP You went with a new style backplate didn’t you? I thought about a BP system but where I can only get Sundays off I had a limited resources where I could purchase from.

I’m do want to hear complete details of you maiden voyage with that gear

I have never felt like my wing puts me face down on the surface- you'll find this out for yourself. Maybe if I ridiculously overinflated it it would.

I can't say much about adjusting to having just a harness as I only did about 20 dives in a jacket before I got my wing.

[tom wicker]

BTW, Gary HAD a nice looking DiveRite rig hanging up in his store. That was the first place I actually looked at a back inflate of some kind. I liked the "openess" of it. the BCD *crushed* me per say and I don't like that feeling. I just hope I like the feel of this BP/W rig. :)

Michael

Gary is the one that got me thinking about the Dive Rite system the last time I dove with him it seemed much easer to work with. We dropped down on a chicken coop together and he passed below me and I thought wow that set up looks great. Not only that all the D rings the trans pac has Heck it would be easer to carry a stringer, camera, light, ect. I just cant adjust my hours here lately to get into his shop while it is open. I do need to get into there to pick up some extras.
I find I like the squeeze it’s like being in your mothers arms J

What made you decide on a 30# lift?

[SuPrBuGmAn]

Mike may only have one arm, but he's a bit motha!

[mwhities]

Gary is the one that got me thinking about the Dive Rite system the last time I dove with him it seemed much easer to work with. We dropped down on a chicken coop together and he passed below me and I thought wow that set up looks great. Not only that all the D rings the trans pac has Heck it would be easer to carry a stringer, camera, light, ect. I just cant adjust my hours here lately to get into his shop while it is open. I do need to get into there to pick up some extras.
I find I like the squeeze it’s like being in your mothers arms J

What made you decide on a 30# lift?

Yeah, if I'd had the money when I was at his shop, I'd still be diving a DiveRite system. ;) No joke either.

I'm going to be about 22 - 24lbs negative. This will give me enough lift if I need it. Plus, I could still grow (can light/camera/etc) and still have enough lift to get me up.

[tom wicker]

You know I'll stay around after hours any time someone ask me to.
I'm there till 5:30
I am a Faber, Worthington and PST dealer as far as Steel goes. I Like Faber LP 95's myself

I usally get home about 7 to 7:30 unless I get a rain day. The Faber 95 is that the one you and Brian used when we were out?

[mwhities]

I have never felt like my wing puts me face down on the surface- you'll find this out for yourself. Maybe if I ridiculously overinflated it it would.

I can't say much about adjusting to having just a harness as I only did about 20 dives in a jacket before I got my wing.

I've read, yet again, that when you are at the surface in a BP/W, you should have almost no, to a very little bit of air in the wing. (Disclaimer: Everything I say about "how to" "should be" "etc" is all that I've read on SB and other places. Don't go by what I say. :P)

Michael

[mwhities]

Mike may only have one arm, but he's a bit motha!

Yeah, that too. That's why I wanna go to doubles. ;) I'm a MAJOR air hog. :)

Michael

[SuPrBuGmAn]

That, will improve with more diving... So come diving. Lets dive. When you coming diving?

[algulfdiver]

The Faber 95 is that the one you and Brian used when we were out?
Sure is

[mwhities]

That, will improve with more diving... So come diving. Lets dive. When you coming diving?

Actually, I'm off on the 30th. Monday I believe. I might be able to talk the wife into letting me drive down there for a day. Drive there, get two dives in with my two c100s and then drive back.

If I can, I'll get Frank to go to. :)

Michael

[tom wicker]

Yeah, if I'd had the money when I was at his shop, I'd still be diving a DiveRite system. ;) No joke either.

I'm going to be about 22 - 24lbs negative. This will give me enough lift if I need it. Plus, I could still grow (can light/camera/etc) and still have enough lift to get me up.


One other thing that don’t seem right to me is I got two tank straps SS buckles but on these straps there is hardly no rubber to help keep the tank from slipping. Plus what the heck is the Two small Velcro straps for on the shoulder harness? You reckon their there just for looks? one has a trans pac patch and the other a dive rite patch it

[mwhities]

One other thing that don’t seem right to me is I got two tank straps SS buckles but on these straps there is hardly no rubber to help keep the tank from slipping. Plus what the heck is the Two small Velcro straps for on the shoulder harness? You reckon their there just for looks? one has a trans pac patch and the other a dive rite patch it

If you notice, most BCDs or anything that straps around a tank, doesn't have rubber on it. (I admit, my BCD does.) At least the older ones. If you wet the straps and then strap your tank it, it will not go anywhere. Just remember what you learned in OW class, wet the tank straps before you put it on the tank.

Velcro straps? Let side for the inflater hose and the right... uhm, not sure?

Michael

Edit: Not to familiar with the TransPac let alone BP/Ws. :P

[SuPrBuGmAn]

I've seen Paulwall use dual inflators :rofl:

[tom wicker]

I've seen Paulwall use dual inflators :rofl:

I was cautioned against using a dual inflators

[SuPrBuGmAn]

I don't see a big problem with it, aside from looking ridiculous :P

[tom wicker]

Velcro straps? Let side for the inflater hose and the right... uhm, not sure?

Michael

Edit: Not to familiar with the TransPac let alone BP/Ws. :P

It has rubber snaps for reg

[paulwall]

I don't see a big problem with it, aside from looking ridiculous :P\\


What can I say? Chicks dig the dual hose!

2 bladders, 2 hoses.

[tom wicker]

I don't see a big problem with it, aside from looking ridiculous :P

From what I was told there seemed to be a problem with over inflating causing a fast ascent . He talked like it was a common problem. But you know personal opinions can get somtimes

[tom wicker]

\\


What can I say? Chicks dig the dual hose!

2 bladders, 2 hoses.

Speaking of the Devil Hell we cant even talk about him behind his back

[SuPrBuGmAn]

I don't think you use them both at the same time... :P

Some people are just idiots, there is no setup that will prevent their dooms.

[algulfdiver]

I don't think you use them both at the same time... :P

Some people are just idiots, there is no setup that will prevent their dooms.
:rofl3: :rofl3: :rofl3:

[mwhities]

It has rubber snaps for reg

Not to sure then. Maybe just for looks?

Michael

[mwhities]

I don't think you use them both at the same time... :P

Some people are just idiots, there is no setup that will prevent their dooms.

Too funny. I'd sure like to use both of my c100s at the sametime. :)

Michael

[tom wicker]

I don't think you use them both at the same time... :P

Some people are just idiots, there is no setup that will prevent their dooms.

OK you have a good point there :rofl3:

[tom wicker]

Too funny. I'd sure like to use both of my c100s at the sametime. :)

Michael

You must be planning on pitching a tent on the bottom huh?

[SuPrBuGmAn]

This is big Mike. He'll waste away 200cf in an hour, tops!

[tom wicker]

He better be big packing all that around :)

[mwhities]

You must be planning on pitching a tent on the bottom huh?

If I could, I would. ;)

Michael

[mwhities]

He better be big packing all that around :)

You will have to meet me.

Michael

[cmufieldhockey8]

I've read, yet again, that when you are at the surface in a BP/W, you should have almost no, to a very little bit of air in the wing. (Disclaimer: Everything I say about "how to" "should be" "etc" is all that I've read on SB and other places. Don't go by what I say. :P)

Michael

Yeah don't assume anything that anybody from scubaboard says is right, including me. You'll figure it out when you get in the pool.

I put as much air in my wing that I need to stay afloat. Once I'm floating I don't want to waste air out of my tank so I don't inflate the wing any more.. thats just how I do it. Let me add that I have a Dive Rite rec wing so it may act different in the water then yours does. Another reason not to trust what random people tell you.

edit:

One other thing that don’t seem right to me is I got two tank straps SS buckles but on these straps there is hardly no rubber to help keep the tank from slipping. Plus what the heck is the Two small Velcro straps for on the shoulder harness? You reckon their there just for looks? one has a trans pac patch and the other a dive rite patch it

The velcro strap on the left shoulder is to put your inflator hose and corrugated hose through so they don't float off and out of the way during your dive. http://diveriteexpress.com/bcs/transpac.shtml

[algulfdiver]

The Dual Rec Wing incorporates a redundant inner bladder (with a separate inflator) which can be used with both single and double cylinders. The Dual Rec Wing can accommodate up to two 95-cubic-foot/15 liter back-mounted cylinders. The Dual Rec Wing is a good choice for divers who may primarily use doubles but do not have a drysuit to act as a redundant buoyancy device, as well as those that want to be able to configure their air cell for use with single cylinders as well.

[mwhities]

Yeah don't assume anything that anybody from scubaboard says is right, including me. You'll figure it out when you get in the pool.

I put as much air in my wing that I need to stay afloat. Once I'm floating I don't want to waste air out of my tank so I don't inflate the wing any more.. thats just how I do it. Let me add that I have a Dive Rite rec wing so it may act different in the water then yours does. Another reason not to trust what random people tell you.

Against everything I've stated, I use everything here as a starting point or reference. There are one or two people, in PM, that I trust everything they say. I understand what you are saying. This will be an ongoing learning process for myself. :)

Thanks,

Michael

[cmufieldhockey8]

Against everything I've stated, I use everything here as a starting point or reference. There are one or two people, in PM, that I trust everything they say. I understand what you are saying. This will be an ongoing learning process for myself. :)

Thanks,

Michael

Yeah I wasn't saying that you actually believe what we scubaboard dorks tell you. It irritates me when somebody gives advice on a subject he or she doesn't know a darn thing about. Its like a new diver giving somebody else advice on doubles..

[mwhities]

Yeah I wasn't saying that you actually believe what we scubaboard dorks tell you. It irritates me when somebody gives advice on a subject he or she doesn't know a darn thing about. Its like a new diver giving somebody else advice on doubles..

Much like myself, right? ;) I do fit that but, I'm just trying to be helpful.

Michael

[tom wicker]

The velcro strap on the left shoulder is to put your inflator hose and corrugated hose through so they don't float off and out of the way during your dive. http://diveriteexpress.com/bcs/transpac.shtml

I was going to question your advice on the strap using it as an inflator strap. I was thinking if I use it for that if I was to put a alarm, dump or what ever on it each time I unstrapped it I would take the chance of loosing the strap till I looked at it closer and noticed a inner elastic band that would still hold it to the Harness Thanks for the info. I’m lost with this setup

[mwhities]

http://www.scubaboard.com/showpost.php?p=2837195&postcount=30

*phew* that was fun. ;)

I was once lost but, now I'm wore out and my hand is tired of trying to get all of this laced up. I'm glad to hear that once you set these up once, you don't have to do it again. (Barring you don't lose/gain weight.)

Michael

[cmufieldhockey8]

http://www.scubaboard.com/showpost.php?p=2837195&postcount=30

*phew* that was fun. ;)

I was once lost but, now I'm wore out and my hand is tired of trying to get all of this laced up. I'm glad to hear that once you set these up once, you don't have to do it again. (Barring you don't lose/gain weight.)

Michael

It took me an entire summer of diving to get my gear configured exactly the way I wanted it. And its still a work in progress.

[mwhities]

It took me an entire summer of diving to get my gear configured exactly the way I wanted it. And its still a work in progress.

It's crazy. I know I'm on a long road of learning but, I'm enjoying it. This and other diving related knowledge is what I'm going top be after.

Enjoy it while it lats, that's what I go by.

Michael

[paulithepin]

Crotch strap is well worth it. It prevents a lot of unnecessary movement while in awkward positions. It also allows for better fitting of the bp and wing to your body.
Paul

[tom wicker]

It took me an entire summer of diving to get my gear configured exactly the way I wanted it. And its still a work in progress.


Yea that’s just what I needed to hear I’m on the verge of boxing all this up and taking it back. :shakehead

Night all work comes early for me

[mwhities]

Yea that’s just what I needed to hear I’m on the verge of boxing all this up and taking it back. :shakehead

Night all work comes early for me

Ohh com on now. If a one-arm fat boy can do it, I know you can. ;)

Michael

(Have to rub it in. ;P)

[SuPrBuGmAn]

Yea that’s just what I needed to hear I’m on the verge of boxing all this up and taking it back. :shakehead

Night all work comes early for me

Donate it to me :) I need cave friendly stuff.

[Oregon Duck]

I have some idea what you're dealing with. I've been diving my new wing without a crotch strap and, initially, the bladder was riding up on me and forcing me forward some while on the surface. I've reworked the straps and really cinched up the shoulder straps so it's quite snug and now I'm using it with a dry suit as well.

Because the dry suit is providing some additional positive buoyancy, and because the wing is strapped on tighter, I am having no problem with it riding up or tipping me forward on the surface. I really like the set-up now, after 6 dives as is. It seems that, underwater, horizontal is the natural position with this set-up. But if I didn't have a dry suit I would likely add a crotch strap to ensure the wing stays centered on my back.

Also, you do feel a bit naked initially, with out the jacket, but I'll bet you like it better in the long run. Good luck.

[philmottrek99and02]

I only have 2 dives on my TransPac. Right now I enjoy the setup. I like the freedom and do not long for the chest squeeze. I had a choice and I think I made the right choice for me.
Howard

[mwhities]

I think I will like that feel as well. I just tried on my BP/W. feels good, I just need to do some adjusting=.

I finally have my BP/W rig completed. I just took pictures and I'm transferring them now. I'll post them in a few.

Michael

[algulfdiver]

Yea that’s just what I needed to hear I’m on the verge of boxing all this up and taking it back. :shakehead

Night all work comes early for me
Tom,
I have a DVD at the Dive Shop that I would be willing to let You use. (even tho You bought elswere :no ) On Diving the Trans Pac made by Dive Rite.

[mwhities]

Get`em Gary! Get`em!

Michael

[Fish_Whisperer]

I love my TransPac. It took about ten dives to really get comfortable with it, and lots of adjustment. I wouldn't trade it for anything now, except maybe another TransPac. :thumb:

[tom wicker]

Tom,
I have a DVD at the Dive Shop that I would be willing to let You use. (even tho You bought elswere :no ) On Diving the Trans Pac made by Dive Rite.

Thanks for the offer Gary. Boy now do I have a guilt feeling, I feel as if I should go to the corner and bawl for dishwater for supper :eyebrow: . I did drop you a couple of messages on the gear here and on another board which you may have missed, and for the shame of me I got lead astray by a smooth talking instructor using my one weakness (fishing)

Anyways I will be needing a few add-ons such as the strap and weight pouches. I’m also thinking about moving my knife from my thigh to my shoulder. What do you have and recommend? Later on down the road I would like to talk to you about one of those lp 95’s. I also need a new quick load for my Rhino do you keep them in stock? Plus a flapper put on a old freeshaft I got to work on freeshafting with.

You’ll get tired of seeing my mug around soon enough this summer, I figure I can use GGD for pleasure trips and a Pensacola shop for their fishing trips. ;)

[tom wicker]

Get`em Gary! Get`em!

Michael

What about you you little trouble maker :rofl3:
Gary needs to ask you where your getting you gear from now Huh:D

[AquaW]

You know I'll stay around after hours any time someone ask me to.
I'm there till 5:30
I am a Faber, Worthington and PST dealer as far as Steel goes. I Like Faber LP 95's myself

Hi Tom, Going by the post above it sounds like you have a pretty good LDS there.
I'm sure Gary will be able to help you get used to it.
Some thoughts. You'll get used to the feeling of nothing squeezing the air out of you.It's like getting divorced. At first you don't know what to do without someone nagging you all the time but you get used to it and actually prefer it that way.
It's a security issue. You're used to the squeeze and so you know your bc is working.After a while you'll feel comfortable.It is different to a jacket BC but it is better. The attitude in the water while diving is superior.
Get the crotch strap. It helps a lot especially on the surface.
People have a tendacy to overinflate their bC's at the surface.They stop with a jacket because of the squeeze. If you over inflate the wing it pushes you forward. Practice in the pool. Keep reg in your mouth and mask on and let air out until your head goes down a little then put a little in. Practice and you'll get used to it and be glad you got it too.

[JAMIE MCG]

Hey Tom, I'm 3 mo. new to BP/W, I can fill the wing up completly at the surface and no face plant, could you have the harness higher then neccesary? When I set mine up I can just reach over my shoulders and touch the top of the BP. I do think the crotch strap would help.

[Boomer7]

I dove a trans pack for two years and then got my first set of doubles. The Traspack is okay for doubles but I moved to a BP because it seemed more secure and stable. Oh and get a crotch strap. There is a world of difference. One word of advice make sure it is secure when you desend. Dive buddies become a little wierded out when you signal them you need help with you crotch strap. :confused:

Brian

[mwhities]

What about you you little trouble maker :rofl3:
Gary needs to ask you where your getting you gear from now Huh:D

What? I didn't buy DiveRite. If I would have, I would've went and bought it from him!

(Talking about kicking sand in your eye. :P)

Michael