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What do you guys think of this BC ?
Anyone got one?
I am a newbie so I was wondering is this too over the top? I do want to do a bit of cavern and sinkhole diving down the track (after I gain some experience).
Let me know any good or bad points.
The Transpac is a nice BC for the rec-tec type of diving. But, if you want to do cavern and cave diving, then I would look at a backplate and harness. It is very clean, simple, and you use it with a signle tank. Then, when you want to go to doubles, the change will not be that drastic.
Mick:
I have a TransPac II. Love it. I am a Scubapro junkie, but the Transpac is the most comfortable BC I have worn.
However, Eric is right. If you are planning on diving caves in the future, you may want to consider the harness and backplate.
RonC.
The transpac is the only setup to use for sidemount diving in cave, or sinkhole. If you are going to be doing large cave then a BP/wing setup would be preferable. You will need a single tank adapter with the BP/wing and a correctly sized wing. One of the most common mistakes is someone trying to get a one size fits all wing for this type of setup.
I am also pretty curious about this bc. I saw somebody with it on a recent trip and it looked a little flimsy to me. Adding an integrated weight system seems to complicate matters as well becos parts will be flying around all over the place when you turn the bc upside down to empty water from the aircells, without removing the weights.
how much better is the transpac for the average rec diver and is it worth getting over a normal, minimalist back-inflated bc like the seaquest balance or zeagles?
The Transpac was originally conceived as a cave rig, designed by a hard-core caver, for doubles or for side mount, and is used extensively by cave divers all over the world. Where any of you got the idea it is in some way less streamlined than a backplate, or less suited to doubles,is a wonder. Any of you actually dive it? I dive the Transpac side-by-side with buddies using backplates (or Transpacs)- the Transpac and the backplate harness have the same two shoulder and one waist strap, except that the Transpac has a little padding that makes it more comfortable, and quick-release snaps for the shoulder harness. Either rig (backplate of Transpac) can be loaded down with unnecessary trash and lose streamlining, but that's not inherent in the Transpac design any more than in the backplate/harness.
I can dive either; except in the rare case that I want the extra weight of a stainless backplate, I almost always dive the Transpac.
Rick
P.S. I am old enough to not care what the DIR clergy may label my diving style. I'll use their good ideas, add 'em to my own... but I ain't embracing their religion.
"You can have peace, or you can have Freedom. Don't ever count on having both at once." (Heinlein)
"... they saw the deeds of the LORD, his wondrous works in the deep." (Ps107:24)
Rick,
Although I respect your experience and knowledge I must respectfully disagree.
Why is it that a system that has been thought out as well as the "DIR" system has been, that it has been met with so much critisism. Is it people's dislike for George that has made them anti "DIR"? Is it the fact that when people try it they really like it and tell others how good it is? Or are people just afraid of change.
In an industry and sport where standardization is not even in the vocabulary. The people at GUE, WKPP and Halcyon have managed to do so. A standard form of gear configuration and principals of safe diving.
No I am not a GI worshiper or a fanatic, but I have studied the system for sometime and very thoroughly before making my decision.
The Transpac is not as streamlined as the B/P wings, lay them out and look. Why do you need the QDs? I can get out of my harness just as fast or faster as anybody with QDs can.
As solid as the B/P wings, come on now Rick, how can a flexible unit be more secure than a solid unit.
And why so many D rings, what can you possibly hang on all of them and still manage to dive.
It is your right to dive the way you want to but to say this is a religon is an incorrect statement.
Frankly speak, swimming at 1 mph, can you really tell the difference between how streamlined the transpac is vs b/p & wings? Also, the quick release is meant for situations where u can't really move your arms much and will find it difficult to pull it out of the should straps. So, in preparation for those situations, i feel that DIR harnesses should have quick release buckles at the shoulder straps. Wonder if that has already been discussed and/or poopooed.
Sometimes, I think that people are splitting hairs too finely when discussing the differences between DIR methods and equipment in comparison with other setups and styles. If we could all relax and realise that DIR and other dive setups are not yet precise sciences that can be measured with micrometers, these discussions would be a lot more fruitful than arguing over whether people should be able to get to their alternate air sources in 3 secs or 1 sec.
I suppose that it is when things get too pedantic that philosophies become religion.
Perhaps before you post on this topic you should do a little research first. It's not swimming at 1 mph, it's fighting a 4kt flow in an overhead environment. Then streamlining is a major factor.
If you can get to your QDs you can get out of a harness. You don't need any possible failure points.
Frankly in an emergency situation I'm glad the hairs have been split to avoid as many possible problems as possible without sacrafising diver's safety.
In an out of air situation, you tell me the difference between 1 and 3 seconds.
We have attempted to show you a better way of doings things and you refuse to accept them. That's OK. I have only found out from these posts that we show a better way and there are no contridictions, only arguments as to why you won't accept them.
Don questions the Transpac's rigidity, and doesn't like the D rings or the QD's..
1. Rigidity - the tanks are rigid enough without a backplate. When the Transpac is attached to the doubles with the stabilizer plates, it is rigid. Real rigid.
2. D rings - all but two are removable, and those two lie absolutely flat. If you don't want the others, take 'em off.
(I usually have four in addition to those two on my rig - two for the canister light canister, and two for a stage bottle)
3. QD's - I know of no case where a Transpac QD has either failed or been an entangling object - do you? (on the other hand I don't know of anyone who's ever had to use a QD in a cave, either, so it's probably a moot point)
As one who dives both rigs, I haven't noticed a hair's breadth difference in drag between the backplate/wings and the Transpac/wings. 'Course, I've never been accused of being overly sensitive, either.
If you don't think the "DIR" gods have religious fervor and a micromanagement mindset of every jot and tittle you must not have been reading the same stuff I have. Not that they don't have good ideas - they do - but they have near terminal "NIH" syndrome. (Not Invented Here)
As for me, I'll make up my own mind, thank you.
Rick
"You can have peace, or you can have Freedom. Don't ever count on having both at once." (Heinlein)
"... they saw the deeds of the LORD, his wondrous works in the deep." (Ps107:24)
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