Can I use a single wing for doubles?

[Dive Rite]

i was wondering if it would be okay to use a singles wing such as the halcyon pioneer 36# wing or any other higher capacity singles wing. this would only be used for double al 80's, nothing real heavy.
thanks

Hi Bigred,

Every wing is designed with a specific purpose in mind and manufacturers typically recommended which tanks are appropriate for various wings. There are a number of variables to think about when choosing a wing, perhaps check out our Solution Finder under the question 'What type of wing do I need?' as this might give you some ideas on what is best suited for your needs.

If you have more questions don't hesitate to ask.

Best,
Ag

 

[Scuba Ken]

There is a difference between optimal design and safety. Are you implying that the rec wing is not safe to use diving doubles or that it was not designed to be wide enough to fit around a set of doubles without reducing the lift capacity of the wing as a single would be?

 

[foles1972]

Why is this thread turning so hostile?? The simple question asked was "can it be done?" The answer should be as simple as, "yes, provided the lift is adequate."

Some people can afford to spend $20,000 on gear, but the fact is that many people can not afford to spend that much. So why do people in this thread feel it's ok to judge another person's quality of life or character based on how much money they have spent on scuba equipment?!? (Somebody they have probably never met in person).

I can understand "brand loyalty," but I can't understand forcing one's personal opinions on gear down another person's throat.

Does my wing (brand irrelevant at this piont) "taco" when I dive a single tank? Probably a little. Does it create a little extra drag? Maybe. But is it more drag than having a set of doubles on my back? Probably not.

So even if it's not "optimal" what is WRONG with using one wing for both doubles and a single tank (provided the lift is sufficient)??

Some people need to relax a little and take this thread for what I think it was meant to be...friendly conversation.

 

[Dive Rite]

Are you implying that the rec wing is not safe to use diving doubles or that it was not designed to be wide enough to fit around a set of doubles without reducing the lift capacity of the wing as a single would be?

The Rec wing is designed to be worn with double tanks or singles, and is our most popular wing due to its versatility.

The lift capacity is 51 pounds/23 kg of lift and it can accommodate up to and including two 95 ft3/15 L back mounted cylinders. The Rec wings also comes with a wing retainer system that minimizes the taco effect when diving with single tanks.

So if you are looking for a wing that can easily do both single tanks and light doubles the Rec wing is a good choice. I was suggesting that it is not recommended by the manufacture to exceed the lift capacity, by for example using the Rec wing with heavy steel double tanks and a bunch of stages, as the wing is not designed to give the lift that is necessary.

Best,
Ag

 

[JeffG]

Some people can afford to spend $20,000 on gear, but the fact is that many people can not afford to spend that much.

Why buy a doubles wing if you cannot afford technical diving?

So why do people in this thread feel it's ok to judge another person's quality of life or character based on how much money they have spent on scuba equipment?!?

Who's judging quality of life or character?

I question a mindset. Cheap can get you killed. (worst case) or just make life slightly uncomfortable. (most common case)

(Somebody they have probably never met in person).

Why would I need to meet them in person. All the info required to make a decision is here.

 

[foles1972]

I spent around $20,000 on my tech gear. Wow...I could of saved $300 so that I could dive an unoptimal piece of gear.

Why didn't I think of that?


BTW..Its called the nickel rocket approach. If you do it for wings...it is probably affecting other areas as well.

You are.

Did you walk into a dive store with $20,000 in your pocket and buy everything at once? Some seriously think things through, considering what type of diving they want to EVENTUALLY end up getting into and then GRADUALLY acquire gear a couple pieces at a time.

So back to my question...even if it's not "optimal" what's WRONG with it??

 

[foles1972]

And if you have never met "that person" then you don't know what other factors in their lives are that dictate what their scuba budget is.

 

[JeffG]

And if you have never met "that person" then you don't know what other factors in their lives are that dictate what their scuba budget is.

So?


If you cannot afford two wings...why get into technical diving?

 

[JeffG]

So back to my question...even if it's not "optimal" what's WRONG with it??

Its a waste of money.

 

[RonFrank]

Most folks I know that dive doubles (quite a few actually) have more bladders, plates, and setups than any two other divers I know combined!

One will want a singles wing (I prefer about a 30~35lbs donut), and potentially several doubles wings based on what tanks one dives. If one only owns double AL80's a 40~45lbs wing is acceptable. If one dives steel, at bit larger wing is generally desirable.

IMO the bottom line is NO, don't dive a doubles wing with singles, or a singles wing with doubles. The wing is designed for a specific application, and while I know there are a couple of wing manufactures that say their wings are designed for both, the reality is that the wing is a small doubles wing, and generally overkill for a single tank even if it is possible to dive it.

Anyone seeking to get into tech diving IMO better realize that some cash outlay is going to be necessary. If you are asking this question, my first response really is why are you attempting to go tech if you just don't have the money to properly outfit such a venture. The equipment is only part of the expense as travel and/or training are going to be costly as well.