Dive Rite dilemma

[razn1]

I need opinions on the pros and cons of the TransPac vs. TransPlate. I'm fairly new to diving and have only used a back bc, currently an Dacor RigII which I guess would maybe comparable to the transpac. I mostly dive in a cold lake in Wisconsin. 7mm farmer john etc. I use 28lbs of weight. I'm 6ft 240lbs. if thet makes any diff. to your opinion. I am only diving singles right now, but will probably be using doubles also in the future. The transpac looks a little more comfy but from what i've read its not really recommended to use a metal plate with it.

Thanks for any insight.

 

[rongoodman]

I wouldn't worry all that much about "comfy". Last week in Bonaire I did a couple of dives in a standard metal BP/W and Hog harness over just a T-shirt without issue. A SS plate would get some of that weight onto your back where it would probably help you trim out better.

 

[IceBergSlim]

If you don't know why you would want either why not get neither?

Look into a simple plate with a few feet of webbing and some simple hardware. Get a wing to go with it and leave all the padding and plastic behind.

Just a thought.

 

[GeorgeC]

The TransPack and TransPlate both have advantages. Do you plan on traveling? If so, the Pack is lighter for the flight.

I have used my TransPack with steel doubles. It works but it feels a little loose out of the water. You also need backing plates for the doubles to provide greater support at the soft TransPack bolt holes.

If the traveling weight is not an issue I would go with the plate. Especially with all of the weight you are using in Wisconsin. You will be able to drop some of the lead with the stainless back plate. You also mentioned going to doubles making the argument for the TransPlate even stronger.

I don’t know how a plate would attach to a TransPack as the “Plate” in the TransPack is a soft padded material against cordura/webbing.

 

[scubafanatic]

I don’t know how a plate would attach to a TransPack as the “Plate” in the TransPack is a soft padded material against cordura/webbing.

......trust me, having built a BC (TransPack ... WITH.....an AL plate) for my dive buddy last year...you definitely CAN ...easily....dive a Transpack/plate combo.

 

[rstofer]

Add up the cost of all the pieces and then compare it with a BP/W from Deep Sea Supply. I think you will find the comparison interesting.

You REALLY don't want or need that fluffy, floaty stuff. You don't need more than 3 or 4 D rings (the right belt D ring is optional) and, as you dive in cold water, you could really use a stainless steel backplate.

Look around a little before you settle on one or the other. There's a large number of choices.

Richard

 

[OBXDIVEGUY]

I routinely dive a Transpac, both singles and doubles (130s) I'm about the same size as you, maybe a bit taller though. I've dove with the BP/W and Transplate several times too. The Pac is designed for comfort above and below the water. It is based on the design of large hiking packs that balance the load far better than a BC does. Because of that, when I'm hiking (literally) through the woods with double 130s on my back heading for some tucked away caves, I appreciate the load transfer tremendously. A plate, either the Transplate or BP/W will be the same performance underwater as the Pac. The key though, is a proper fit. There are many fine tuning adjustments that can be made on the Pac to make it a complete, custom fit.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

 

[syntaxerrorsix]

Add up the cost of all the pieces and then compare it with a BP/W from Deep Sea Supply. I think you will find the comparison interesting.

You REALLY don't want or need that fluffy, floaty stuff. You don't need more than 3 or 4 D rings (the right belt D ring is optional) and, as you dive in cold water, you could really use a stainless steel backplate.

Look around a little before you settle on one or the other. There's a large number of choices.

Richard

The right D ring may be optional now for him but it IS placed there for a reason.

 

[razn1]

Thanks for the opinions. I think i'll be going with a plate and harness of some sort.