when do you remove a wing from a backplate?

[gcsherwood]

I'm a new bp/w user with a Mach V wing. I've read numerous comments concerning the DSS bp/w where the recommendation is to always remove the wing whenever the unit is transported in any way to help avoid damage from pinch flats and the like. This does sound plausible, and the DSS stuff is designed to make that trivially easy to do. On my setup, I obviously would unthread the cam bands and remove them, and also the sex bolts (if installed). It wouldn't be that big of a deal to do, though I might be somewhat concerned about the slots on the Mach V taking some damage from constantly threading and unthreading the bands. And is this just a solution in search of a problem anyway? The wing does seem pretty robust.

I can see wanting to do a complete disassembly if I were to fly somewhere, but is there a practical advantage to doing this before driving to/from dive sites? How do you handle it?

thanks,

geoff

 

[BabyDuck]

i didn't take mine apart when i was diving singles.

it would be easier to do if you used an sta - just undo the wingnuts.

but yeah, i'd only take it apart for actual travel, not just going to & from in my car.

 

[HenrikBP]

I've been removing/reinstalling my Mach V wing for transportation for the last 3 years ~120 dives. No problems with the slots in the wing.

Henrik

 

[David_57]

I rarely remove my wing from the backplate

 

[redacted]

The only time I remove a wing from a plate is to install it on another plate, and that is rare. I have a DR Travel wing installed on a homemade metal plate that is about 8 years old now and never been removed. (My attachment design makes removal impracticable.) I also have a 3 Y/O Oxycheq UL setup and it stays assembled for all travel. No problems yet. I have another homemade wishbone shaped plate that will accommodate the Oxycheq wing but it is rarely used.

 

[cool_hardware52]

I'm a new bp/w user with a Mach V wing. I've read numerous comments concerning the DSS bp/w where the recommendation is to always remove the wing whenever the unit is transported in any way to help avoid damage from pinch flats and the like. This does sound plausible, and the DSS stuff is designed to make that trivially easy to do. On my setup, I obviously would unthread the cam bands and remove them, and also the sex bolts (if installed). It wouldn't be that big of a deal to do, though I might be somewhat concerned about the slots on the Mach V taking some damage from constantly threading and unthreading the bands. And is this just a solution in search of a problem anyway? The wing does seem pretty robust.

I can see wanting to do a complete disassembly if I were to fly somewhere, but is there a practical advantage to doing this before driving to/from dive sites? How do you handle it?

thanks,

geoff

Keep in mind that BP&W's were originally developed for doubles, and when you swap tanks or remove the tanks with doubles the plate and wing come off as separate pieces.

Removing the wing from the plate is all about risk reduction.

Leaving your wing attached to the backplate does not by itself cause any greater wear, but dropping the plate onto the wing during transport or storage or cleanup increases the risk of damaging the wing.

Imagine holding just your back plate and harness vertically by one top corner ~6-8 inches above your bare toe.

Now drop it! Your wing won't like it any better than your toe did.

Tobin

 

[LouieLouie]

I only remove the BP when changing doubles.

 

[RICHinNC]

I travel with a DR SS plate and Rec wing. All I do is take a towel or two and wedge between the wing and the plate....as just in case. Never had any problems.

 

[ajduplessis]

Get a STA, it's more stable and easier to remove. Use the bands when you fly, they are a lot lighter. I always remove my wing (single or double) after each diving for cleaning and inspection.

 

[Bogie]

I dive single tank and have never taken the wing off.