Suggestions for a good single tank wing?

[brianstclair]

Currently using a BC, but moving towards a BP/W. I'm looking for suggestions on a good singles wing with enough lift to handle an E8-130 and a 7mm semi-dry. I'm ok with having one wing dedicated to singles and another dedicated to doubles, so I'm not too concerned with trying to find something that can handle both - just a good singles wing at this point. Thanks!

Brian

 

[aquaoren]

There are plenty of wing manufacturer nowdays that offer nice and reliable gear.
First you should find out whether you want a donut or horseshoe shaped wing. This will eliminate some of the companies and will leave 3-4 companies to choose from. Then, you can inform yourself further and make a decision.
FWIW, I have a Halcyon Pioneer#45 and it's a nice wing for big steel tanks and heavy exposure protection. It's a donut shaped wing.

 

[brianstclair]

Thanks Oren. I'm assuming a donut shaped wing provides more lift towards the butt? Are there differences in venting? What are the other practical differences between a donut shaped wing and a horseshow shaped wing? I'm assuming these differences apply to larger (i.e. double tank) wings as well?

Thanks again.

Brian

 

[Green_Manelishi]

Sorry, I could not resist.

I have no experience with donut shaped wings, I've never had a problem with a "U" shaped wing.

Tobin at www.deepseasupply.com makes great wings; I recently purchased a LCD30 and it's working out well.

 

[Rick Inman]

The only wing I've ever had is the Oxycheq 45#, which has about 300 or so dives on it, and it has preformed flawlessly (wish I could say that about myself!).

 

[aquaoren]

Thanks Oren. I'm assuming a donut shaped wing provides more lift towards the butt? Are there differences in venting? What are the other practical differences between a donut shaped wing and a horseshow shaped wing? I'm assuming these differences apply to larger (i.e. double tank) wings as well?

Thanks again.

Brian

It would greatly depend on the distribution of air in the bladder but yes, donut shaped wings would have more lift toward the butt. A lot would depend though on the shape of the bladder itself too.
My experience is limited because I have never used a horseshoe wing for singles or a donut wing for doubles, so take what I'm saying with a grain of salt as I'm not "professional wing specialist"
As you saw, some will say that they never had trouble venting their horseshoe but then, how many of them ever try a donut wing?
I, personally, find my donut wing very easy to vent and I'll try one of the new donut shaped wings for doubles in the near future and mostlikly switch from the horseshoe if I like how it dives.
As you can notice, I prefer the donut shaped wings for ease of use. YMMV

 

[vjongene]

Currently using a BC, but moving towards a BP/W. I'm looking for suggestions on a good singles wing with enough lift to handle an E8-130 and a 7mm semi-dry. I'm ok with having one wing dedicated to singles and another dedicated to doubles, so I'm not too concerned with trying to find something that can handle both - just a good singles wing at this point. Thanks!

FWIW, I am diving a DiveRite Trek wing with a similar setup. Horseshoe shaped, and I had some trouble venting it at first. Now I have gotten used to it. I was using the equivalent of a Travel wing before, and that definitely did not have enough lift when wearing a semi-dry. OK for a dry suit, though.

 

[chuckrt]

I agree with Rick and have an Oxychek 45. I use ssbp with steel 110 and drysuit. Plenty of lift for that combo. I also do not use my drysuit for bouyancy.