Which wing

[hypertech]

I'm currently diving an Oceanic Excursion with a Bare Trilam drysuit and a super thick undergarment. With a HP100 steel tank, I need 30-34 pounds of lead in fresh water. I'll be soon moving to the coast where I'll have a chance to dive more saltwater. I'm not sure what local diving is available there, but I'd assume I'll still be in the drysuit with pretty thick undergarments.

If I were to switch over to a BP/W, how would I determine which wing is best for me?

 

[cool_hardware52]

I'm currently diving an Oceanic Excursion with a Bare Trilam drysuit and a super thick undergarment. With a HP100 steel tank, I need 30-34 pounds of lead in fresh water. I'll be soon moving to the coast where I'll have a chance to dive more saltwater. I'm not sure what local diving is available there, but I'd assume I'll still be in the drysuit with pretty thick undergarments.

If I were to switch over to a BP/W, how would I determine which wing is best for me?

HyperTech,

I need more info.

When you used 34 lbs of lead what were you using for a BC and cylinder?

How tall are you and what is your approximate weight?

Tobin

 

[hypertech]

I was using the Oceanic Excursion BC and the HP100 steel tank. I'm about 6'1" and 235.

 

[cool_hardware52]

I was using the Oceanic Excursion BC and the HP100 steel tank. I'm about 6'1" and 235.

If you had a HP 100, a reg and 34 lbs of lead you were using about 38 lbs of total ballast.

Of that 38 lbs about 4 are required to sink your BC. That leaves about 34 to sink your exposure suit.

That's on the upper end, particularly for fresh water. I'd guess you are a bit overweighted. Maybe not, but I bet you could find 4-6 lbs to leave at home.

At 6'1" I'd suggest a large plate.

A Torus 35 wing is a reasonable choice. It has the lift you need and it offers a bit more lift at your hips. Even with a SS plate, Steel cylinder and possibly our weight plates you will need a significant weight belt. 10-12 lbs. is a place to start.

Recap:

Large SS plate
Hogarthian Harness
Torus 35
(cambands and wedge blocks are included)

Optional 8.1 lbs bolt on weight plates


Tobin

 

[hypertech]

I'm still relatively new to the drysuit with this undergarment so you are probably right about still being a little overweighted. When I was out diving yesterday, I had 36 pounds on and it was too much. When I switched to the thick undergarment, I could barely cram enough weight in my BC to get me down so I've added a weight belt. I'd like to get more lead off especially as I head to saltwater, and that's my main motivation for looking at the BP/W.

I'm not small, but I'm not a real big guy either - waist is 38. I took about 24 pounds in fresh with a 8-6-5 suit and 22 pounds in salt with a 3mm.

I was thinking about the pro fit harness.

What is the advantage of the Taurus wing over the LCD 30 or 40?

 

[cool_hardware52]

I'm still relatively new to the drysuit with this undergarment so you are probably right about still being a little overweighted. When I was out diving yesterday, I had 36 pounds on and it was too much. When I switched to the thick undergarment, I could barely cram enough weight in my BC to get me down so I've added a weight belt. I'd like to get more lead off especially as I head to saltwater, and that's my main motivation for looking at the BP/W.

I'm not small, but I'm not a real big guy either - waist is 38. I took about 24 pounds in fresh with a 8-6-5 suit and 22 pounds in salt with a 3mm.

I was thinking about the pro fit harness.

What is the advantage of the Taurus wing over the LCD 30 or 40?

My advice is stick to the Hog harness. Just a bit of set up and practice, but most end up with a hog harness in the long run.

Torus vs LCD? Basically they dive the same. I recommend the Torus 35 because it offers the lift you need and it's shaped to provide a bit more lift at your hips. That's useful if you have a significant weight belt.

Tobin

 

[divesergeant]

hypertech,

I, too, thought about the Pro-Fit since it basically looks easier to deal with.

Now that I've dived my BP/W with the Hog harness, I am very happy with my choice. It was ridiculously easy to set up and very comfortable diving in, even without any wetsuit.
DS