BigWilly
Registered
Hi Tobin,
I was going to send you a PM on this but being a veteran lurker/searcher on SB I figured someone else might benefit from my configuration question. Specifically since I'm a big guy and I haven't found many "heavy" configurations for reference. Hope you don't mind!
I've decided to get a DSS wing for single tank configuration. After reading a lot and playing around with the buoyancy calculator on the forum (btw. great tool!!) I'm inclined to think that the LCD 30 is the best choice for me. But before I order it I would like to get your expert opinion.
I'm 6'0 270lbs, heavy set, so lots of neoprene and natural buoyancy.
I dive an Apeks harness (soft, non-backplate) in mostly cold fresh water with the occassional warm salt water trip.
For cold fresh water I use :
-a one-piece 7mm wetsuit with 6.5mm hood, 6mm boots, and 5mm gloves
-single 7.25in diameter steel hp120
-about 14lb lead
For warm salt water I use:
-a one-piece 3mm wetsuit, 6mm boots
-usually, single standard al80
-can't remember the amount of lead I used the last time I was there but according to my calculations I should need about 14lb of lead
Now, according to my calculations the LCD 30 (Torus 26 might be cutting it a little close, since I might add equipment to my rig, e.g camera or lights, to my rig in the future) should be enough for my cold water diving. I would prefer to use the same wing for my warm water diving but I realize that the LCD would probably be overkill for that.
I currently dive an Apeks WTX4 wing (horseshoe shape, ~40lb lift, supposedly doubles/singles capable), which came with the harness. What I have found with this wing is that it taco's a lot and it makes it difficult to dump the air; since it is supposed to be "doubles capable" the center panel is huge and makes the overall width of the wing ~27in (I know, it is huge) leaving a lot of material floping around and wrapping around the tank.
The question is would this overkill be enough to make it difficult or cumbersome to manage the LCD30 in warm water? I realize that the optimal situation would be to get a wing for each application, but right now that is not an option for me. I am more concerned about the cold water diving since it is what I do more regularly, with the occasional once or twice a year trip to warm water. Your recommendation and insight is greatly appreciated!
Cheers,
-Willy
I was going to send you a PM on this but being a veteran lurker/searcher on SB I figured someone else might benefit from my configuration question. Specifically since I'm a big guy and I haven't found many "heavy" configurations for reference. Hope you don't mind!
I've decided to get a DSS wing for single tank configuration. After reading a lot and playing around with the buoyancy calculator on the forum (btw. great tool!!) I'm inclined to think that the LCD 30 is the best choice for me. But before I order it I would like to get your expert opinion.
I'm 6'0 270lbs, heavy set, so lots of neoprene and natural buoyancy.
I dive an Apeks harness (soft, non-backplate) in mostly cold fresh water with the occassional warm salt water trip.
For cold fresh water I use :
-a one-piece 7mm wetsuit with 6.5mm hood, 6mm boots, and 5mm gloves
-single 7.25in diameter steel hp120
-about 14lb lead
For warm salt water I use:
-a one-piece 3mm wetsuit, 6mm boots
-usually, single standard al80
-can't remember the amount of lead I used the last time I was there but according to my calculations I should need about 14lb of lead
Now, according to my calculations the LCD 30 (Torus 26 might be cutting it a little close, since I might add equipment to my rig, e.g camera or lights, to my rig in the future) should be enough for my cold water diving. I would prefer to use the same wing for my warm water diving but I realize that the LCD would probably be overkill for that.
I currently dive an Apeks WTX4 wing (horseshoe shape, ~40lb lift, supposedly doubles/singles capable), which came with the harness. What I have found with this wing is that it taco's a lot and it makes it difficult to dump the air; since it is supposed to be "doubles capable" the center panel is huge and makes the overall width of the wing ~27in (I know, it is huge) leaving a lot of material floping around and wrapping around the tank.
The question is would this overkill be enough to make it difficult or cumbersome to manage the LCD30 in warm water? I realize that the optimal situation would be to get a wing for each application, but right now that is not an option for me. I am more concerned about the cold water diving since it is what I do more regularly, with the occasional once or twice a year trip to warm water. Your recommendation and insight is greatly appreciated!
Cheers,
-Willy