Ralf Tec WR1

[Ross]

I've just joined the community, so looking around - but also curious: have just acquired a Ralf Tec wing [WR1] - looks well made, like it will perform well, lots and lots of lift, and not too heavy to travel - anybody prepared to voice opinions on how it handles in practice, please, any foibles, cautions, praise? I know it's background, which seems excellent, but thus far not talked to anybody who has used one ........ - and my opportunity crops up end of next month in the seas off Malta, also to try out set of Jetstreams .... - look f'd to hearing more - Ross

[Judestudio]

Originally Posted by Ross

I've just joined the community, so looking around - but also curious: have just acquired a Ralf Tec wing [WR1] - looks well made, like it will perform well, lots and lots of lift, and not too heavy to travel - anybody prepared to voice opinions on how it handles in practice, please, any foibles, cautions, praise? I know it's background, which seems excellent, but thus far not talked to anybody who has used one ........ - and my opportunity crops up end of next month in the seas off Malta, also to try out set of Jetstreams .... - look f'd to hearing more - Ross</font>

Is this the one? I haven't used or seen one before, but my road to finding my own BC might give you some insights.

I have a stainless steel backplate and a 26lbs wing for my single rig. Before I settled for that, I wanted to get a Poseidon BeSea with 40-50lbs lift. It appealed to me becoz it looked cool, heaps of lift (so I won't drown, I thought [img]smileys/smiley22.gif[/img]) and it has a lot of paddings, ideally they should be comfy. Only after I read some posts on "the other board" that I realize ppl that're using the BeSea has to carry a lot more lead weights to compensate for the extra paddings (not good...) and that the paddings don't really add a lot of comfort once you're underwater. One of the advises I got that changed my mind was the durability. For a BP/W setup, I'm guaranteed to have lasting gear.

The WR1 looks like it's also got quite a lot of padding and surely the 56lbs is WAY overkill for a single tank rig. Too much buoyancy is not always a good thing. Personally I don't agree with wings that claim they can do both single and double setups. 30lbs wings are invented for a reason, not only they're more streamline underwater, they're also way easier to vent in oppose to the giant 56lbs, think about that, inability to vent leads to all sorts of buoyancy problems.

IMO, if you're in market for a wing type design, why don't you look into BP/W setups? They're very versatile and you can have multiple wings for different setups. If you don't want to go down that road, get a back-inflate BC. [img]smileys/smiley2.gif[/img]

[somewhereinla]

Looks nice.

[Judestudio]

Originally Posted by somewhereinla

Looks nice.

How nice? I'd like to hear from a different point of view.

[Ross]

Hi - good to hear from someone! I had to dig out the WR1 to look at it again - and as well as trip end of August .... yes, that one: padding is restricted to back pad, compressible, and that's it ... I actually ended up with a Zeagle tech and the WR1, discussed both with a [very] experienced and qualified friend, opted for the WR1, sold the Zeagle. Wing inflates with about 10 of my breaths, seems to deflate easily and smoothly - have to see what it's like in the water -VERY solidly made but nothing excess. I did wonder about the size of the wing and whether to seek advice about bungee around it ... no further thoughts yet. I've no experience with wings in use, but looks interesting - I'll tell you how I get on - intrigued about BP/W - first thought is that the WR1 is actually very little more but like to see and experience more.
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>Also looked at Poseidon and Zeagle ... will see ... Malta in a few weeks, good dive centre, 3rd visit - great dives.</DIV>

[WaterRat]

If you're looking for a true technical set up then the BP/W would probably be a better choice. If you're just using it recreational, then it fits the bill ok. Here are a few things that I don't like about the setup. This is just my opinion as I have never dove this rig.
<DIV></DIV>Too much lift for a single tank rig. At most you would probably only need a 30# wing. All that extra lift is just additional drag in the water.
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>Pull dump on the inflator hose. If this sticks open you will have no way to keep air in your wing. I would replace that with a non pull dump.</DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>Too many D rings, even guys dragging multiple stages and scooters get by with5 in the right locations.</DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>Ron</DIV>

[Ross]

Fair comments Ron, and thanks - I'll let you know, is all I can say, comments as before ... but interested to hear more of BP/W concept ... and the drag .... discussed it further, not thought to be a problem - wait and see!!"!! - Ross

[WaterRat]

No problem, it's all just food for thought. More than anything it just comes down to how you'll be using the rig. If it fits your needs then it's perfect for you. If you ever find yourself moving to technical diving, you will "probably" (not all do)end up in a BP/W.
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>Ron</DIV>

[Ross]

Well, thanks for the comments - but the proof very much in the act ... just returned from a week+ in Malta, and I have to say that the wing performed magnificently [when I wasn't doing rebreather course that is!]. Only mild criticism lay in the wing not emptying entirely without some effort - prob needs some bungee round it and I'm seeking help on how to - but no drag, no excessive weight required [my last dive was on 2kgs only - yes, 2kgs - and I can maybe reduce on that: yes, the wing has more lift, but no need to use it all: yes, there is a back pad, but bouyancy neutral when wet: and yes, it fits like a glove! I am very pleased!! There are other benefits too, but that's enough for now - any more comments? Ross

[Ross]

Interesting that initially seemed interest in my WR-1 wing, now fallen off - in spite of great review [from me!]. I recently visited Custom Divers, who made the WR-1 for Ralf Tech - they have a goodie range of high quality wings, lightest [and yes, I was tempted!] weighs in at 3.5kgs, looks great for travel - but I am very attached now to the WR-1 - OK, a little heavy but the weight goes into things like double tank straps with stainless steel clamps and an assortment of SS fittings that are handy to have, and sure I will expand into them + the wing is a one size adaptable to all just by pulling the 2 D rings. More importantly, it's a great performance, the only padding [at the back] becomes buoyancy neutral once wet, and my last dive was with 1x 4lb. lump of lead only [5mm top, 15L tank, warm water]. Well, I'm impressed, and looking forward to the next trip!
One reservation - there seemed a little air that I had to work to move, apparently not unusual with wings - no problem with right shoulder up I'm told - when can I try, is my only gripe!

Ross