Transpac vs hard wing

[cgvmer]

I am relatively new to diving, and have spent the last 11/2 years trying different pieces of equipment. I last rented a DR transpac and loved it. How much different is that from a "hard" BP/W setup?

[Vercingetorix]

TransPac is sorta close to BP/W. It does not have the steel/aluminum/plastic plate. I normally dive with a steel BP (5 pounds) so I need no lead in 3mm suit. I have an aluminum plate for even warmer waters.
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<DIV>The BP/W has no buoyancy when empty. The TransPac has buoyancy from all that material and padding.</DIV>
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<DIV>Last weekend, I put on my BP/W after it baked in the Texas 95+ degree sun for an hour. I was wearing no wetsuit. Yessir...whole new adventure in pain.</DIV>
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<DIV>Finally, some folks say the BP/W is not as comfortable on land as TransPac. Well, I'm more concerned about how the gear feels inthe water. Once you're in the water, the BP/W keeps you in the "right" position and is comfortable. On land, the two-inch harness strap is not uncomfortable, and I've had to walk some distance for donning point to entry.</DIV>
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<DIV>I'm told that the TransPac *can* be used for doubles; it is not recommended. The BP/W is built for doubles and can use singles.</DIV>

[cgvmer]

Thanks, I found the freedom of the transpac as compared to the jacket BC to be refreshing. I haven't had to carry my tanks very far but that doesn't really concern me.

I also found the transpac helped my position myself much better than jackets

[Vercingetorix]

Originally Posted by cgvmer

Thanks, I found the freedom of the transpac as compared to the jacket BC to be refreshing.

Amen!!!
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<DIV>This past weekend, I observed OW students during their lake dives (I'm Rescue-certified). As I was putting on my BP/W, the instructorsaid I could not use that; I had to use gear similar to students. Mind you, I was not a student, nor was I permitted to even communicate or touch students underwater; zero interaction.</DIV>
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<DIV>Regardless, I donned a stab jacket (not rear-inflate). Man, when I inflated that sucker, I thought a boa constrictor had me. I couldn't wait to dscend so I could deflate it.</DIV>
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<DIV>Bottom line: if TransPac is comfy-cozy <strike>and you don't plan on doubles in the future</strike>, go fo it. If the harness needs repairing,you'll have to send it back; for the BP/W, the harness can be replaced by me for about $10 of webbing I purchase at any dive shop.</DIV>
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<DIV>EDIT: This video discusses that TransPac can be used with doubles.</DIV>

[przeor]

If you get a smoking deal on the TP go for it... otherwise I'd get the plate- or at least try a plate. My wife had a transpac and was reluctant to try a bp and now she loves it. It seems the TP is a natural progression between the jacket and the plate set up. If you like the softness of the TP you can always by a lumbar pad for your plate.

[cgvmer]

Thanks for the responses. I'm now looking for a place to rent a BP/w setup so I can try it.

[przeor]

Best of luck and let us know how it works out for you, it's always interesting to hear everyones opinion on gear.

[Judestudio]

Another option is the OMS IQ Pak, which is very similar to the Transpac, but there's a slot you can put a backplate in. I've seen tech divers (not DIR though I guess) used them for doubles and stage no problem.

Oh, and I feel for you Vercingetorix. When I used a jacket BC during my OW, for one thing it didn't fit properly (it was old and tachy), I was also carrying too much weights, which I had to over inflate the BC...I thought I was going to get suffocated in it. Never never going back to one if I can help it

[letsgodiving]

Originally Posted by Judestudio

Another option is the OMS IQ Pak, which is very similar to the Transpac, but there's a slot you can put a backplate in. I've seen tech divers (not DIR though I guess) used them for doubles and stage no problem.

Plus the IQ is over $100 cheaper.

[Buoyant1]

I did a Dive Rite demo during the Spring, and I tried the Transpac and the TransPlate concurrently.

The Transpac to me was "diving naked" I never felt so "free" in the water. My cylinder felt like it never felt, and I had no binding like a conventional BC.

I then tried the TransPLATE, and it was the same except the tank felt more rigid on my back, and I felt more in control!

When I replace my current BC (Aeris Atmos XT) I'll buy a Transplate!

Yes...find a way to test them before buying! I can't say I would have originally purchased the bp/w intitially, because my diving changed from the time I first bought until I tried the wing, but it's a great system!