Dive Rite BP/W Setup Questions

[NitroWill]

Hi Guys,

I am starting Intro to Cave soon so Im looking into getting back into BP/W setup.

I can get a good deal on Dive Rite and have decided on the ss backplate, hog harness, and possibly the Venture wing. I have a couple of questions however.

1. Is there any reason for an STA for this setup other then the fact of quick switching between singles and doubles? It seems that the STA would align with the wings cam bands so it would not provide any more adjustability it seems.

2. The Venture wing is a good bit too big, 45 Lbs is a lot of unnecessary lift, but there only other option is the 30lb Travel wing - but it's square shape makes me question its performance. I don't use more then 8lbs of ballast so 45 is indeed overkill - even with additional equipment. Would it be worth it to go for an oxycheq wing? I'd have to pay a bit more - so it would need to be significantly worth it.

Anything else you would like to throw in feel free!

Thanks guys!
Will

[MSilvia]

I'd switch because I've been soured on DiveRite wings ever since wasting my time and money on a RecWing, but I acknowledge that I'm biased against their wings, so it would be worth getting other opinions. Still, I can tell you from first hand experience that a hog rigged backplate with an OxyCheq wing dives like a dream. If I had to "shop" for a new wing, I'd gladly by OxyCheq without doing a new price and feature comparison. The only negative comment I've ever heard about them was, "I don't like the yellow stitching". Shortly after that, they released an all-black version. I'm all out of downsides.

I like an STA because I feel it adds some stability to the rig, and because it's a few more lbs off my belt which is a big deal when diving in 2 piece 7mm wetsuits or diving dry with a lofty undergarment. Your needs in Florida may differ.

[NitroWill]

I do too question their wings - however I have read a lot of good reviews from dedicated users. But the more and more I think about it - 45lbs is just too much lift and I think it will result in excessive size and not to mention drag.

I would consider their travel wing - but for the above reasons I question it as well even though it has good reviews.

I will take a look at Oxycheq and see what they have to offer.

A weighted STA would NOT be an advantage for me, as noted I usually dive with no more then 8lbs of ballast - so a weighted STA would put me negative a lot to a little depending on conditions. Ultimately I guess the only argument would be stability. However, if I go with an oxycheq wing - it might have additional benefits..

[MSilvia]

Originally Posted by NitroWill

A weighted STA would NOT be an advantage for me, as noted I usually dive with no more then 8lbs of ballast - so a weighted STA would put me negative a lot to a little depending on conditions. Ultimately I guess the only argument would be stability. However, if I go with an oxycheq wing - it might have additional benefits..

It sounds to me like you might be a good candidate for going without. I'd recommend starting out without one, and keep your eyes open for a lightweight one you can borrow... just to see if it makes a difference you like.

[NitroWill]

I agree - my main issue with this system is the wing. I really dont want a 45# wing - but I also dont know if id be happy with the performance of the 30# DiveRite square wing. I think I might go with the above - but go with a Oxycheq 18# or 30# wing. It would cost me ~$15 more for the 18# travel or ~$70 more for the 30# wing. Any comments?

[MSilvia]

Originally Posted by NitroWill

It would cost me ~$15 more for the 18# travel or ~$70 more for the 30# wing. Any comments?

I think the 45 is too much too. If it were me, I'd spend the extra $70 for the 30# wing in a heartbeat. I you end up buying a wing you aren't satisfied with, you aren't really saving anything.

You are buying from Scubatoys and taking advantage of the 10% discount, right?

[NitroWill]

Originally Posted by MSilvia

I think the 45 is too much too. If it were me, I'd spend the extra $70 in a heartbeat. You are buying from Scubatoys and taking advantage of the 10% discount, right?

Ill be getting the wing from scubatoys.

OxyCheq 18 lb Travel Wing, DIR and Technical, OxyCheq, OxyCheq 18 lb Travel Wing
vs
Oxy Cheq Mach V Signature Wing , DIR and Technical, OxyCheq, Oxy Cheq Mach V Signature Wing

I wish they had something in the middle. The 18# would technically be plenty - for most of my diving I only need 4-6# of ballast so it gives me a good bit of wiggle room - but not too much. The 30# on the otherhand, gives me more then enough wiggle room but at a considerably bigger size. I know it's still a sleek wing - but I prefer to have the most compact and streamlined rig as possible - just wish they had something in between!

[NitroWill]

I also just realized that the 30# wing requires a STA whereas the 18# doesnt - so the 30# would more realistically cost ~$100+ more.

[BSea]

Originally Posted by NitroWill

I also just realized that the 30# wing requires a STA whereas the 18# doesnt - so the 30# would more realistically cost ~$100+ more.

No Will, the new Mach V doesn't require an STA. But you'll probably end up with one anyway.

[NitroWill]

Originally Posted by BSea

No Will, the new Mach V doesn't require an STA. But you'll probably end up with one anyway.

Hrm, oxycheqs site says it would require one if not using an oxycheq plate - but seems like it might be just marketing. I think Im going to go with the 18# wing for singles - as I just dont need near 30#