Discussion:
Twins
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Jeff
2004-03-02 22:05:26 UTC
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Is it easy to convert a bcd from single to twin tanks?
DavidM
2004-03-03 01:37:46 UTC
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Post by Jeff
Is it easy to convert a bcd from single to twin tanks?
If it's a "normal" BCD, not really. The biggest issues are the weight
of the twins and the high shear stresses the bolts place on the
mounting holes on a "normal"BCD, and the necessity to stabilise the
tanks so they don't rock from side to side. Your best bet would be to
use a backplate and wing setup, which will suit twins as well as
single tank diving - such as http://www.blackart.com.au is my site,
but also look at other brands such as Halcyon, DiveRite, OMS, Alpha.

Cheers
David M
Jeff
2004-03-03 13:27:41 UTC
Permalink
Post by DavidM
Post by Jeff
Is it easy to convert a bcd from single to twin tanks?
If it's a "normal" BCD, not really. The biggest issues are the weight
of the twins and the high shear stresses the bolts place on the
mounting holes on a "normal"BCD, and the necessity to stabilise the
tanks so they don't rock from side to side. Your best bet would be to
use a backplate and wing setup, which will suit twins as well as
single tank diving - such as http://www.blackart.com.au is my site,
but also look at other brands such as Halcyon, DiveRite, OMS, Alpha.
Nice site David.
Please forgive the stupid questions:
Do you need training for a wing?
What are they like at the surface? i.e. If all the air is at your back does
it tip you forward?
Is there somewhere that explains all the differences of bcds and wings?
If I have to buy all new kit for diving twins at least it doesn't seem all
that expensive.
Thanks, Jeff.
Post by DavidM
Cheers
David M
DavidM
2004-03-04 01:38:02 UTC
Permalink
"Jeff" <***@nospam.gingertom.com> wrote in message news:EXk1c.2906$***@newsfe1-win...

Hi Jeff
Post by Jeff
Nice site David.
Thanks....and there's no such thing as stupid questions...
Post by Jeff
Do you need training for a wing?
Not really. Think of it like a BCD with a different mane. The air
inflation and dump is an identical mechanism, and the theory of it's
all no different. It's just made of different materials and with a
different construction method that gives a different result. That
being said, to get it all adjusted and get used to it taks a few
dives, but once it's right then it's very easy to dive.
Post by Jeff
What are they like at the surface? i.e. If all the air is at your back does
it tip you forward?
Well some people have experienced this tipping. I haven't but then I
dive steel yanks instead of aluminium that are a bit less buoyant. The
most important thing is not to overinflate the wing whilst at the
surface, and if you feel a bit "tippy" then you kind of lean backwards
onto the wing... It's a bit hard to explain and something you've just
got to try for yourself.
Post by Jeff
Is there somewhere that explains all the differences of bcds and wings?
hmmmm...there's a lot of stuff that talks about backplate/wing combos,
but a search in google.com would help. Try looking for a site called
www.wkpp.org and there's a bit on "equipment configuration" or another
site called www.gue.com who are a tech diving training agency that use
backplates exclusively, or another site called DIS-UK (sorry, don't
have the link handy) that have some good equipment tips...
Post by Jeff
If I have to buy all new kit for diving twins at least it doesn't seem all
that expensive.
Depends the route you go, but no, it shouldn't be very expensive. The
best bit is that a backplate/wing kit can adapt to a single or twins
easily, and thus once you set it up then you should never need to buy
another BCD.

Cheers
David M
Jeff
2004-03-05 22:28:09 UTC
Permalink
<snip>
Post by DavidM
hmmmm...there's a lot of stuff that talks about backplate/wing combos,
but a search in google.com would help. Try looking for a site called
www.wkpp.org and there's a bit on "equipment configuration" or another
site called www.gue.com who are a tech diving training agency that use
backplates exclusively, or another site called DIS-UK (sorry, don't
have the link handy) that have some good equipment tips...
I took a look at wkpp and gue. Those guys are nuts :-) However, the DIR
mentality certainly makes some sense.

I'm planning on doing a Nitrox cert and may well switch to a wing for some
longer dives.

Thanks Dave,
Jeff.
Jeff
2004-03-05 22:29:30 UTC
Permalink
Post by Jeff
<snip>
Post by DavidM
hmmmm...there's a lot of stuff that talks about backplate/wing combos,
but a search in google.com would help. Try looking for a site called
www.wkpp.org and there's a bit on "equipment configuration" or another
site called www.gue.com who are a tech diving training agency that use
backplates exclusively, or another site called DIS-UK (sorry, don't
have the link handy) that have some good equipment tips...
I took a look at wkpp and gue. Those guys are nuts :-) However, the DIR
mentality certainly makes some sense.
I'm planning on doing a Nitrox cert and may well switch to a wing for some
longer dives.
Thanks Dave,
Apologies for the familiarity...David.
:-)
Post by Jeff
Jeff.
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