DIR Information Network >> Buoyancy FAQ 2

Can back mounted wings provide safe buoyancy on the surface of the water?

Our experience in testing almost every BC design made (and we obtained at least one of everything prior to finalizing our designs) is that all drop shoulder vest type BC's where generally quite stable until the cylinder dipped below 1500 psi (completion phase of dive). Below 1500 psi, the buoyancy of the cylinder came into play to complicate matters.

ALL BC's tested had a face down or side high surface position with a buoyant tank attached. Have you ever tried a rear wing specifically designed for single aluminum 80/63/50's? Most rear wing BC's are very wide, bulky, and seriously oversized. Most rear wing designs are remnants of old twin tank diving patterns or halfway redesigned "tek" rigs. These configurations are admittedly awkward at the surface and sluggish at depth. At Halcyon, we developed a series of four different single tank wings ranging in size from 18 to 45 pounds lift capacity in 9 pound increments.

All of our wings are as narrow as possible with the air cell forming small elongated tubes running tight in the void between the Secure Harness back plate and the cylinder. The rear air cell is designed to allow the flow of either gas addition or exhaust from all attitudes in the water. When configured with a 6 pound stainless steel harness back plate and a six pound tank mounted counterweight, this package provides a very reliable airway protective surface position for many body types.

Aside from the safety and comfort factor at the surface, the narrow rear wing far exceeds ALL other design in the diving position at what we are all actually trying to do: move through the water efficiently, horizontally, and in CONTROL. Minimizing the potential for destabilization and drag via the lift device you choose to strap to your body deserves serious thought and attention.

DIR Information Network >> Why not bungie wings? [Next]