Choosing the right wing configuration for DIR diving can feel overwhelming, but it’s crucial for enhancing your buoyancy control, streamlining your gear, and setting yourself up for future diving adventures. Whether you’re a recreational diver eyeing a single tank setup or a tech diver prepping for double tanks, understanding the various wing styles can make a huge difference in your underwater experience.
In this guide, we’ll explore the world of backplate and wing (BP/W) configurations, diving into the different styles available for both single and double tanks. We’ll break down key features such as lift capacity, materials, and the advantages of horseshoe versus donut wings. We’ll also showcase some top brands like Halcyon, Scubapro, Apeks, and Dive Rite, so you can make an informed decision about which wing best fits your diving needs.
So, if you’re ready to optimize your setup and elevate your DIR diving game, let’s dive in!
Why DIR Diving Uses Backplate and Wing Style
DIR (Doing It Right) diving is built on the principles of safety, streamlined efficiency, and versatility, and the backplate and wing (BP/W) configuration embodies these core values. Unlike traditional jacket-style BCDs, the BP/W setup is designed to optimize a diver’s trim and buoyancy control, making dives smoother and more enjoyable.
Streamlined Design for Minimal Drag One of the main advantages of the BP/W system is its sleek and streamlined profile. By positioning the wing between the diver and the tank, drag is significantly reduced, allowing for better movement and energy efficiency underwater. This setup promotes a horizontal trim, which is crucial for minimizing resistance and conserving energy, especially during longer dives or in challenging conditions.
Modular and Customizable Setup Another reason DIR divers prefer the BP/W configuration is its modular design. The backplate, made of either stainless steel or aluminum, provides a sturdy foundation that can be easily customized to fit any diver’s needs. Divers can choose different wing styles and sizes, add or remove weight pockets, and adjust the harness for a perfect fit. This level of customization not only enhances comfort but also ensures that divers can adapt their gear as they advance, whether they’re staying recreational or transitioning into technical diving.
Durability That Withstands the Elements DIR divers often face harsh underwater environments, from cold water wrecks to deep technical dives. The backplate and wing system is built to last, constructed from robust materials like heavy-duty nylon and reinforced bladders that resist punctures and wear. This durability is a key advantage, as divers can rely on their gear for years, even in the most demanding conditions.
Versatility for Future Diving Adventures One of the most compelling reasons to invest in a BP/W setup is its long-term versatility. While traditional BCDs may limit your growth as a diver, the backplate and wing system can easily adapt to more advanced diving needs. Want to move from recreational dives to technical dives with double tanks? Your BP/W setup can be configured to accommodate that transition, making it a wise investment for divers with long-term aspirations.
The backplate and wing style isn’t just gear—it’s a system designed for divers who want to optimize their performance and have the flexibility to explore new underwater adventures. From improved buoyancy to a streamlined profile, it’s no wonder DIR divers swear by this configuration.
if you’re ready to optimize your setup and elevate your DIR diving game, let’s dive in!
Overview of Wing Styles for Single Tank Configurations
When it comes to DIR diving, single tank wings are a popular choice among recreational divers who value a streamlined setup that provides precise buoyancy control and an efficient underwater experience. But with so many options available, understanding the differences between wing styles and features is essential for choosing the right configuration.
Design Types: Horseshoe vs. Donut Wings Single tank wings come in two primary designs: horseshoe and donut. Each has its own set of characteristics that affect how air flows through the wing.
- Horseshoe Wings: These wings have a classic U-shape, and while they were once popular, they are less common in DIR setups today. The main drawback of horseshoe wings is that air can get trapped in the corners, making it harder to achieve precise buoyancy adjustments.
- Donut Wings: In contrast, donut wings feature a circular air cell that allows air to flow seamlessly around the bladder. This design eliminates trapped air and promotes even distribution, making buoyancy control smoother and more predictable. Donut wings are highly preferred in DIR diving because of their efficiency and reliability.
Lift Capacity: Finding the Right Balance Lift capacity is a crucial consideration when selecting a single tank wing. Most single tank wings offer lift capacities ranging from 20 to 40 pounds, which is sufficient for the needs of recreational divers. Choosing the appropriate lift capacity depends on factors like your exposure suit, weight system, and the conditions you’ll be diving in. A wing with too much lift can create drag and affect your trim, while one with too little lift may struggle to keep you buoyant on the surface.
Materials: Built for Durability Single tank wings are designed to withstand the rigors of frequent diving, often featuring a tough outer shell made of high-denier nylon, like 1680D ballistic nylon, for maximum abrasion resistance. The inner bladder is typically made from polyurethane or similar materials that offer a balance of flexibility and puncture resistance. This robust construction ensures that your wing can handle everything from shallow reef dives to rugged cold-water environments.
Advantages of Single Tank Wings
- Streamlined Profile: The compact design minimizes drag and keeps your gear efficient.
- Easy to Use and Adjust: Ideal for new divers who want a straightforward setup that promotes proper trim.
- Future-Ready: While perfect for recreational diving, single tank wings prepare you to transition into more advanced or technical diving, making them a great investment for divers with long-term goals.
Disadvantages to Consider
- Surface Comfort: One potential downside of single tank wings is that they are not always the most comfortable to use on the surface compared to traditional jacket-style BCDs. The backplate can feel less supportive while floating on the water, especially for long periods.
- Initial Setup Complexity: Adjusting and setting up a backplate and wing system may seem complicated for beginners, but once configured, it provides unmatched stability and performance.
Popular Brands and Models
- Halcyon: Known for their high-quality designs, Halcyon offers models like the Eclipse Wing, which features a streamlined donut shape and durable construction.
- Scubapro: The Hydros Pro series offers a wing-like design focused on modularity and compact travel convenience.
- Apeks: Apeks’ WTX-D Series provides a durable and reliable option for single tank diving, designed to handle both recreational and technical conditions.
- Dive Rite: The Hydro Lite wing stands out for its lightweight design, making it perfect for divers who frequently travel.
Single tank wings are all about striking the right balance between performance, durability, and comfort. By understanding the features and design elements of these wings, you’ll be better equipped to choose the one that aligns with your diving style and goals.
Wing Styles for Double Tank Configurations
For divers looking to venture into the world of technical diving, double tank configurations are a game changer. The right wing design can make a significant difference in your underwater experience, providing the necessary lift and stability for managing twin tanks and additional equipment. Let’s dive into the various styles and features of double tank wings to help you make an informed choice.
Donut-Style Wings for Doubles: The Gold Standard In DIR diving,donut-style wings are the preferred choice for double tank setups. Unlike horseshoe wings, which can create issues with trapped air, donut wings feature a continuous circular air cell that ensures air flows evenly around the wing. This design provides exceptional buoyancy control, making it easier to maintain a horizontal trim and adjust your position effortlessly in the water.
- Why They’re Preferred: Donut wings promote even air distribution, which is crucial when diving with the added weight and complexity of twin cylinders. This setup enhances balance and minimizes drag, making it an essential tool for deep, technical, and decompression dives.
Lift Capacity: Supporting Your Equipment Double tank wings generally have a higher lift capacity than single tank wings, typically ranging from 40 to 80 pounds. The increased lift is necessary to offset the added weight of double tanks, multiple regulators, stage bottles, and other technical diving gear. Selecting the right lift capacity depends on the type of diving you plan to do. For example, cave divers might need more lift to accommodate additional safety gear, while deep wreck divers might choose a mid-range capacity for optimal performance.
Material Construction: Built for Harsh Conditions Durability is paramount for double tank wings. These wings are often made with high-denier materials like 1680D ballistic nylon for the outer shell, which provides excellent abrasion and puncture resistance. The inner bladder is typically made from heavy-duty polyurethane, designed to withstand extreme conditions and repeated use. This construction ensures that your wing can endure the rigors of technical diving, whether you’re exploring deep wrecks, caves, or other demanding environments.
Innovative Features for Modern Divers One of the latest advancements in double tank wing designs is improved hose routing. Modern wings are engineered to streamline hoses more efficiently, depending on the regulators you’re using, which helps minimize clutter and improve overall safety and ease of access. This feature is particularly valuable for DIR divers who prioritize a clean, organized setup.
Advantages of Double Tank Wings
- Stability and Buoyancy Control: Double donut wings provide superior balance, making it easier to manage the extra weight of twin tanks.
- Optimized for Technical Diving: Essential for divers planning to explore deeper and more complex dive sites, as the lift and air distribution ensure greater control.
- Durability and Reliability: Designed with robust materials that stand up to harsh underwater environments.
Disadvantages to Keep in Mind
- Bulk and Weight: Double tank wings are bulkier and heavier compared to single tank wings, making them less convenient for travel or recreational dives.
- Complexity: Setting up and adjusting a double tank system requires more knowledge and skill, which may be intimidating for less experienced divers.
Popular Brands and Models
- Halcyon: The Evolve Wing is a top pick, featuring a streamlined donut shape and rugged construction that tech divers trust.
- Scubapro: Known for innovation, Scubapro offers wings with enhanced hose routing and durable materials, perfect for demanding dives.
- Apeks: The WTX-D Twin Cylinder Wing is designed for flexibility and durability, catering to tech divers who need a wing that can handle rough conditions.
- Dive Rite: Dive Rite’s wings are known for their versatility and come in various lift capacities to suit different technical diving needs.
Double tank wings are a must for technical divers who prioritize safety, stability, and control. By understanding the unique features and benefits of these wings, you’ll be better prepared to select the one that supports your diving adventures, from deep wreck explorations to challenging cave systems.
Choosing the Right Wing for Your Diving Style
Selecting the perfect wing for your DIR diving setup isn’t just about choosing between single or double tank configurations; it’s about matching your wing to your current and future diving goals. With so many options on the market, it’s important to consider your diving style, the environments you explore, and the level of flexibility you want as you progress.
Assess Your Current Diving Needs First, think about the type of dives you do most often. If you’re primarily a recreational diver exploring shallow reefs or freshwater lakes, a single tank wing with 20 to 40 pounds of lift should be more than sufficient. These wings offer a streamlined profile and are easy to maneuver, making them ideal for recreational dives. On the other hand, if you’re preparing to venture into technical diving—such as deep wreck dives, cave systems, or mixed gas diving—a double tank wing with 40 to 80 pounds of lift will be essential for supporting the added weight and complexity of your gear.
Plan for Future Growth One of the greatest benefits of the backplate and wing system is its adaptability. Even if you’re a recreational diver now, investing in a wing that can support your eventual transition to technical diving might save you money and effort in the long run. Many wings, like those from Halcyon, Dive Rite, and Apeks, are designed to be modular and can easily be upgraded or reconfigured as your diving skills and ambitions grow.
Consider Your Dive Environment The environments you dive in should play a big role in your wing selection. For example, if you frequently dive in saltwater or cold water, you may need a wing with a higher lift capacity to accommodate thicker exposure suits or additional weights. Diving in rugged environments like wrecks or caves may also require a wing made from more durable materials to withstand potential abrasions and damage.
- Cold Water Diving: Opt for a wing with extra lift and a durable outer shell to handle the weight of heavy exposure gear.
- Travel Diving: If you often travel to warm water destinations, a lightweight wing with a compact design, like the Dive Rite Hydro Lite, is a smart choice for easy packing and transport.
Balancing Comfort and Performance While the BP/W configuration is known for its exceptional in-water performance, it can feel less comfortable on the surface compared to traditional BCDs. If you spend a lot of time on the surface waiting for pickup or dealing with surface currents, this is something to consider. However, many divers find that the performance benefits far outweigh this minor inconvenience, especially when it comes to improved trim and buoyancy control underwater.
Future-Proofing Your Investment Investing in a quality wing can be a big decision, so think about where you see your diving journey going. Do you envision yourself exploring deeper, more challenging dive sites? Are you interested in the technical aspects of diving, such as using stage tanks or diving with mixed gases? If so, choosing a versatile wing now can make it easier to transition as you gain more experience.
Popular Recommendations for Different Styles
- Recreational Divers: A single tank wing like the Halcyon Eclipse or Apeks WTX-D series is perfect for everyday diving, offering durability and a streamlined profile.
- Technical Divers: For double tank setups, the Halcyon Evolve or Scubapro’s advanced wings are excellent choices, providing superior air distribution and lift capacity for technical dives.
By carefully assessing your diving style, planning for future needs, and considering the environments you dive in, you’ll be able to choose a wing that enhances your underwater adventures and supports you as you grow as a diver.
Choosing the right wing for your DIR diving setup is a decision that can greatly influence your underwater experience, from buoyancy control to overall safety. Whether you’re a recreational diver sticking to single tank configurations or a technical diver exploring the depths with double tanks, understanding the different wing styles and features is crucial.
By investing in a backplate and wing system tailored to your diving needs, you’re not only optimizing your performance but also setting yourself up for future adventures. The backplate and wing configuration, with its streamlined design and superior buoyancy control, embodies the principles of DIR diving: safety, efficiency, and versatility.
Remember, wings aren’t just pieces of gear; they are essential components that adapt to your environment and grow with your diving ambitions. As you choose your setup, consider your current skill level, the environments you dive in, and where you see your diving journey taking you. Popular brands like Halcyon, Scubapro, Apeks, and Dive Rite offer a wide range of options, making it easier to find a wing that meets your needs.
So, whether you’re gliding effortlessly through a warm reef or navigating the complexities of a deep cave system, the right wing setup will elevate your experience and keep you diving “Doing It Right.” Ready to take your DIR diving to the next level? Dive in and explore the world of backplate and wing configurations today!