wing for optima

swadiver

all the optima guys.......... going to getting an optima soon. looking at wing options. probably want about 50 lbs of lift. the dive rite nomad wing looks interesting any thoughts from those of you diving the optima? thanks

MarcLaukien

Why do you need so much lift?

I'm using the DiveRite Venture Wing (old version, with 30 pounds of lift).

Nemo1957

I have been diving mine with a rec wing for the last 2 years and the new Reces have an updated contorl system at the top of the wing for even better trim with Optima.

sfldiver

Hi Swadiver,

I personally use the Nomad Wing with the Transpac Harness and it has worked out very good for me. The elastic bands on the wing (Gusset Control System) do a nice job of keeping the wing streamline. Also, the Transpac Harness, which is permanantly connected to the wing, make the assembly process real simple, because I only have one piece to deal with, instead of two.

With regard to the lift it provides, as Marc indicated, that should not be a big consideration for you, as I have never had to inflate my wing too much, even with a couple of bailout bottles on at one time.

I am still working on adjusting my trim. I currently use 6 lbs. (3 lbs. in each top pocket) in the Optima's top pockets, but I feel that I need another two pounds, because I'm still not as horizontal as I would like to be during my dives, but I'm reluctant to add weight, because I like not having to add too much air to my wing during dives - work in progress.

The Nomad sidemount system is also very convenient, as it really keeps bailout bottles in a sweet spot.


Good luck,

Adrian

__________________
Currently piloting & shooting...
Dive Rite O2ptima FX
*Rigged w/ a Dsix Custom Aluminum Frame, Nomad Wing, Transpac Harness and VR3 Computer w/ VPM-B/E & a 4th Cell Sensor Link.
Canon PowerShot G9 Digital Camera
*Rigged in a Patima-PDCH 2008 G9 Aluminum Housing w/ an Inon UWL-100 Achromat Wide Conversion Lens, 2 Inon UCL-165M67 Close-Up Lenses and 2 Inon Z-240 Strobes.

edasque

I'll second Adrian's opinion on the Nomad and its harness. I however had no trim problem with 2x2lbs in the pockets, a 3mm Merino wet suit.

Also, the Nomad's side mount setup is great for the O2ptima. Since you're in Florida, go to FillExpress and have one fitted to you. They had to use XL straps on a L harness for me and it fits superbly, they're really good at this stuff.

The 50# of the Nomad are needed in case you were to flood your unit for example. Which won't happen but...

Lilou6

Hello swadiver,

The first two years on my optima i use a deep outdoors covalent double wing and now i use the rec wing who work better for the trim and the weight.

Best regards

Lilian

zmcave

Hi,
I have been using a SS plate with the 50lbs rec wing. It's been good for dives on the optima with one S40 bailout and also with as much as three S80 as bailout. Excelent trim on those situations and any situation in between.
I always dive dry, with steel 27s on my back and I also use soft weights on my top pockets (4kg total).
Good luck,

Zé.

ScubaDadMiami

Are you thoroughly confused from the diversity of opinions yet? The fact is, these are all right answers depending upon the situation and configuration. So, before making any suggestions, how about if you tell us a little more about what you have for your equipment and configuration so far? Just how negative/positive are you in the water with your configuration?

For example, I dive in a trilam drysuit all the time. Depending on the temperature, I will use thinner or heavier grades of thermals. I am using the 27 cubic foot steel tanks and an aluminum backplate. In salt water, I carry an additional 12 pounds of lead; in fresh, I carry six.

For a configuration like this, I use the Rec Wing, which was what Dive Rite suggested when the Optima first came to market. These days, they have the Nomad, which provides equal lift but is great for sidemounting and keeping your configuration streamlined. (I hear nothing but good things about the Nomad, and I would probably go with this if I were buying new equipment right now.)

No matter which way you go, you need to take into account how much lift you will need should you experience a complete loop flood while carrying full tanks all around.

__________________
Howard Packer
IANTD CCR Instructor
Miami Beach, Florida
CCRDiveTraining.com

swadiver

thanks for all the replys should have provided more info.. ocean diving i use either a 3mm in the warm months or a 5mm in the winter. cave diving i use a 2mm bare compressed neoprene. i plan to use alum 20's to begin with in open water. transitioning to cave diving with the drysuit i plan to use the steel 27's sounds like either the nomad or the rec wing will do the job. by the way i plan on using a transpac

ScubaDadMiami

Great! Another S.C.R.U.B. cave diver to add to the group.

__________________
Howard Packer
IANTD CCR Instructor
Miami Beach, Florida
CCRDiveTraining.com