My Optima's Here!!!!!

***jradomski*** · 22nd December 2005, 19:56

Quote: (Originally Posted by ScubaDadMiami)

John P. Jones is either already an instructor or just about to get signed off on it. He stopped counting at dive number 300.

I'm not trying to put down anyone.. fact is even the earliest optima protos only put it around a year of use.. if he put in 300+ dives in that period of time (and they're really dives that are typical of the average Rebreather dive (1 to 2 hrs per dive ) then I applaud it).. But thats still far short than many other have put on the electronics.. 300 dives is a good start.. My recommendation was strictly based on who I thought had the most experience with the HH electronics and who have been diving CCRs for several years.

When I conduct training I know I have to check the number of dives AND the number of hours logged..

Jeff and Andrew probably have 3 years on the electronics.. A few of us have more than that... The electronics are the most complex thing on the Rebreather, The Optima is a very simple design and anyone who has time on an OTS design could manage the loop, its the electronics that take training to use correctly.. Getting the most out of the electronics takes time to understand all the little ins and outs..

Muzz · 22nd December 2005, 20:16

Quote: (Originally Posted by ScubaDadMiami)

John P. Jones is either already an instructor or just about to get signed off on it. He stopped counting at dive number 300.

Glad your unit came so quickly. Good luck with your training.
John Jones is now an IANTD - IT(instructor trainer).

Damon · 22nd December 2005, 21:12

Quote: (Originally Posted by Muzz)

John Jones is now an IANTD - IT(instructor trainer).

yeah, Jason really enjoyed John's "southern hospitality" recently AND Jason is about as "TDI" as you can get.

and now my brother speaks a little stranger.

***caveseeker7*** · 22nd December 2005, 23:01

He speaks even stanger than before or he just sounds stranger?

Damon · 23rd December 2005, 02:07

umm...both actually

lucky he is out diving at the moment

or I might cop a

***ScubaDadMiami*** · 23rd December 2005, 06:41

I have been looking a wings, and I still can't make up my mind. Many of them are expressed only in pounds of lift. However, I can't really tell the dimensions of them.

First candidate: Golem Gear 35 Wing

Looks great, but I am not sure if this would be enough lift for me. A lot of people in the manufacturer's camp are using 50 pounders. However, my instructor is using only a 30 pounder. With 30 or 35 pounds of lift, if the loop floods, this will not be enough. However, I always dive dry, so I might not need quite so much as others.

Next in line: Deep Sea Supply 40 Wing.

Explorer · 23rd December 2005, 06:50

How about Halcyon's Evolve wing and is available in 40 lbs.

***ScubaDadMiami*** · 23rd December 2005, 07:20

I have been looking a wings, and I still can't make up my mind. Many of them are expressed only in pounds of lift. However, I can't really tell the dimensions of them.

First candidate: Golem Gear 35 Wing. Looks great, but I am not sure if this would be enough lift for me. A lot of people in the manufacturer's camp are using 50 pounders. However, my instructor is using only a 30 pounder. With 30 pounds of lift, if the loop floods, this will not be enough. However, I always dive dry, so I might not need quite so much as others. The 35 pounds from this might just do it. Also, the manufacturer says: "This wing is ideal for use with rebreathers. Its simple, streamlined design paired with low profile Mark Meadows backplate creates unbeatable CCR kit." I might have to go with a heavier plate than this, but I like that the unit seems to at least have a number of Rebreather divers using it.

Next in line: Deep Sea Supply 40 Wing. Narrow and looks longer. Should provide enough lift if a loop flood occurs. Just can't tell the actual size from the pics. Looks like it will provide adequate lift aft, too.

Halcyon Evolve: Halcyon does make great wings. This one is also 40 pounder, and it is designed to put some lift aft. Doesn't look quite as streamlined as the DSS though.

Oxycheq 45 Signature Series. I like the way that they make their products overall. Looks like this one will also provide lift further aft. This is one of two models I am considering that use gussets, which are bungies to make the unit compact. I am still not sure of this concept inasmuch as I come from a GUE based background. Also, it still looks like the DSS are the most streamlined of the bunch.

The last condender: Dive Rite 50 pound Rec Wings. This are what everyone from Dive Rite uses to dive the Optima. They seem fairly streamlined, and they put the lift aft. However, they use a gusset system. And, when I put one on my unit, the corrugated hose has a pull dump built into it. The exhaust valve seems like it will get in the way of where my electronics exit the unit.

Any ideas from anyone would be appreciated. Here are the beauties. They are in the order of Dive Rite, Oxycheq, Golem, Halcyon and Deep Sea Supply.

***jradomski*** · 23rd December 2005, 07:38

Quote: (Originally Posted by ScubaDadMiami)

I have been looking a wings, and I still can't make up my mind. Many of them are expressed only in pounds of lift. However, I can't really tell the dimensions of them.

First candidate: Golem Gear 35 Wing. Looks great, but I am not sure if this would be enough lift for me. A lot of people in the manufacturer's camp are using 50 pounders. However, my instructor is using only a 30 pounder. With 30 or 35 pounds of lift, if the loop floods, this will not be enough. However, I always dive dry, so I might not need quite so much as others.

Next in line: Deep Sea Supply 40 Wing. Narrow and looks longer. Should provide enough lift if a loop flood occurs. Just can't tell the actual size from the pics. Looks like it will provide adequate lift aft, too.

Halcyon Evolve: Halcyon does make great wings. This one is also 40 pounder, and it is designed to put some lift aft. Doesn't look quite as streamlined as the DSS though.

Oxycheq 45 Signature Series. I like the way that they make their products overall. Looks like this one will also provide lift further aft. This is one of two models I am considering that use gussets, which are bungies to make the unit compact. I am still not sure of this concept inasmuch as I come from a GUE based background. Also, it still looks like the DSS are the most streamlined of the bunch.

The last condender: Dive Rite 50 pound Rec Wings. This are what everyone from Dive Rite uses to dive the Optima. They seem fairly streamlined, and they put the lift aft. However, they use a gusset system. And, when I put one on my unit, the corrugated hose has a pull dump built into it. The exhaust valve seems like it will get in the way of where my electronics exit the unit.

Any ideas from anyone would be appreciated. Here are the beauties. They are in the order of Dive Rite, Oxycheq, Golem, Halcyon and Deep Sea Supply.

Believe it or not I use the OMS 100lb bungied wing on my rebreathers (dont care the model) for several reasons

1) it has tons of lift should a flood occur
2) I have a redundant bladder, should something happen to my main inflator (This is espoecially mandatory when I dive wet and am using my titanium frame deep)
3) The bungies make it very streamlined, but the biggest plus is that you can adjust the tightness of the bungies in specific spots and leave others out.. For specific configurations I have learned how to tighten the bungies to make the rigs trim out nice..

For example on my custom rig/titanium frame with 3l bottles.. I have the top bungies relatively tight (keeps air from the top of the wing), the bottom pretty loose and some of the middle ones missing.. This gives me 2 areas that expand easier near my ass/and mid body, helps trim without putting lots of lead behind my head.. It takes a bit of work to get it right but it really works..

I also use a 45lb signature series wing.. Its rugged as hell and gives pretty good trim characteristics..

I personally wouldn't use a 30lb wing.. with a total flood its not enough.. You are going to lose up to ~25-30lbs of lift on a flood, so if your negative at all, you got some problems.... when things are working 30lbs is fine with al stages, I rather have some wiggle room.. Plan for the worse and be happy when it doesn't come..

added:
You should also take your diving enviroment into consideration.. If your in open ocean where you have to ascend vertically, lift is more important than someone in a cave (most not all) who if they had to could "crawl" along the bottom to safety...

JonnyB · 23rd December 2005, 10:07

Quote: (Originally Posted by ScubaDadMiami)

I have been looking a wings, and I still can't make up my mind. Many of them are expressed only in pounds of lift. However, I can't really tell the dimensions of them.

First candidate: Golem Gear 35 Wing. Looks great, but I am not sure if this would be enough lift for me. A lot of people in the manufacturer's camp are using 50 pounders. However, my instructor is using only a 30 pounder. With 30 pounds of lift, if the loop floods, this will not be enough. However, I always dive dry, so I might not need quite so much as others. The 35 pounds from this might just do it. Also, the manufacturer says: "This wing is ideal for use with rebreathers. Its simple, streamlined design paired with low profile Mark Meadows backplate creates unbeatable CCR kit." I might have to go with a heavier plate than this, but I like that the unit seems to at least have a number of Rebreather divers using it.

Next in line: Deep Sea Supply 40 Wing. Narrow and looks longer. Should provide enough lift if a loop flood occurs. Just can't tell the actual size from the pics. Looks like it will provide adequate lift aft, too.

Halcyon Evolve: Halcyon does make great wings. This one is also 40 pounder, and it is designed to put some lift aft. Doesn't look quite as streamlined as the DSS though.

Oxycheq 45 Signature Series. I like the way that they make their products overall. Looks like this one will also provide lift further aft. This is one of two models I am considering that use gussets, which are bungies to make the unit compact. I am still not sure of this concept inasmuch as I come from a GUE based background. Also, it still looks like the DSS are the most streamlined of the bunch.

The last condender: Dive Rite 50 pound Rec Wings. This are what everyone from Dive Rite uses to dive the Optima. They seem fairly streamlined, and they put the lift aft. However, they use a gusset system. And, when I put one on my unit, the corrugated hose has a pull dump built into it. The exhaust valve seems like it will get in the way of where my electronics exit the unit.

Any ideas from anyone would be appreciated. Here are the beauties. They are in the order of Dive Rite, Oxycheq, Golem, Halcyon and Deep Sea Supply.

Hi i was using the Oxycheq 40lbs wing with my classic KISS and let me tell you that for me that was not enough once i started to add things. I have a HEAVY camera housing, withthe strobe its about 40lbs by itself, then comes the 10L bailout for deeper diving, add two of those. all my tanks were steal as well.
I could bearly stay afloat. So i changed it to double OMS 100lb... now i have a 65lbs Custom divers with my Meg, i got myself a 1lbs alu backplate, 3L ALU bottles, still got my steel 7L and 2*steel 10L for bailout, i am also looking into getting a new camera and housing!

my personal opinios goes close to what Joes says, get a big wing.

/Jonny

22nd December 2005, 19:56	#11 (permalink)
*jradomski* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Sport Kiss Optima rEvo Other CCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Evolution Megalodon Classic Kiss rEvo Other CCR Home Build Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: "Da" Bronx Posts: 3,007	Re: My Optima's Here!!!!! Quote: (Originally Posted by ScubaDadMiami) John P. Jones is either already an instructor or just about to get signed off on it. He stopped counting at dive number 300. I'm not trying to put down anyone.. fact is even the earliest optima protos only put it around a year of use.. if he put in 300+ dives in that period of time (and they're really dives that are typical of the average Rebreather dive (1 to 2 hrs per dive ) then I applaud it).. But thats still far short than many other have put on the electronics.. 300 dives is a good start.. My recommendation was strictly based on who I thought had the most experience with the HH electronics and who have been diving CCRs for several years. When I conduct training I know I have to check the number of dives AND the number of hours logged.. Jeff and Andrew probably have 3 years on the electronics.. A few of us have more than that... The electronics are the most complex thing on the Rebreather, The Optima is a very simple design and anyone who has time on an OTS design could manage the loop, its the electronics that take training to use correctly.. Getting the most out of the electronics takes time to understand all the little ins and outs.. __________________ Joe Radomski CCR Trimix Instructor Trainer ANDI Instructor Trainer Director #10 All posts are personal opinions and DO NOT reflect any affiliated agency unless specifically stated. Last edited by jradomski : 22nd December 2005 at 21:00.
(Online)

22nd December 2005, 20:16	#12 (permalink)
Muzz New Member Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Pompano Beach FL Posts: 130	Re: My Optima's Here!!!!! Quote: (Originally Posted by ScubaDadMiami) John P. Jones is either already an instructor or just about to get signed off on it. He stopped counting at dive number 300. Glad your unit came so quickly. Good luck with your training. John Jones is now an IANTD - IT(instructor trainer).
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22nd December 2005, 21:12	#13 (permalink)
Damon bubbleless Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Evolution Sport Kiss Optima Other CCR Dolphin Ray Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Dolphin Ray Home Build Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Brisbane, Queensland, AUSTRALIA Posts: 31	Re: My Optima's Here!!!!! Quote: (Originally Posted by Muzz) John Jones is now an IANTD - IT(instructor trainer). yeah, Jason really enjoyed John's "southern hospitality" recently AND Jason is about as "TDI" as you can get. and now my brother speaks a little stranger.
(Offline)

22nd December 2005, 23:01	#14 (permalink)
*caveseeker7* Who loves ya, baby Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Prism Topaz Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Too far from Neverland Posts: 5,451	He speaks even stanger than before or he just sounds stranger? __________________ Cheers Stefan "Political Correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.!"
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23rd December 2005, 02:07	#15 (permalink)
Damon bubbleless Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Evolution Sport Kiss Optima Other CCR Dolphin Ray Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Dolphin Ray Home Build Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Brisbane, Queensland, AUSTRALIA Posts: 31	Re: My Optima's Here!!!!! umm...both actually lucky he is out diving at the moment or I might cop a
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23rd December 2005, 06:41	#16 (permalink)
*ScubaDadMiami* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Florida, USA Posts: 2,132	Re: My Optima's Here!!!!! I have been looking a wings, and I still can't make up my mind. Many of them are expressed only in pounds of lift. However, I can't really tell the dimensions of them. First candidate: Golem Gear 35 Wing Looks great, but I am not sure if this would be enough lift for me. A lot of people in the manufacturer's camp are using 50 pounders. However, my instructor is using only a 30 pounder. With 30 or 35 pounds of lift, if the loop floods, this will not be enough. However, I always dive dry, so I might not need quite so much as others. Next in line: Deep Sea Supply 40 Wing. __________________ Howard Packer IANTD CCR Instructor Miami Beach, Florida CCRDiveTraining.com Last edited by ScubaDadMiami : 23rd December 2005 at 06:52.
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23rd December 2005, 06:50	#17 (permalink)
Explorer I will teach you a..... Current Rebreather/s: Evolution Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 773	Re: My Optima's Here!!!!! How about Halcyon's Evolve wing and is available in 40 lbs. __________________ 20 dwarves, 20 dwarves, 20 dwarves took turns doing handstands on the carpet
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23rd December 2005, 07:38	#19 (permalink)
*jradomski* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Sport Kiss Optima rEvo Other CCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Evolution Megalodon Classic Kiss rEvo Other CCR Home Build Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: "Da" Bronx Posts: 3,007	Re: My Optima's Here!!!!! Quote: (Originally Posted by ScubaDadMiami) I have been looking a wings, and I still can't make up my mind. Many of them are expressed only in pounds of lift. However, I can't really tell the dimensions of them. First candidate: Golem Gear 35 Wing. Looks great, but I am not sure if this would be enough lift for me. A lot of people in the manufacturer's camp are using 50 pounders. However, my instructor is using only a 30 pounder. With 30 or 35 pounds of lift, if the loop floods, this will not be enough. However, I always dive dry, so I might not need quite so much as others. Next in line: Deep Sea Supply 40 Wing. Narrow and looks longer. Should provide enough lift if a loop flood occurs. Just can't tell the actual size from the pics. Looks like it will provide adequate lift aft, too. Halcyon Evolve: Halcyon does make great wings. This one is also 40 pounder, and it is designed to put some lift aft. Doesn't look quite as streamlined as the DSS though. Oxycheq 45 Signature Series. I like the way that they make their products overall. Looks like this one will also provide lift further aft. This is one of two models I am considering that use gussets, which are bungies to make the unit compact. I am still not sure of this concept inasmuch as I come from a GUE based background. Also, it still looks like the DSS are the most streamlined of the bunch. The last condender: Dive Rite 50 pound Rec Wings. This are what everyone from Dive Rite uses to dive the Optima. They seem fairly streamlined, and they put the lift aft. However, they use a gusset system. And, when I put one on my unit, the corrugated hose has a pull dump built into it. The exhaust valve seems like it will get in the way of where my electronics exit the unit. Any ideas from anyone would be appreciated. Here are the beauties. They are in the order of Dive Rite, Oxycheq, Golem, Halcyon and Deep Sea Supply. Believe it or not I use the OMS 100lb bungied wing on my rebreathers (dont care the model) for several reasons 1) it has tons of lift should a flood occur 2) I have a redundant bladder, should something happen to my main inflator (This is espoecially mandatory when I dive wet and am using my titanium frame deep) 3) The bungies make it very streamlined, but the biggest plus is that you can adjust the tightness of the bungies in specific spots and leave others out.. For specific configurations I have learned how to tighten the bungies to make the rigs trim out nice.. For example on my custom rig/titanium frame with 3l bottles.. I have the top bungies relatively tight (keeps air from the top of the wing), the bottom pretty loose and some of the middle ones missing.. This gives me 2 areas that expand easier near my ass/and mid body, helps trim without putting lots of lead behind my head.. It takes a bit of work to get it right but it really works.. I also use a 45lb signature series wing.. Its rugged as hell and gives pretty good trim characteristics.. I personally wouldn't use a 30lb wing.. with a total flood its not enough.. You are going to lose up to ~25-30lbs of lift on a flood, so if your negative at all, you got some problems.... when things are working 30lbs is fine with al stages, I rather have some wiggle room.. Plan for the worse and be happy when it doesn't come.. added: You should also take your diving enviroment into consideration.. If your in open ocean where you have to ascend vertically, lift is more important than someone in a cave (most not all) who if they had to could "crawl" along the bottom to safety... __________________ Joe Radomski CCR Trimix Instructor Trainer ANDI Instructor Trainer Director #10 All posts are personal opinions and DO NOT reflect any affiliated agency unless specifically stated. Last edited by jradomski : 23rd December 2005 at 16:27.
(Online)

23rd December 2005, 10:07	#20 (permalink)
JonnyB Johnny The Hatch Current Rebreather/s: MK 15.X Titan Other CCR Other SCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Inspiration Classic Megalodon Sport Kiss Classic Kiss Other CCR Other SCR Home Build Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Sweden (Stockholm)/Cyprus(Ayia Napa) Posts: 970	Re: My Optima's Here!!!!! Quote: (Originally Posted by ScubaDadMiami) I have been looking a wings, and I still can't make up my mind. Many of them are expressed only in pounds of lift. However, I can't really tell the dimensions of them. First candidate: Golem Gear 35 Wing. Looks great, but I am not sure if this would be enough lift for me. A lot of people in the manufacturer's camp are using 50 pounders. However, my instructor is using only a 30 pounder. With 30 pounds of lift, if the loop floods, this will not be enough. However, I always dive dry, so I might not need quite so much as others. The 35 pounds from this might just do it. Also, the manufacturer says: "This wing is ideal for use with rebreathers. Its simple, streamlined design paired with low profile Mark Meadows backplate creates unbeatable CCR kit." I might have to go with a heavier plate than this, but I like that the unit seems to at least have a number of Rebreather divers using it. Next in line: Deep Sea Supply 40 Wing. Narrow and looks longer. Should provide enough lift if a loop flood occurs. Just can't tell the actual size from the pics. Looks like it will provide adequate lift aft, too. Halcyon Evolve: Halcyon does make great wings. This one is also 40 pounder, and it is designed to put some lift aft. Doesn't look quite as streamlined as the DSS though. Oxycheq 45 Signature Series. I like the way that they make their products overall. Looks like this one will also provide lift further aft. This is one of two models I am considering that use gussets, which are bungies to make the unit compact. I am still not sure of this concept inasmuch as I come from a GUE based background. Also, it still looks like the DSS are the most streamlined of the bunch. The last condender: Dive Rite 50 pound Rec Wings. This are what everyone from Dive Rite uses to dive the Optima. They seem fairly streamlined, and they put the lift aft. However, they use a gusset system. And, when I put one on my unit, the corrugated hose has a pull dump built into it. The exhaust valve seems like it will get in the way of where my electronics exit the unit. Any ideas from anyone would be appreciated. Here are the beauties. They are in the order of Dive Rite, Oxycheq, Golem, Halcyon and Deep Sea Supply. Hi i was using the Oxycheq 40lbs wing with my classic KISS and let me tell you that for me that was not enough once i started to add things. I have a HEAVY camera housing, withthe strobe its about 40lbs by itself, then comes the 10L bailout for deeper diving, add two of those. all my tanks were steal as well. I could bearly stay afloat. So i changed it to double OMS 100lb... now i have a 65lbs Custom divers with my Meg, i got myself a 1lbs alu backplate, 3L ALU bottles, still got my steel 7L and 2*steel 10L for bailout, i am also looking into getting a new camera and housing! my personal opinios goes close to what Joes says, get a big wing. /Jonny
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