You've sold me bro! Buying new gear for the first time in forever, and am just beginning my scientific diving career. I'm currently a fat bastard, looking at changing that. I was resigned to having to buy a larger BCD now, than a smaller one later. From what your saying, not only will this system accommodate changes in size and weight, but will grow as my scidive career progresses. Cheers for the great vid!
I have a 12 year old Trans-Pac, it has over 250 dives. Still look good and works geart. Only thing I've done to it is clean it, dry it, and normal maintenance of the inflator. It's been with me on dry suit dives in the Pacific North West, to live aboard dive boats in the Bahamas were it stays wet all week. It just keeps on going. This guy is spot on with his review.
James, Thanks for the GREAT video on BCD's. based on your video, i just purchased the Dive Rite Transpac Voyager XT as my first new BC in about 25 years or so. THANKS AGAIN! I originally was certified in 1980 and then as an instructor in 1983. I am now an Alumnus Instructor with an Agency which we ill not name. Why? Because as an Alumnus Instructor I don't have to pay them dues every year! keep of the wonderful work on your channel and videos. KEEP THEM COMING!
very good info. I have two trans paks. one with rec wing bladder nd one with voyager bladder. Also have two sidemount dive rites. All do what they were designed to do with great ease. Thank you again for your videos.
Hi James- Do you dive with twins on your Rec wing and transpac? I think I'm going to go with this system but, making sure that I would be good to dive twins in the future as I'll be getting into tec diving. Thanks!
@@johnblixt4740 the redwing will handle twin al80s. But if you go to steels they might be on the border of enough lift. It depends on your weight and buoyancy needs. There are bladders with more lift that will work only doubles that might work better if you are going just doubles. Rec wing will handle both within reason. Check with your instructor for more input.
Funny... :-) I build my own version of this 2 years ago - from a TransPac2 and the XT Nomad wing. But, I have a 5 kg backplate between the TransPac and the Wing. I use this same setup for 5, 7, 12, 15 and 2x10L tanks with a single-tank adapter on the back plate with the Dive Rite tank-straps. The sidemount options of the system I use for stange tanks. I just love this set up. I am a tall guy and the Nomad XT wing just gives me a better balance and the triangular wingshape is nice in currents. 100% hit with this review :-) (I dive cold water in drysuit)
I bought a TransPlate for doubles, only to find out it was too heavy for what I needed. As a testament to what James was saying about modularity, I bought a single tank adapter for it, and moved the weight pockets from my TransPacXT to the TransPlate, and swapped the Voyager wing with the Rec Wing, and viola…Awesome single tank setup, and my TransPac XT setup is now mounted with the Rec Wing to my doubles. I love both setups! They work wonders up here in Michigan! Keep the great videos coming, James! Just a quick comment on the crotch strap and D-ring on it for a DPV, both of my setups came with a stainless D-ring on the portion the slides over the waist band. We use our Blacktip Tech DPV’s all the time, with zero issues!
Awesome! Sounds like a really good rig! Did I hear you correctly when you said you put 7-0 (70) dives on the rig already? Wow! Also, are you still doing a Hollis BCD review. I seem to remember that being mentioned last year? Good to compare those two. Thanks ever so much. Stay well.
Have it narrowed down to my top two choices for my first bc between the apeks Exotech and the transpac I’ve been watching and reading everything I can find either option will be a fairly large purchase for me but I’m with the school of thought that if you get something quality the first time you’ll save in the long run this video is helpful but would love to see one about the Exotech and even better would be a comparison an contrast of the two. I haven’t found one
Great review! 70 dives prior to review…mad respect! Quick question - seems like more D-rings than necessary. I usually only have two at each shoulder…the extra two on this, can they be removed easily? #askdiversready
Agreed on the inserted weight pockets. Had a female diver lose her weight pocket in a wreck, fortunately, cause up she went. A dive master had to go back and recover a $50 weight pocket. Plus they add bulk.
OK, I noticed you use dual straps on your tank; Is thst a tech thing? As long as I can remember any gear I have used had 1 strap, which I felt trepidations about having come from IT, where you backup the backups.
I don't know that's it's necessarily a Tec thing, but I think it's normal for anything except the jacket style BCD. Most of the people I see diving with their own gear run either a BPW or similar one piece unit like the Hydrolite and none of us are Tec (that I know of). Maybe Tec inspired, but not solely for Tec or professional divers.
I started out using a jacket BCD with only 1 cam band then switched to a BPW with 2 I don't really see the advantage as it's supposed to add stablility, but if the tank is strapped to a solid plate the extra band doesn't do much. I'm looking to set up a lightweight BPW for travel and I will only be using 1 band.
Question, I have a Ocesnic Probe. Due to a horse bucking and then a tsilbine T 2 hinged i haven't dove in msny yesrs. The bc has hung in a dsrk closet since. Over 7 yesrs. Used only twice in fresh water here in Florida. My problem is the crap the parts are made from ( the nut that holds the inflator hose to bc ) has deteriorated where the washer on the back side is so i had a air leak. My question is can this be repaired ? The bc itself is like brand new as far as fabric goes. Anyone have any information that could helm me.
James, as you started diving in the UK, did you ever dive with APDiving Tekwing? How would it compare to say this Diverite TransPac as I see a number of similarities (and also quite a few differences).
Thank you James for the clarification, you answered my question about which type of BCD to get. Now I need to decide which bcd is it the Dive Rite HydroLite or the HOG - the one with softpadding, any idea?
I'm trying to decide between a soft plate and light aluminum plate for travel it will be only single tank diving. So far most of our travel has been boat diving due but also looking for something that has enough stability for a shore dive with a walk from the parking lot. My wife will have the same system as me just to keep things simple. Any thoughts? Where can I buy specific components such as the plate and shoulder pads? I am trying to make the system as light as possible so therefore I will be buying all the D rings and tri glides in aluminum and I already have my own webbing so I don't want to spend the money on the whole harness just to get a few of the components.
Before watching this video, I wasn’t overly familiar with Dive Rite, but it seems there’s is no Transpac Voyager XT, rather a Transpac XT harness and, if you choose to set it up that way, you can combine with a Voyager wing. The video’s naming made looking up this item tricky.
I have the travel pac which I think is discontinued, about to take it on a big trip, Liveaboard and I’ve not used it much yet, just two shallow dives. Had to replace the short hose :( misplaced mine, and I just installed weight pockets. Otherwise it’s similar right?
I would recommend a titanium Backplate + wing (mono or double). The heliumdive backplate inclusive DIR harness with titanium D-Rings weights 1.3kg. I use it with a BertecSolution V-weight (modular) when diving doubles and can also travel easy with a super lightweight mono wing.
Looking to buy my first backplate/wing setup starting with the Dive Rite Voyager XT bladder and Transpac harness! There are two sizes available 12” and 16” with elbow. What does that mean, and how do I go about choosing a size? I’m 6ft tall with an athletic build for reference if that aids your answer! Thanks James! Hope to dive with you someday!
I feel like I know the answer but I’d rather not guess. If I’m looking to get into or building up to diving ship wrecks (I’m stationed in Hawaii, driving distance from Pearl Harbor) is this a good option? It sounds like dove rite is the company I want to go with. It sounds like they have exceptional customer service, but I can’t seem to find a retailer so I’ll have to order online. Thanks for any tips!
I'm just curious, no hate but a quick question: why is it bad ass to stay horizontal in the water resp. why is it "bad" or "not that bad ass" diving a bit upright? Don't take me wrong, I know a lot of (dir) tech divers and all of them go crazy for staying perfectly horizontal in the water...... I've tried it, well, it's not that hard but after some time I get a massive neck pain, in particular using my cam. I'm looking and filming mostly forward, however, it's not very practical then staying horizontal...... Cheers
You’re more streamlined, less work in the water which should mean a better SAC rate. You won’t kick up silt if you’re close to the bottom. You have to be in perfect trim and buoyancy if you’re penetrating a wreck or swim through. It’s an all around better position.
@@Robert_H_Diver OK, but I would still like to hear from James about his arms position, maybe for one of those 5 minutes or less segments which are so only once or so.
@@Robert_H_Diver Well, I wouldn't say it's an all around better position cause it's definitely not I've u want to look or film forward 😉. If I'm penetraiting a wreck I can switch easily to a more horizontal position, but all in all, if I want to enjoy a reef or film it, it's definitely a pain in the ass beeing completely horizontal but everyone should do what's right for him 😉👌. Cheers.
@@toriless the position of your arms depends on you. I like mine extended, it helps with my trim and it comfortable. You may like yours crossed and tucked into your chest. Try what’s comfortable and what works for you.
You've sold me bro! Buying new gear for the first time in forever, and am just beginning my scientific diving career.
I'm currently a fat bastard, looking at changing that. I was resigned to having to buy a larger BCD now, than a smaller one later.
From what your saying, not only will this system accommodate changes in size and weight, but will grow as my scidive career progresses.
Cheers for the great vid!
Thanks! Glad you found value in the content. Dive safe.
I have a 12 year old Trans-Pac, it has over 250 dives. Still look good and works geart. Only thing I've done to it is clean it, dry it, and normal maintenance of the inflator. It's been with me on dry suit dives in the Pacific North West, to live aboard dive boats in the Bahamas were it stays wet all week. It just keeps on going. This guy is spot on with his review.
James, Thanks for the GREAT video on BCD's. based on your video, i just purchased the Dive Rite Transpac Voyager XT as my first new BC in about 25 years or so. THANKS AGAIN!
I originally was certified in 1980 and then as an instructor in 1983. I am now an Alumnus Instructor with an Agency which we ill not name. Why? Because as an Alumnus Instructor I don't have to pay them dues every year!
keep of the wonderful work on your channel and videos. KEEP THEM COMING!
Great video, I also hate when people complain about “failure points.” So annoying.
very good info. I have two trans paks. one with rec wing bladder nd one with voyager bladder. Also have two sidemount dive rites. All do what they were designed to do with great ease. Thank you again for your videos.
Hi James- Do you dive with twins on your Rec wing and transpac? I think I'm going to go with this system but, making sure that I would be good to dive twins in the future as I'll be getting into tec diving. Thanks!
@@johnblixt4740 the redwing will handle twin al80s. But if you go to steels they might be on the border of enough lift. It depends on your weight and buoyancy needs. There are bladders with more lift that will work only doubles that might work better if you are going just doubles. Rec wing will handle both within reason. Check with your instructor for more input.
Loved the part where you had both BCD's next to each other. Great video, as usual
Glad you like it! Dive Safe.
Funny... :-)
I build my own version of this 2 years ago - from a TransPac2 and the XT Nomad wing. But, I have a 5 kg backplate between the TransPac and the Wing. I use this same setup for 5, 7, 12, 15 and 2x10L tanks with a single-tank adapter on the back plate with the Dive Rite tank-straps. The sidemount options of the system I use for stange tanks. I just love this set up. I am a tall guy and the Nomad XT wing just gives me a better balance and the triangular wingshape is nice in currents. 100% hit with this review :-)
(I dive cold water in drysuit)
I bought a TransPlate for doubles, only to find out it was too heavy for what I needed. As a testament to what James was saying about modularity, I bought a single tank adapter for it, and moved the weight pockets from my TransPacXT to the TransPlate, and swapped the Voyager wing with the Rec Wing, and viola…Awesome single tank setup, and my TransPac XT setup is now mounted with the Rec Wing to my doubles. I love both setups! They work wonders up here in Michigan! Keep the great videos coming, James! Just a quick comment on the crotch strap and D-ring on it for a DPV, both of my setups came with a stainless D-ring on the portion the slides over the waist band. We use our Blacktip Tech DPV’s all the time, with zero issues!
Thanks for the review! I just picked one up yesterday!
Dive Rite bcd`s are built to last. Still diving a trans pac II close to 20 years old and still looks good.
great to hear
Me too... bought mine in 2004 ; although it's showing some wear it still got a lot of life left
Thank you for the great and detailed review
Seems to be a winner! Btw, what's up with not using your left arm James? Like your videos, keep up the good work.
thanks
Awesome! Sounds like a really good rig! Did I hear you correctly when you said you put 7-0 (70) dives on the rig already? Wow! Also, are you still doing a Hollis BCD review. I seem to remember that being mentioned last year? Good to compare those two. Thanks ever so much. Stay well.
Thank you, I’m new to diving and the amount of gear is mind blowing
Welcome aboard!
Have you made a video about the Perdix yet?? Looking to get a dive computer
I wish I could get some diverite gear for myself, but its annoyingly difficult to get your hands on their stuff in Australia
Tecdivegear in Melbourne. Free shipping after 400. Very well priced and they offer discounts on custom packages.
I dive a hollis BP/W but use these dive rite weight pockets because they can mount vertical. Helps trim and frees up room on the belt
Have it narrowed down to my top two choices for my first bc between the apeks Exotech and the transpac I’ve been watching and reading everything I can find either option will be a fairly large purchase for me but I’m with the school of thought that if you get something quality the first time you’ll save in the long run this video is helpful but would love to see one about the Exotech and even better would be a comparison an contrast of the two. I haven’t found one
James, would you say the quick release clips on the shoulder straps are in the way of you backup torch?
I got the trans pac after my cavern course, my instructor set me up with it and my trim was perfect and I passed the course.
Great review! 70 dives prior to review…mad respect! Quick question - seems like more D-rings than necessary. I usually only have two at each shoulder…the extra two on this, can they be removed easily? #askdiversready
The only thing I don't like about the new intro is that it will be gone when the year is over. That thing is a jam!
Ha, thanks!
This seems to have a lot of similarity to Edge Hog's total buoyancy system. It certainly looks like a great system. Thanks for the vid James!
Great info as always.
glad you enjoyed it
Agreed on the inserted weight pockets. Had a female diver lose her weight pocket in a wreck, fortunately, cause up she went. A dive master had to go back and recover a $50 weight pocket. Plus they add bulk.
Thanks for sharing! Dive safe.
Diverite makes amazing dive gear I love my travel wing and backplate
@S M their gear is fantastic, don’t know what you’re talking about.
@S M English is my second language as well sorry they have amazing dive gear 😂😂😂😂😂
@S M i understand thanks 😁🙌
OK, I noticed you use dual straps on your tank; Is thst a tech thing? As long as I can remember any gear I have used had 1 strap, which I felt trepidations about having come from IT, where you backup the backups.
I don't know that's it's necessarily a Tec thing, but I think it's normal for anything except the jacket style BCD. Most of the people I see diving with their own gear run either a BPW or similar one piece unit like the Hydrolite and none of us are Tec (that I know of). Maybe Tec inspired, but not solely for Tec or professional divers.
I started out using a jacket BCD with only 1 cam band then switched to a BPW with 2 I don't really see the advantage as it's supposed to add stablility, but if the tank is strapped to a solid plate the extra band doesn't do much. I'm looking to set up a lightweight BPW for travel and I will only be using 1 band.
You do some great reviews, if the folks that send out the gear can't handle an honest pris and cons review they aren't worth dealing with
I love reviewers who wait. Too many are based upon initial use.
Question,
I have a Ocesnic Probe.
Due to a horse bucking and then a tsilbine T 2 hinged i haven't dove in msny yesrs.
The bc has hung in a dsrk closet since. Over 7 yesrs.
Used only twice in fresh water here in Florida.
My problem is the crap the parts are made from ( the nut that holds the inflator hose to bc ) has deteriorated where the washer on the back side is so i had a air leak.
My question is can this be repaired ?
The bc itself is like brand new as far as fabric goes.
Anyone have any information that could helm me.
Great information, thanks a lot James.
Thanks for your support!
James, as you started diving in the UK, did you ever dive with APDiving Tekwing? How would it compare to say this Diverite TransPac as I see a number of similarities (and also quite a few differences).
Thank you James for the clarification, you answered my question about which type of BCD to get. Now I need to decide which bcd is it the Dive Rite HydroLite or the HOG - the one with softpadding, any idea?
Best to try them out before deciding on which one to go with.
Was this a dive gear video or a “James’ bare legs” video???? Ha! I’m all seriousness, this is a great video. Awesome content my friend.
thanks buddy!
Nice, extensive review, bit long but you can entertain and keep audience. Not sure what’s your deal with scuba lab 😅😅😅
I'm trying to decide between a soft plate and light aluminum plate for travel it will be only single tank diving. So far most of our travel has been boat diving due but also looking for something that has enough stability for a shore dive with a walk from the parking lot. My wife will have the same system as me just to keep things simple. Any thoughts? Where can I buy specific components such as the plate and shoulder pads? I am trying to make the system as light as possible so therefore I will be buying all the D rings and tri glides in aluminum and I already have my own webbing so I don't want to spend the money on the whole harness just to get a few of the components.
Before watching this video, I wasn’t overly familiar with Dive Rite, but it seems there’s is no Transpac Voyager XT, rather a Transpac XT harness and, if you choose to set it up that way, you can combine with a Voyager wing. The video’s naming made looking up this item tricky.
I have the travel pac which I think is discontinued, about to take it on a big trip, Liveaboard and I’ve not used it much yet, just two shallow dives. Had to replace the short hose :( misplaced mine, and I just installed weight pockets. Otherwise it’s similar right?
I would recommend a titanium Backplate + wing (mono or double).
The heliumdive backplate inclusive DIR harness with titanium D-Rings weights 1.3kg.
I use it with a BertecSolution V-weight (modular) when diving doubles and can also travel easy with a super lightweight mono wing.
thanks for sharing
Looking to buy my first backplate/wing setup starting with the Dive Rite Voyager XT bladder and Transpac harness! There are two sizes available 12” and 16” with elbow. What does that mean, and how do I go about choosing a size?
I’m 6ft tall with an athletic build for reference if that aids your answer! Thanks James! Hope to dive with you someday!
I recommend you check the Dive Rite site or call them to help you make the right decision for yourself.
I feel like I know the answer but I’d rather not guess. If I’m looking to get into or building up to diving ship wrecks (I’m stationed in Hawaii, driving distance from Pearl Harbor) is this a good option? It sounds like dove rite is the company I want to go with. It sounds like they have exceptional customer service, but I can’t seem to find a retailer so I’ll have to order online. Thanks for any tips!
Would the voyager XT still be the best choice in 2024?
can you do a video on the ways to mount single cyl to a back late. and how to mount doubles to the trans pac.
Its on our list as a series of configurations! Stay tuned.
Hi James, does this come with the inflator hose or you have to buy separate?
I'm just curious, no hate but a quick question: why is it bad ass to stay horizontal in the water resp. why is it "bad" or "not that bad ass" diving a bit upright?
Don't take me wrong, I know a lot of (dir) tech divers and all of them go crazy for staying perfectly horizontal in the water...... I've tried it, well, it's not that hard but after some time I get a massive neck pain, in particular using my cam. I'm looking and filming mostly forward, however, it's not very practical then staying horizontal......
Cheers
You’re more streamlined, less work in the water which should mean a better SAC rate. You won’t kick up silt if you’re close to the bottom. You have to be in perfect trim and buoyancy if you’re penetrating a wreck or swim through. It’s an all around better position.
@@Robert_H_Diver OK, but I would still like to hear from James about his arms position, maybe for one of those 5 minutes or less segments which are so only once or so.
@@Robert_H_Diver His L shaped legs are not streamlined. I think the answer is more complex than that.
@@Robert_H_Diver
Well, I wouldn't say it's an all around better position cause it's definitely not I've u want to look or film forward 😉. If I'm penetraiting a wreck I can switch easily to a more horizontal position, but all in all, if I want to enjoy a reef or film it, it's definitely a pain in the ass beeing completely horizontal but everyone should do what's right for him 😉👌.
Cheers.
@@toriless the position of your arms depends on you. I like mine extended, it helps with my trim and it comfortable. You may like yours crossed and tucked into your chest. Try what’s comfortable and what works for you.
Thanks for sharing.
thanks for watching
Like to see you review the beuchat bcd and who you think that would be best suited to
Will reach out to Beuchat and see if they are interested.
2:44 I would really like to see how well you, with your physique (no judging) are able to reach that cylinder valve.
All that padding takes forever to dry out can you remove it?
Apparently u don’t get the harness with this and that’s an extra 400 bucks. Wish I would have known prior to buying
Would you use this configuration as student gear?
Did hydro lite replace travel pac ?
I’ll stick with my HydrosPro
thanks for sharing
What do you think about Oxycheq wing? it seems that you haven't talked about it before
I've never dived Oxycheq. I have no opinion.
I'm confused? so you need to buy the BCD and the wing?
Yes
"She looks so perfect" by 5 seconds of summer
Just got one of these and it looks like they’ve added the stainless ring to the crotch strap.
Cheers bro
Cost??
honest review or advertisement? im leaning towards the latter