> On 16 Feb 2001, at 4:52, Brad Stambaugh wrote:
>
> > Most of you probably know that I ordered a Halcyon rig. Well, it hasn't
> > been shipped yet because the order has a few custom made hoses. I
> > still have time to change my mind about the 27 lb. wing, and get the 36
> > lb. I appreciate the input from everybody, but it's hard to come to any
> > clear conclusion. Personally. I don't like being limited to depths of 90
> > feet with this wing, and 7mm wetsuit.

To which Mike replied:

> The 36 is not that much bigger than the 27 and offers you more
> options.

Brad,

What you need to remember is that this is a _wing_, not a conventional BC.
BC's, big bulky BC's, tend to be just that particularly since they
envelop you. A wing is only as bulky as the amount of air in it, you
never see it when you're wearing it and if there is no air in it it is
simply two layers of material immediately adjacent to each other which
generally simply wrap around the tank (the remaining air, there always
is _some_, will pool in the extremities to do just that). Basically
you'll never notice an empty wing and, equally basically, an empty
wing creates little to no drag.

Your (empty) BC, however, will tend to flop around your chest. Your
full BC will tend to restrict your chest. I know, some will say that
modern ones don't do this but I ain't personally checked lately.

Where you _will_ notice a wing is if it has air in it. You will hear
it gurgle around as you change attitude in the water and it is easy to
adopt a sideways posture (most useful for photography). Also, if
you're belly down on the surface it'll tend to support the weight of
the tank and keep it off your back - no bad thing.

I started using a wing, oh, years ago now and I'll personally go back
to a conventional BC once the moon turns blue. Having said that, there
are some who simply actively dislike the characteristics of a wing.
Each to his/her own I guess.

Cheers,

Christian
--
• How much deeper would oceans be if sponges didn't live there?