Two Sophies: Wing or Jacket?

Nationwide Diving Officer Sophie Rennie and Head of Diving Sophie Heptonstall focus on which buoyancy gadgets you need to use when diving a twinset…

THE QUESTION: 

Is it a delusion which you can solely dive a twinset sporting a wing system? 

Sophie Rennie solutions

I believe I went by precisely the identical course of as you will have performed and now have in all probability two BCDs and two wings in consequence!  

There are many variations in addition to a lot of similarities, however for me, it’s all about consolation. The BCD is completely high quality so long as it gives sufficient raise for the cylinder configuration. 

All that should occur is a change of strap from a single one to a double ‘cam band’ so as to safe each cylinders. The wing comes with a backplate, which typically will assist extra weight, however additionally, you will see a lot of individuals, together with myself, who’re diving a wing with a single cylinder. 

The one drawback of the wing is that it doesn’t present the identical stability on the floor as a BCD does. I just like the wing for a pleasant free space on the entrance of my physique, whereas the BCD does will let you preserve an space of familiarity of pockets to place issues in; and being acquainted means much less stress if one thing goes flawed. 

Lastly, the wing is tougher to take away, whether or not you’re coming again to the membership RIB or shore diving, as there are typically no break clips to get out of the system simply. So a lot of wriggling is required, whereas with a BCD you at all times have shoulder quick-release clips to help with this. 

What I can say is which you can dive twins with both a wing or BCD so long as they’ve sufficient raise!

Sophie Heptonstall solutions

It’s a delusion – however you do have to look intimately and the sorts of BCD and wing, as there are such a lot of choices! You should use a BCD or a wing, however the main consideration for any dive buoyancy system is security and suitability for the twinset configuration you will have and the diving you’re doing. 

The wing or BCD will need to have ample raise for the twinset configuration and the diver. You additionally have to take into consideration a possible incident – may you additionally raise an out-of-gas twinset buddy in an emergency scenario?

BCDs usually provide the choice of built-in weight pockets, adjustable straps, and accent pockets. This gives an all-in-one answer and is acquainted to most divers and rentable in most dive outlets. 

Wing techniques are modular – you may swap out elements such because the wing dimension, backplate materials (metal v aluminium), or harness to suit totally different diving kinds, for instance leisure, technical, wreck. This will provide extra flexibility for journey and swapping between single and twinset diving when you don’t dive twins on a regular basis.

There are a selection of hybrid ‘compact BCD’ choices in the marketplace that supply an built-in harness with a wing type bladder inflate on the bag in case you are searching for an possibility with parts of each. 

Wings are sometimes used with a backplate and harness setup, which may provide higher stability and weight distribution—particularly vital with heavier twin units. The buoyancy bladder in a wing sits completely behind the diver, which helps preserve a extra horizontal (trimmed) place within the water, bettering effectivity and management.  

Conventional BCDs wrap round your torso and might change into uncomfortable and even compress your chest when inflated. That is particularly problematic with the added bulk of a twinset, and might in some circumstances prohibit motion and accessibility to the entrance of the diver. Wings stop this.

Article ‘Two Sophies: Wing or Jacket?’ by Simon Rogerson first printed in SCUBA journal, Challenge 157 July/August 2025.

Do you will have a query about dive coaching, equipment or security for the Two Sophies to reply? Electronic mail SCUBA Editor Simon Rogerson, simon@scubamagazine.co.uk