Posted by Gerry Smith on September 28, 2000 at 07:48:56:
In Reply to: opinions requested on 'bungee' wings... posted by kelphead on September 27, 2000 at 23:19:34:
The bungees are supposed to reduce the profile of the wings thereby reducing drag. They do reduce the profile. The problem is that the bungies act against the overepressure relief valve and will deflate the wing if the valve spring is weak, or thru any other hole, intended or accidental. This makes them marginally more dangerous than a wing without bungies.
Some folks have a problem with their large lift capacity (80 or 100 lb.) but if you have occasion to need the capacity, then that point is moot.
I used the wings on a project where a small profile was important (narrow passage) and I had to carry a heavy bag of tools. It worked fine, did the job well, but I don't dive with them unless I need these special capabilities for the reason noted above.
For what it's worth,
GS