AGIR Blackbird 28 wing User manual

OWNER MANUAL
AGIR Blackbird 28 wing
This is Your manual. Please read it through before using the wing.
The AGIR wing is not a lifejacket: it does not guarantee a head up position of
the wearer at the surface.
page 1(4)

¾The AGIR Blackbird is a single bladder 28 lbs´ (127 N) lift wing. The
outer shell is made of 1000 denier Cordura (rugged ballistic nylon). Its
360 degree inner bladder is manufactured from ultrasonically welded 400
denier Cordura, a puncture-resistant material - originally designed for
flotation devices.
¾The inflator has a reinforced mounting hole with a 14” long corrugated
hose. The low pressure hose is 24” long to simplify use with a variety of
first stage positions. Both the elbow and inflator assembly can be
adjusted for optimum positioning. Please contact your AGIR dealer for
advice.
¾The inflator does not have a pull-dump. The inflators minimum working
pressure is 6 bar and its maximum working pressure is 34 bar.
¾The overpressure- / dump valve (OPRV) is on the lower left side of the
wing.
¾The valve is equipped with a 6” long, 3 mm thick nylon cord.
¾The Blackbird wing -, its inflator and OPRV have been built to handle
diving in cold, arduous conditions.
¾The Blackbird wing has comparatively straight sides to enhance diver
trim.
¾The Blackbird wing can be adjusted in two different positions, which
assists in optimising trim whilst venting excess gas.
¾The form and the 360 degree inner bladder enables gas to move easily
from one side of the inner bladder to the other, for simple, fast and
effective release of excess gas.
¾The OPRV may be used for adjustment of buoyancy when in horizontal
position, reducing the need for diver movement.
¾The AGIR Blackbird wing is designed to be used with AGIR backplate
and harness.
MAINTENANCE AND CARE
Thoroughly rinse the wing in fresh water after use to prevent salt, grit, dirt and
chemicals damaging the exposed parts, inner bladder and valves. Ensure that
both the outer shell and the inside of the inner bladder, are rinsed.
The inside of the inner bladder is rinsed by filling it a ¼ full of freshwater.
Depress the oral inflation / deflation button (OID-button) and let fresh water
pass through the corrugated hose into the bladder. Fill the remaining ¾
capacity with air and then distribute the water throughout the inside of the
bladder. Finish by purging the bladder of all water. To achieve this, it´ s
necessary to start with a fully inflated bladder, keeping the inflator at the
lowest point, with the corrugated hose hanging vertically. When in this
inverted position, the wing may be emptied by depressing the OID button and
if necessary gently squeezing the air and water out.
page 2 (4)

Fully inflate the wing again and empty. Repeat the procedure until all water is
gone. When in cold weather / water the inflator must be dry before diving.
PRE-DIVE ROUTINE CHECKOUT
1. Inspect the whole (both soft and hard parts) wing before diving, for
tightness, structural integrity and damaged parts. Damage may appear
as cracks, cuts, punctures, stitching faults et c. Retighten the valves if
necessary.
2. Connect the LP-hose to the power inflation valve fitting and inspect all
moving and non-moving parts for proper operation including, but not
limited to, the dump valve, oral inflator mechanism, power inflator
mechanism and all hose connections. If there is any damage to the
wing, DO NOT dive with it.
3. Make sure that the dump valve vents properly. Check it by slowly fully
inflating the wing until excess air opens the valve. The reduction in
pressure should then close the valve completely. If the valve fails to
open or close correctly it must be inspected by your AGIR dealer or
TVM Divelop AB.
4. If a leak is discovered during diving, abort the dive and follow due
ascent routines.
POST-DIVE ROUTINE
1. After pool or salt-water use the wing should be rinsed thoroughly inside
and out with fresh water -, -see description above. Salt crystals can
build up inside the inner bladder causing permanent damage to the
urethane coating of the bladder.
2. Wash the exterior of the wing with water and, if necessary, a mild
detergent and rinse. Be sure to remove all organic and inorganic
material from the cover (and under the zipper cover) by using a light
soft-bristle brush.
3. Fully inflate the wing and let it dry. Check for leaks.
4. When drying, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
5. Lubricate the low pressure inflator hose coupling with O2 compatible
grease or equivalent.
6. Before storing, be sure the wing is dry. Store it partially inflated in a
cool, dark and dry place.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE:
1. Do not allow the wing into contact with anything sharp. Do not lie heavy
objects on the wing.
2. We recommend that the zipper be checked periodically by opening and
closing it. It is good practice to give the zipper a light coat of liquid
paraffin before storing the wing.
page 3 (4)

3. Routinely inspect parts listed in paragraph 2 of the PRE-DIVE
ROUTINE CHECKOUT for proper tightness. If parts need to be
tightened, use only AGIR original tools. Use of other tools may cause
damage to the parts.
4. Avoid prolonged exposure in sunlight as both ultra-violet and infra-red
radiation will cause deterioration.
WARNING.
1. In cold weather / water the inflator must be dry before diving.
2. Ensure that sharp objects do not come in to contact with the wing.
3. Use only AGIR original tools to avoid damage to your wing.
5. Always clean the inside of the inner bladder with fresh water or you will
start crystalline salt build-up! Salt crystals are angular and, if allowed to
grow, may cut your wing from the inside out.
6. Keep the inner bladder free of water or you will affect its lift. Repeated,
improper use of the dump valve or the Oral Inflation / Deflation Valve
assembly on the corrugated hose may allow water to enter the wing.
The subsequent reduction in the amount of buoyancy provided by the
wing can cause loss of buoyancy control and may result in serious
injury or death.
7. Do not modify the wing.
8. If the wing needs to be repaired, serviced or configured, contact your
AGIR dealer or TVM Divelop AB. We strongly recommend an annual
service by authorised service personnel.
9. This wing should be used only after proper certification and instruction
in the use of buoyancy control devices has been successfully
completed. It has been designed to control your buoyancy to make
your dive safer, easier and more comfortable. Your buoyancy
compensator is not a life jacket, flotation device or substitute for proper
swimming and diving skills. It does not guarantee the wearer a head
up position at the surface.
10. Do your first dives with the Blackbird wing in a controlled environment,
i e in shallow water during good conditions, preferably with a qualified
instructor present.
11. Do not use the AGIR wing until you have read, understood and
followed all instructions and safety precautions in this owner manual.
page 4 (4)