Oxycheq Mach V vs. DSS ?

[TSandM]

The DSS 30# non-torus wing has an easily user-replaced bladder. I know from experience, because I replaced mine after I got a pinch flat.

 

[divad]

The DSS 30# non-torus wing has an easily user-replaced bladder. I know from experience, because I replaced mine after I got a pinch flat.

Does this mean you'd prefer a user-replacable bladder?

 

[Nemrod]

The Torus has more bias to the lower protion of the wing than the Mach V.
The DSS corregated hose is centered on top of the wing. The Mach V comes off the left.
The Oxycheq's inner bladder is user accessable for inspection and repairs with a 360 degree zipper in the outer shell. The DSS bladder is sewn inside the shell. If it needs repair, it must be sent to DSS.
The DSS wing system is designed to pop off the plate for cleaning and packing without removing nuts or unthreading the cam straps. This system works best with a DSS plate and may not work as well with other plates.
The Mach V has drain grommets, the DSS has mesh drains.
The Mach V has a 25 mil inner bladder. Torus 22 mil.
The 2 wings come in different lift capacities.
The mounting grommets are different.
The outer shell of the Extreme version of the Mach V very sturdy.

Above are some of the non subjective comments that I recall from the threads. Lots more comments of a subjective nature.

I own a Mach V. I have never used a DSS wing.

These are good observations but I felt that the Mach V was more biased to the rear. I prefer the off center corrugated hose as it lays more naturally and does not interfere with hose routing or my favorite double hose regulator. The bladder is very thick and the entire wing is robustly made. The drain grommets work but I would prefer a mesh insert myself. I prefer an STA regardless of what anyone says, it is just more stable and just as low profile if set up correctly. I don't like the yellow lettering but you can paint that out with a black permenant marker with good results. Drag--what drag!

As to renting one---I have no idea that any place rents this type of gear from either company.

N

 

[divad]

These are good observations but I felt that the Mach V was more biased to the rear. I prefer the off center corrugated hose as it lays more naturally and does not interfere with hose routing or my favorite double hose regulator.

I agree, and I don't have a double-hose regulator.

 

[halocline]

Actually, I did (spent 2-3 days reading almost all threads about BP/w & DSS/Oxycheq(guess how many of these there were):11:...
Steve

If you read all those threads and are still interested in diving, I'm impressed!

One thing to consider is the well beaten into submission topic of donut vs horseshoe, and some of the common misunderstandings of that. With the tiny wings you're considering, I believe that the horseshoe may have some advantages. Primarily, the wing has no buoyancy under the tank and consequently can be really streamlined along the sides. I don't believe that with wings this small there is any advantage in ease of venting in a donut, and since the entire area of the wing has useful buoyancy potential, a 20-30lb wing can be made very small, and will not push up against the bottom of the tank. At least this is the impression I have of my friend's LCD wing. If I were looking for a new small wing I'd be very tempted to get one of those.

The good news for you is that either way you're probably going to be pretty happy with it.

 

[Nemrod]

Mach V on new Faber LP 85, 7.0 inch diameter.

Mach V on Hammerhead plate with my favorite Voit MR single hose regs from the 1970 era, modernized with new parts and other secret stuff.

Mach V on Freedom Plate.

Even if I did not dive double hose I would prefer the offset inflator/dump hose, it is just natural to me and the direct routing seems to lay better and clip off to the D ring bungee without pulling to the side as some other wings I have used that had centrally located hoses, tending to rub the side of my neck. I usually dump air from the rear valve or dip my shoulder and dump easily from the front. In this size wing I would not want a horsehoe, I have used the horseshoe types and have nothing against them really other than I like being able to dip my head and equalize air side to side. The Mach V has no "taco" effect.

N

 

[scuba_moron]

Nemrod,
What tank straps do you have on your setup, and is that a Bello TV stand?

 

[Nemrod]

Why yes it is and you get an A for your observation skills--mighty fine. Yes and I am sitting here watching my flat panel LCD TV on my Bello stand and the stupid movie Evolution--lol--and drinking copius amounts of alcholic beverages as I do so.

The tank straps--hmm--that is a one piece Hog harness but the neoprene covers I got some place so long ago I cannot remember so feel free to give me a D-. They probably are a product of the long defunct Aqua Craft company and do help prevent chaffing. They are a length of about one mil neoprene two sides sewn along one edge.

Perhaps you can see them a little better here:

I actually don't just sit around drinking and taking pics of dive gear while watching movies on my TV on my Bellow stand. I go on a number of trips per year and before departing I rig everything out as I am intending to use it and then splash it in the Y pool and usually take a few pics so I remember what I am doing. That way I actually get to do what I went there for instead of floundering around on the surface with crap that don't work.


N

 

[Plug]

I had a similar decision myself a while ago, I ended going for the complete package from Tobin, I am extremely happy with his customer service and his gear, even my wife commented on the quality of the torus wing, and I now have a line of friends waiting to try it out.
Living in Australia I had no chance to see the DSS stuff first, but I am extremely happy with my purchase. The photo’s of the Mach V mounted look pretty impressive but the Torus 35 I have does not appear to be much bigger. I also went from a Ranger to a backplate and you will be impressed with the difference.

I cannot speak highly enough of his customer service I have never had such excellent service for a manufacturer.

Brendan

 

[xiSkiGuy]

I don't like the yellow lettering but you can paint that out with a black permenant marker with good results.

The last round of Mach Vs that came to the shop had black lettering in place of the usual yellow. I'm not sure if it is a permanent change, an option, or just a run of "stealth" models. . .