Halcyon or DSS?

[SereDiver]

I've been considering taking the GUE Fundies course and have been reading up on the different gear requirements. I currently don't dive a BP/W so that will have to be one of my purchases. After doing some research it looks like the BC's that I seem to be most interested in are either manufactured by either Halcyon or DSS. I'm from SoCal so the fact that DSS is local is a good thing and I've read that Tobin is awsome when it comes to customer service. Am I missing something in regards to Halcyon, or is it just a matter of preference? I would appreciate any feedback from anyone familiar with both of these manufacturer's products. I already screwed up on my first BC purchase and I'd like to get it right the second time. Thanks for the input...

 

[Vie]

I'm from SoCal so the fact that DSS is local is a good thing and I've read that Tobin is awsome when it comes to customer service. Am I missing something in regards to Halcyon, or is it just a matter of preference? I would appreciate any feedback from anyone familiar with both of these manufacturer's products.

Tobin IS awesome.

Honestly, it's a just a matter of personal preference between the two brands. Both manufacturers make quality products.

My 2c...

Personally, I prefer Halcyon's backplate. I like to carry a large SMB in a storage pack (attached to the backplate). The backplates from DSS are flatter than Halcyon's and therefore does not leave much room for a storage pack and its content.

I also prefer the large (and stretchable) Halcyon "corrugated hose" to the OEM DSS "corrugated hose."

Otoh, Halcyon gear is expensive...

 

[John_B]

I have a DSS steel backplate and 26 lb. Torus wing. When I travel on business and can't fly with a full dive bag, I occasionally rent a Halcyon backplate and 30 lb. Eclipse wing. The biggest difference is, well, functionally there is no big difference. The Halcyon wing is a little wider than it needs to be, the Eclipse been around a while and hasn't caught up with Tobin's "narrower is better" wing design. And the corrugated hose is flatter on the Halcyon gear, which is just different but not better or worse. So the net effect is that the Halcyon gear has blue H logos on the harness webbing and will set you back about three benjamins more than a comparable DSS rig.

... and I've read that Tobin is awsome when it comes to customer service. Am I missing something in regards to Halcyon, or is it just a matter of preference?

Don't just read about his awesome customer service, call him and find out for yourself.

I already screwed up on my first BC purchase and I'd like to get it right the second time.

Been there, done that.

Call Tobin.

 

[TSandM]

I seriously prefer the shorter and less stretchy inflator that's on the DSS wings -- and they don't stretch out over time.

Halcyon and DSS both make good products. DSS's customer service is unparalleled, and as they are local to you, I don't think you really have a decision to make here. You will save quite a bit of money by going with the DSS gear, as well. The only issue I know of that you might run into is if you try to rent doubles in Florida, you may find the bolts too short to go through the DSS plate.

 

[shellbackdiver1]

Customer service is great when it's needed. I have never needed to use the customer service of Halcyon. Enough said!

 

[John_B]

Customer service is great when it's needed. I have never needed to use the customer service of Halcyon. Enough said!

What, you didn't get one of the magic stainless steel inflators?

 

[CuriousRambler]

I've never used any DSS products, but I've got a Halcyon 30# Eclipse and it's definitely a high quality rig. I can make a testament that Tobin does go far beyond "typical" customer service in helping anyone and everyone out. I caught a shop having a sale and got my Eclipse probably cheaper than Halcyon would like to hear about, but given the price break on your average buy, I'd be inclined to run for DSS, and even though I don't own any of their products, Tobin's answered numerous questions of mine and was extremely unbiased toward his own products, he gave a black and white view and said "go with what's best for you".

Definitely give him a call if you've got questions. My next rig will be DSS without a doubt - not because Halcyon is substandard by any means, but the price and customer service is too good to turn down, and the number of positive reports that exist can't be wrong about the quality of DSS gear.

 

[Jasonmh]

You really can't go wrong with either company (I have quite a bit of gear from each). If I was pressed to suggest one over the other, I would say go with DSS. They are local to you, and will save you some money without sacrificing quality.

 

[Scared Silly]

Customer service is great when it's needed. I have never needed to use the customer service of Halcyon. Enough said!

Customer Service does not automatically mean after sales service. To me it involves all phases of a purchase. I often call the mfg directly for info. Done it for both Halcyon and DSS and both have been responsive. I have gear made by both mfg. I think at this point DSS has an edge on the BP/Wing design.

As others have commented Tobin has a huge presence on the boards and is always willing to help folks out when it comes to answering questions.

 

[irishsquid]

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