DSS versus Apeks wings

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Thank you for this thread - I have a Mares Kaila that I don't really like and have been thinking about moving to a bp/w. I did a test dive with a DSS bp/w this last weekend and loved it. I'm getting ready to go over to the dive shop to place an order so it is good to hear the great reviews.

Do you think it will be cheaper through your LDS than ordering direct? At the very least, call Tobin at DSS and work through the configuration.

If the LDS price is the same, why not? Otherwise, order direct. Shops make their money on Scuapro and Aqualung.

Richard
 
Great post, Thomas. I am also a huge fan of DSS gear and recommend it to anyone who asks for a recommendation on gear that DSS makes.

Hey SparticleBrane:

Thanks for the complement. Of course, now if I could look like I knew what I was doing with my setup like you did, I'd be set to say the least! Thanks again for diving with me this weekend and definitely thank you for all of your patience (my navigation skillz, timeliness, looking like a baby calf on a new set of legs, etcetera- you know). :)

Kind regards from G-Ville,
Thomas
 
Having dove both the DSS LCD30 and Apeks WTX-3 wing, I would recommend the DSS wing because of the narrowness of the LCD30 compared to the WTX-3. The narrower wing is easier to manage and will have a less pronouced tank tacoing effect.

In addition to the width of the wings, the LCD30 is an inner bladder plus cordura cover design. The WTX-3 is single unit cordura bladder like those of a traditional back inflate. While most people seem to prefer the inner bladder plus cordura cover, I'm not convinced of the merits or necessity for single tank diving. I'll bet that pinch flats are more common than cover punctures and in that case the inner urethane bladder is a known weak point.
 
Thanks everybody for the input provided. I will most likely go with DSS. :crafty:

Regards,
 
In addition to the width of the wings, the LCD30 is an inner bladder plus cordura cover design. The WTX-3 is single unit cordura bladder like those of a traditional back inflate. While most people seem to prefer the inner bladder plus cordura cover, I'm not convinced of the merits or necessity for single tank diving. I'll bet that pinch flats are more common than cover punctures and in that case the inner urethane bladder is a known weak point.

Don,

Single layer wings are also subject to pinch flats, and will fail at lower impact energies than a 1050 ballistic nylon shell + thick urethane inner bladder combination will.

Dropping a backplate edgewise on ANY wing is pretty likely to damage it, but the "single layer" or urethane / 1000 denier cordura laminates are less robust.

We do use single layer construction for two wings, our Tropical Travel wing (TTW17) and our SuperScooter Wings (SS12) Our testing and our experience shows that this construction is lighter weight and less bulky, but it is somewhat less robust.

Tobin
 
Like Tobin said, forget about a single layered wing. There isn't much difference on the weight. Get a robust one from the beginning.

The best bet is to have a right one that doesn't need any warranty(customer) service later. In addition, I don't think Tobin is working :) and he is on the board all the times. You can catch him anytime you need any service on his product. Can you expect the same communication with Apeks? I don't think so...

Just my 2 bar...
 
Do you think it will be cheaper through your LDS than ordering direct? At the very least, call Tobin at DSS and work through the configuration.

If the LDS price is the same, why not? Otherwise, order direct. Shops make their money on Scuapro and Aqualung.

Richard

I doubt it will be cheaper but I like supporting my LDS - they've been good to me and I'd like to see them stay in business. I will call Tobin to help me figure out what I want though. Thanks!
 
Hi guys!

I have picked up the DSS bp/w and i can't wait for it to be delivered. :rofl3:

As you might have guessed, all went smooth with the order and the package left DSS within a few hours.

Thanks, Tobin! :D
 
Got my DSS all set up last night and can't wait to take it to the pool this weekend! My question now is weight belt or attach quick release pockets to the harness belt? Which is better and why?

Thanks Tobin for the help!

Julie
 
Julie I go with a belt when weight is needed. With a 3mil and an al80 at MtStorm I need no weight. With a 5 mil I add 4lbs. Diving a steel 95 or even a 72 with a 3 or 5 I need no weight. Your jacket has perhaps as much as 4-5 lbs of positive buoyancy. I'll be at Storm Sat and Sun if you decide to come up. Have an advanced student doing his dives.

I'll have my singles rig and doubles rig. Both DSS.

As for Tobins customer service. Last Monday I had to send in my singles wing after my cat decided to stretch on it or so it appeared. I sent the wing out UPS on monday from work. Friday Brain called said they got it, checked, it and took my payment. On Wednesday this week my repaired wing with new 22mil bladder was on my porch. That's why I dive, recommend, and sell DSS wings to my students. Thanks Tobin, Brian, and all the others at DSS.
 
https://www.shearwater.com/products/teric/

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