DSS or Zeagle Express Tech?

[mcdoopy]

I am new to this board, but have been browsing the forum for information and finally decided to join. I'm getting back into diving after some time, and I can't decide between a DSS setup or the Zeagle Express Tech.

They both seem to get fine reviews. I like the DSS for the Steel BP, and weight plates, but like the price and reviews of the Zeagle Express Tech. The durability seems to be about the same. I'm going to get both a small and large bladder for either, as I both travel and dive here in the cold.

Is this like comparing apples to apples? I am having a really tough time with this! I am leaning towards the Zeagle, mostly because of the price difference.



Thanks!

 

[vladimir]

I don't think it's an apples-to-apples comparison. The Zeagle is a travel BC, so its principal attraction is that it is compact and light weight. My DSS steel plate travels well too, but a better comparison would be to the DSS Kydex plate.

 

[mcdoopy]

I understand that from a travel-weight perspective, but the Steel attracts me more than the Kydex. I like the idea of having to use less weight with the steel plate. The difference in weight for travel purposes (to me) is negligible.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

FYI, a wing with about 30-35 lbs. of lift should be adequate for single-tank cold water diving (depending on your weight configuration and exposure protection) and could easily be used for warm water trips.

Both DSS and Zeagle are companies with accessible owners who care about providing their customers with a very good product.

FWIW, I think that the wing on the Express Tech can be used with a stainless steel BP. Contact Zeagle Customer Service to confirm this if it makes a difference to you.

I like the way the DSS BP/W system works. Their wings have an integrated tank cradle and "windows" through which the tank cambands (attached to the BP) can be pulled through. This simplifies taking the rig apart for transportation, post-dive rinsing, and storage. The weight plates that Tobin makes for his DSS stainless steel BPs are quite nice, too.

I'd recommend demoing the gear before purchasing anything if you can.

 

[mcdoopy]

FYI, wing with about 30-35 lbs. of lift should be adequate for single-tank cold water diving (depending on your weight configuration and exposure protection) and could easily be used for warm water trips.

Both DSS and Zeagle are companies with accessible owners who care about providing their customers with a very good product.

I'd recommend demoing the gear before purchasing anything if you can.

I was also thinking about the Express Tech with just the 35 as an option. I wasn't sure how big the difference would be on a warm water dive with only the 24... or the 20 DSS.

Unfortunately the only DSS shop in the area just closed. There's another shop not too far that carries Zeagle. I'm going to head down tomorrow to see if they have one.

 

[vladimir]

I like the idea of having to use less weight with the steel plate.

As you should. For a tropical diver, if you're not moving weight from a belt to the plate, I doubt you will discern any of the legendary benefits a plate offers over a vest BC. I wear no weight with my DSS steel plate, which simplifies my rig nicely, but doesn't have a big impact on my trim.

The difference in weight for travel purposes (to me) is negligible.

Add a camera and housing, a laptop for editing, lenses, strobes, chargers, etc, as I do, and the two kilos might be the difference between bringing your luggage and having it (hopefully) arrive on the next plane. I agree though, that it usually doesn't matter if you're willing to check your dive gear, as I am.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

I was also thinking about the Express Tech with just the 35 as an option. I wasn't sure how big the difference would be on a warm water dive with only the 24... or the 20 DSS.

I use my 30 lb. lift Halcyon Eclipse wing with a stainless steel BP in my local temperate waters (SoCal) and with an aluminum BP for warm water dive trips. The wing works great in both situations.

Assuming that you're wearing thin exposure protection for warm water diving, a 20 lb. wing should provide more than enough lift. That same 20 lb. wing, however, will almost certainly not be enough lift for cold water diving, which necessitates a thick wetsuit or drysuit.

 

[mcdoopy]

As you should. For a tropical diver, if you're not moving weight from a belt to the plate, I doubt you will discern any of the legendary benefits a plate offers over a vest BC. I wear no weight with my DSS steel plate, which simplifies my rig nicely, but doesn't have a big impact on my trim.

This is exactly what attracts me to the DSS, along with the weight plates for cold water dives.

I use my 30 lb. lift Halcyon Eclipse wing with a stainless steel BP in my local temperate waters (SoCal) and with an aluminum BP for warm water dive trips. The wing works great in both situations.

Assuming that you're wearing thin exposure protection for warm water diving, a 20 lb. wing should provide more than enough lift. That same 20 lb. wing, however, will almost certainly not be enough lift for cold water diving, which necessitates a thick wetsuit or drysuit.

What I really what to know, is there a noticeable difference when diving with a 20/24 wing vs 30/35 in warm water? Will the smaller wing make for a much better experience?

 

[Bubbletrubble]

What I really what to know, is there a noticeable difference when diving with a 20/24 wing vs 30/35 in warm water? Will the smaller wing make for a much better experience?

Honestly, you'll be fine diving a 30/35 single-tank wing in warm water. I can use the DSS LCD 30 with SS BP and HP100 tank in a drysuit. The same wing performs very nicely with the Kydex BP/AL80 tank/3mm wetsuit in warm water. Haven't tried the SS BP in warm water because of checked luggage weight considerations.

 

[mcdoopy]

Well I guess if there's no real difference between diving with the smaller and larger wing, the economical choice would be the one 35 Express Tech.

Thanks for your feedback guys