DSS vs Halcyon

[vicp]

But, If I were looking for the best bang for the buck I would order a DSS package rig.

I am not so sure. A few dive shops are selling the 2012 Hollis wings for $200. I picked one up on an impulse buy. The quality is excellent. You could pick one up for $200 add a cheap Storm Al plate and harness and some cam straps and you can have a full setup for around $300. You could get a Dive Rite travel BC for around the same price. I don't have a Dive Rite wing so I can't attest to the quality.

Totally agree w/ams. Both Halcyon and DSS are overpriced. Halcyon because it has the "DIR" stamp of approval and DSS because it just is. Not disputing that both Halcyon and DSS produce quality gear, but so do a lot of others. DSS wings, being sewn up, preclude taking the bladder out to troubleshoot or repair something in the field without cutting open the cover. While Tobin, according to many people, has good support for his products, it has been posted that if he disagrees with the customer, he may not give satisfaction (check this history on this board). Anyway, DSS BPs are several times the cost of generic AL and SS BPs found elsewhere.

Like ams said, the Hollis wings are great ( I have had 4) and in fact, I am selling an almost new X37 doubles wing for $100. HOG also makes great wings. BPs can be bought for $50 to $80 and harnesses start at about ~$25 (simple hogarthian). Shops like Cave Adventurers (Mariana and on-line) as well as Dive Gear Express (and a bunch of others) can put together packages that are much more "bang for your buck" than the rigs you have mentioned. You can also look for used gear. A lot of people of people are going sidemount so there is a lot back mount gear for sale.

In any case, good luck with your diving!

 

[ams511]

Out of curiosity could one use the Eclipse wing with a DSS backplate? Do you for see any issues?

The eclipse wing requires a single tank adaptor, so any plate that has holes for doubles will work.

 

[FM1520]

DSS wings, being sewn up, preclude taking the bladder out to troubleshoot or repair something in the field without cutting open the cover.

Not sure what you mean by "being sewn up." See picture below of my DSS 30 lb wing - note the zipper.

 

[RJP]

"One wing to rule them all..."

 

[TSandM]

Both companies make quality gear. Both have a good reputation for customer service, apart from a few very aberrant issues. Price is quite different, and the design decisions are different.

Tobin specifically designs gear for single tank divers, with the idea that the majority of people who buy DSS rigs will never dive doubles. The shallow bend is part of that, as are the weight plates. If you are single tank diving in cold water, I don't think you can really beat the design of the DSS stuff -- no STA, weight plates, shallow bend.

If you get into doubles, it starts to even out a little. The shallow bend may cause problems with some tank sets with short bolts. You're no longer looking at the weight plates. But price is still an issue.

You won't get bad gear either way. You will get some very good advice from Tobin on your purchase; I don't know if Halcyon, as a company, does anything like that. I think you're more dependent on your dealer for advice there. I do know that DSS stands behind their products, and they rarely need to . . .

 

[lonebrave]

Not sure what you mean by "being sewn up." See picture below of my DSS 30 lb wing - note the zipper.

The DSS Torus line is zipperless.

 

[NAM001]

None of the 3 dss wngs i own, have a zipper. They are all less tehn 3 years old.

Not sure what you mean by "being sewn up." See picture below of my DSS 30 lb wing - note the zipper.