Lowest profile single tank wings (with built in STA)?

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tiburonarizona

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Looking for recommendations/opinions about "narrow" wings which minimize wobble and don't need single tank adapters. I've noticed some wing designs are "narrow" i.e. hugs the tank, whereas others appear to be flatter and wider (i.e. Dive RIte), and looks like they would benefit from a STA. I'm leaning towards Hollis LX, Oxycheq Mach V, VDH Argonaut, DGX S1 and the like and staying away from Dive Rite, OMS, HOG, (and Halcyon because of price).
I'm relatively small - 5'2" 115 pounds so want the lowest profile per amount of lift, if that makes sense. Obviously a 30# wing will be larger than an 18# wing, but different manufacturers design their wings differently to minimize volume and drag, that's what I'm hoping folks will chime in with - their experience with wings that are lower profile per amount of lift.
90% of my diving is warm water (generally use 3mm full wetsuit + 2.5 mm hood + sometimes 2.5 mm vest), so hoping to get buy with an 18# lift, but can go up to 25# or even 30# if warranted. AL backplateplate, brand TBD.
Thanks
 
My only diving experience with single tank wings is with DSS, HOG, and VDH. I currently have a HOG 23, and VDH 18 and 35s. I have posted pictures elsewhere here on SB with pictures showing all 3 side by side.

If the 18 is enough for you, it is a SWEET, SWEET wing. I just spent a week diving my VDH 18 off a Blackbeard's cruise in the Bahamas and it was perfect!

If you need more than 18, the 35 is extremely compact and streamlined for being a 35. It looks as streamlined as my HOG 23.

I spent a week diving with a friend that has the current DGX single tank wing and it is also very nice. I bought my VDH 35 before DGX came out with that updated wing. Otherwise, I probably would have bought that instead, just based on a lower price and not having hands-on experience with either.

If 18 is not enough for you, then, personally, I would just get the VDH 35 and be done. One wing that will handle any and all single tank diving you'll ever do. And it's so compact and streamlined, I doubt you'd ever mind that it was more lift than you need for warm water diving.
 
What tanks do you dive? The 30# Oxy is long, and can be an issue with an hp80. Same for the VDH. Maybe the 23? 18?

I have experienced this with my 5'-2" WIFE.....

I also have the 18 from VDH. Great warm water wing!
 
Thanks StuartV for your feedback on wing brands and your wing comparison photo. I did see that earlier. Super helpful to this newbie.
RhwestfalI, I must've missed the 23# VDH wing option. Agree, that may be the best choice for me.
Tanks: 80AL or 63 if I can find them. All of my diving is overseas, so I'm dependent on whatever the resort or liveaboard has. Thanks for the data point about the long Oxy.....I have had issues with tanks dangling half way down my short legs, ha, ha so good point. I will make sure to note height x width of wings when comparing.
Does your wife use a short plate? Wish VDH made a short AL backplate.....
 
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@tiburonarizona. I am 5’2 and dive the VDH 18 with al 80’s and 63’s. Its all the wing you will need for aluminum tanks/tropical diving and packs easily.

Here’s a photo of me with a 63 tank and the VDH wing...

182E9CFB-AAB4-406B-9924-E76CCFED018F.jpeg
 
I've noticed some wing designs are "narrow" i.e. hugs the tank, whereas others appear to be flatter and wider (i.e. Dive RIte), and looks like they would benefit from a STA.

The STA doesn't obviate the wideness of a wing. It just makes it a little easier to attach the BP to the wing and plate..
 
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With double cam straps you will not need built in tank stabilizers. I have 2 DR Voyager wings in my family's arsenal...we have never had a problem with aligning and securely attaching tanks to our BP/Ws.

Not sure why there is such a constant desire by folks to go with the least amount of lift in a wing....the size and weight difference between an @ 18lb, @ 25lb, @30lb wing is minimal. I highly doubt one can quantifiably detect the any changes in drag in the water IF there is any. And the smaller lift value just makes the smaller volume wing less versatile.

-Z
 
https://www.shearwater.com/products/perdix-ai/

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