A Question about the different BP/W systems?

[PerroneFord]

I think it changed within the last year or so. I have one that is several years old and it is a horseshoe. The newer one is about a year old and it is an oval. There are probably a lot of older ones still in stock or on store shelves... so you might want to look at it close to be sure what you are getting. Not "you"... but whomever is looking.

Ahh, that probably explains it then. I just went to their webpage and saw that is is indeed an oval shape. OMS isn't really too popular down here in N.FL. so we don't get to see a lot of them. LOOOOTS of Dive Rite though. Not as much Halcyon as you might expect.

 

[GreenDiverDown]

There are some subtle differences between the H Eclipse and the OMS. I don't know that they matter much, though... different inner bladder material... different outer shell... different inflator. They are both very nice and you can't go wrong with either.

Are you considering the Eclipse or the Pioneer?

 

[lundysd]

I would second the recommendation to look at Oxycheq, at least for the wing. The Oxycheq has a few nice characteristics that may make it a little more rugged and servicable (360 zipper, nice thick bladder, etc). You can pick them up from any oxycheq dealer or from scubatoys for a great price (you have to call and ask for it though).

 

[Mambo Dave]

You should look at the Golem Gear single as well.

I'm looking to see some of their gear myself. Sounds like good stuff.

Besides some air trapping, my DR RecWing has worked well enough to allow me to forget about the 'need' to buy a higher-lift donut wing, though I'm pretty sure i'd prefer one.

The issue with DR wings that a few of us have is that they are supposed to be 'tech' gear, yet they come with a rear dump valve and a 24-mile long inflator hose. Surely in this day and age DR could, and should for their customer demographic, equip their equipment so most of us wouldn't have to then buy the 'right' parts most of us use. Sure, I'm positive some people are ok with the inflator length, but I'd bet most of us end up buying DR's elbow and hose after the fact. They are, though, an American company that supports its dealers and customers, so that's very important to some of us.

Small concerns, yes, but it doesn't seem like DR does enough for their products (like they LIKE being second fiddle, or third, or fourth, or something). :14:

Best,

MD

 

[Vayu]

The Golem is really tough.

The three companies listed all make good products.

 

[Mr Carcharodon]

Hello Everybody!!
Just a quick question for anybody that can answer. I am looking at buying a BP/W from one of my LDS in the area. I am interested in purchase a BP/W with a 30 or 40 Ibs. wing for single tank use. I am looking at the "Big 3" (OMS, Dive Rite, Halcyon) and am interested if anybody can tell me the pro's and con's about the different systems or are they all pretty much the same and I shoud just look at price.
Thanks

I think the advantages of the systems from the major manufacturers is that they are integrated for you and there is not much set up on your part. But the disadvantage is that they are expensive. Hammerhead Scuba has backplates, harnesses and STA for less than any of the three you mentioned. But then you would have to get a wing separately and put it together. That is not too hard really but you have to evaluate for yourself what your time is worth.

 

[spacemanspiff1974]

I did the whole hammerhead thing coupled with an oxycheq 30 lb from scubatoys. Good price and good quality.