i am aware of the different options but what makes DSS better than halcyon, is the shape of the bladder newer?, i know that they dont need a STA but how does that equate in terms of loosing some steel weight on your back, is that better than a weighted STA, i know that DSS is cheaper than halcyon which i like but i guess im looking for a bit of a heads up comparison by people that have tried more than one? i can demo a halcyon but im not sure if i can rent an oxycheq or a DSS in my area...still have to look into it
You have asked a couple different questions.
First STA's What are the pro's and con's of STA's?
Cons:
Adds cost.
Spaces the cylinder further from the divers back.
Limits the range of vertical adjustment of the cylinder relative to the back plate. Many STA's have the camband slots at the extreme ends of the STA. That places the upper camband at or near the top of the plate.
Encourages divers to leave STA and wing Bolted to the Back plate. Transporting and cleaning a BP&W assembled greatly increases the chances of damaging the wing by dropping the Backplate onto the wing edgewise.
Pros:
In theory a STA increases stability of the tank. While a STA will improve stability over a poorly designed "direct mount" system, a STA will not increase stability over a well designed direct mount system.
In theory the use of a STA permits quick and easy conversion from single tank tank diving to doubles. In practice very few divers will frequently switch from singles to doubles. Very few divers will take on a single dive trip the wings, and tanks, and regulator sets, and weighting necessary to use either singles or doubles. Most divers who frequently use both singles and doubles will have two back plates.
Neutrals:
STA's add ballast. This may or may not be benefit depending on the application. Weighted STA's usually result in the greatest increase in offset of the tank from the divers back.
Wings:
The single most important thing in wing selection is matching the capacity to your application. All other things being equal, larger wings will be harder to vent and will offer more drag. DSS offers a range of singles wings. This allows a close match to your application.
All DSS singles wings have always featured very narrow center panel design, reliable wobble free direct mounting, and true 1050 ballistic nylon shell materials. Bladders are available in either 12 mil (.012") or 22 mil (.022") urethane film.
Wings are almost always damaged via "pinch flats" Look here
https://www.deepseasupply.com/index.php?page=video
Scroll down the last video in the list.
Actual sharp object penetration of the outer shell is almost unknown. Divers simply cannot move fast enough under water to succeed in driving a "spine" through a wing shell or slicing it on a a sharp edge.
All combinations of bladder materials and shell materials are subject to pinch flats. Some offer more protection, but all are vulnerable. The best way to limit this type of damage is to keep the wing away from the plate whenever possible.
DSS wings can be quickly and easily mounted and demounted from the plate. That limits the exposure to pinch flats.
Look here
https://www.deepseasupply.com/images/dssinstall.mov
and here
https://www.deepseasupply.com/images/dssremoval.mov
If you have other questions let me know.
Tobin