BPW: Dive Rite vs Hollis vs DSS

[Locus]

Which brand of bpw has the best performance, durability, and value for a single-tank recreational diver?

How difficult or easy is it to have DSS gear serviced locally? My LDS sells Hollis and Dive Rite bpw's but only small DSS accessories, so they have advised me to go with DR or Hollis. I hear nothing but good things about DSS, but I live in Canada so sending anything to them for servicing would be a pain.

Are there other good brands in the same price range that I am overlooking?

 

[Teller]

If your limiting yourself to those three then I would go for DSS. I wouldnt worry too much about service. Any dive shop can service a power inflator regaurdless of brand.

 

[Gren]

All 3 should provide you years of good use. The only thing you should possibly need to get serviced is the wing.

I for one love the DSS backplate because of the weight plates, the size options, and the added features like the grommets to minimize webbing wear.

 

[buddhasummer]

I doubt actually diving any of them you could tell which was which in a blind test. DSS attention to detail and quality is very high, I own numerous DSS products but not BP/W although have played with one in a shop and was very impressed with quality of construction. Service from DiveRite and DSS is exceptional, Hollis is a bit hit and miss although they do seem to set things right in the end. I've owned both DR and Hollis the quality of finish on Hollis is a little better. Personally I'd go DSS although the owner can come off a little gruff at times but his knowledge is nothing short of amazing and he will ensure you get exactly what you need and nothing more. As far as repairs go a wing is the only thing that would need manafaturers repair and you'd be in the same boat with any of the three i.e all would likely need to be returned to manufacturer for repair so I think that's a non issue. Yes, I'd go DSS. Good luck.

PS The shop is likely recommending DR or Hollis simply because that's what they have in stock.

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

Which brand of bpw has the best performance, durability, and value for a single-tank recreational diver?

How difficult or easy is it to have DSS gear serviced locally? My LDS sells Hollis and Dive Rite bpw's but only small DSS accessories, so they have advised me to go with DR or Hollis. I hear nothing but good things about DSS, but I live in Canada so sending anything to them for servicing would be a pain.

Are there other good brands in the same price range that I am overlooking?

Ask your shop how they handle bladder repairs for Hollis and Dive Rite. My guess is that they don't carry replacement bladders, and may actually require you to send the wing directly to Hollis or Dive Rite for warranty service / replacement if a bladder seam fails.

The inflator is a cheap part (about $20 online), and can either be serviced (or simply replaced!) by your dive shop. But if the bladder has a weld failure or puncture, will your local shop handle servicing it... or like DSS, will the wing need to be mailed off for service?

With DSS, "factory" service is speedy.

Maybe not so much with other brands.

I am in the middle of a protracted replacement "ordeal" for two HOG 32 singles bladders we own that had weld failures. To be fair, they are vintage 2008 wings, the new HOG 32's have improved bladders, HOG is a small operation and they are busy with lots of other things, Chris has been very nice to talk to, etc., etc. And I do expect it is all going to work out fine in the end, but it is going on 2 months trying to get the bladders replaced... :depressed:

I do recommend looking at HOG wings as well (they are good wings and a great value, I just had incredibly bad luck with a pair of the earliest models).

Don't rule out DSS just because you may need to send a wing in, it could still be less hassle than if the same failure occurs with another brand.

Best wishes.

 

[smorneau]

I have a DSS plate and 40# wing that I use for rec. diving locally in the cold water. I chose the DSS plate because of the added weight plates. Very nice when using a drysuit or lots of neoprene. Putting extra weight where it is needed, over the lungs! No need for a STA and A+ with any service directly through DSS. Very fast to respond to make it right! I also have a HOG plate that I use for double and when traveling am very happy with it, also great service!

 

[CT Sean]

I have a Hollis bp/w that I'm very happy with but I think if I had to start over, I'd go with a DSS. I like the design of their wings better as well as the greater single tank wing options (you only get 2 with Hollis) and the overall "integrated system" design of their plates and wings.

 

[MKrauter]

I'm from Canada as well, Southern Ontario. Called Tobin, placed my order and had my BC in hand a week later. If I were you I wouldn't worry about living in Canada.

 

[j2s]

Have tried most brands; Dive Rite, Hollis, Oxycheq etc....Like the DSS gear best of all, both for single and doubles.....I'm 6'4" and they have the longest bp as well as the most accessories for bp's and the toughest wings.......If you decide on DSS, give Tobin, info on your gear; suit, weights etc and he'll recommend the best set-up....He's known for personal service and solid advice........

 

[SandPhantom]

DSS, love mine.