Oside Jimc
Contributor
I was in the market for a new BC system and after much research I decided to go for a BP/W. I was very attracted by the simple, streamlined configuration as well as the propect for improved trim over the jacket BCs I had been renting. After researching the options I still had a bunch of questions so I PM'ed Tobin to learn more about the DSS offering. Tobin's customer service is beyond top notch, I wish every manufacturer was so interested in making sure customers get the best system to suit their needs. After exchanging several PMs I decided on a medium SS backplate, LCD 30# wing, hog harness and the 8.1# bolt on weights for the BP. I ordered everything online one evening after work and what do you know, early next morning I got a phone call from Tobin just to double check my component selection before it shipped (Total customer service!). The next day everything arrived and so did the next round of questions. As I got the system put together Tobin patiently answered all my questions so now it was ready to dive.
At the SoCal wrinkles dive yesterday I was finally able to get it wet, and I am a happy boy!!!
After reading about BP/W setups supposedly pitching divers forward on the surface I was a little nervous about the long surface swim to get the canyon, but these reports proved to be inaccurate in my case, even with the wing full and fighting a STIFF current there was no tendency to pitch my face into the water, very nice balance on the surface.
Underwater the rig is everything I hoped it would be, thanks to the weight distribution provided by the add on weights balance was just astounding (Yes it is an expensive way to add 8lbs, but IMO well worth it!). Bouyancy control was easy, our dive went down to 97' and I never had any issues dumping air during the ascent (another rumor proved false), of course some fine tuning is in order but I always felt like I was in total control.
When it was over again I had no issues with balance on the swim in, and thanks to the ripping current I even got to try out how the rig felt on the long walk back to the picnic area where we started.
So THANK-YOU Tobin for your excellent product and unparalled customer service, you and your company rocks!
At the SoCal wrinkles dive yesterday I was finally able to get it wet, and I am a happy boy!!!
After reading about BP/W setups supposedly pitching divers forward on the surface I was a little nervous about the long surface swim to get the canyon, but these reports proved to be inaccurate in my case, even with the wing full and fighting a STIFF current there was no tendency to pitch my face into the water, very nice balance on the surface.
Underwater the rig is everything I hoped it would be, thanks to the weight distribution provided by the add on weights balance was just astounding (Yes it is an expensive way to add 8lbs, but IMO well worth it!). Bouyancy control was easy, our dive went down to 97' and I never had any issues dumping air during the ascent (another rumor proved false), of course some fine tuning is in order but I always felt like I was in total control.
When it was over again I had no issues with balance on the swim in, and thanks to the ripping current I even got to try out how the rig felt on the long walk back to the picnic area where we started.
So THANK-YOU Tobin for your excellent product and unparalled customer service, you and your company rocks!
