DSS bp/w to Express Tech?

[gcsherwood]

I've been looking at the DSS bp/w system (in particular the 26lb torus and long backplate, as I'm 6'4") and also at the Zeagle Express Tech. I have scoured the boards looking at all the posts on both, and I saw that several people who were posting about their DSS rigs a couple of years ago are now expousing the virtues of the ET. No doubt the DSS rig is a fine product so I'm sure you didn't switch because the DSS was bad in any way, but that there was something about the ET that made you prefer to dive with it.

If anybody out there who has move from diving one of these rigs to the other (either way, actually) could you say what caused you to switch?

thanks much!

 

[ScubaSaipan]

Hi GC, I don't really meet the response parameters you outlined in your OP, but thought I'd tell you the factors I used to make the same decision you are making. I selected and currently dive an Express Tech.

I choose the ET for two reasons. One, I dive with single AL80s. Two, the price. LeisurePro currently is selling the ET for $172.95. I added some D rings and a crouch strap and still only have about $200 into my rig.

I really like the DSS systems and may get one when I can afford one.

Anyway just my 2 cents. Good luck with your decision.

 

[fjpatrum]

Hi GC, I don't really meet the response parameters you outlined in your OP, but thought I'd tell you the factors I used to make the same decision you are making. I selected and currently dive an Express Tech.

I choose the ET for two reasons. One, I dive with single AL80s. Two, the price. LeisurePro currently is selling the ET for $172.95. I added some D rings and a crouch strap and still only have about $200 into my rig.

I really like the DSS systems and may get one when I can afford one.

Anyway just my 2 cents. Good luck with your decision.

Can you link to that sale because $249 is the cheapest I see the ET on LeisurePro. I'd love to pick one up for under $200.

 

[ScubaSaipan]

Zeagle Express Tech BCD

 

[diver 85]

Zeagle Express Tech BCD

where is the 173 price---I see it for 2fiddy

 

[ScubaSaipan]

Well, that link shows a price of $173 when I click on it. So the only thing I can think is that since my IP address is over seas LP offers it at a lower price. Sorry for the mistake, but it is $173 from here.

 

[fjpatrum]

Good for you Saipan, take it if you can get it. Is it converting to non-US dollar currency? If not, that's a fantastic price and you should buy a couple then resell. Seriously, the best price I've seen on them, here in the US, is $249 and it's a good deal at that price. If you're seriously paying $173 US snap it up, you can't go wrong whether you use them or sell them.

 

[fjpatrum]

I've been looking at the DSS bp/w system (in particular the 26lb torus and long backplate, as I'm 6'4") and also at the Zeagle Express Tech. I have scoured the boards looking at all the posts on both, and I saw that several people who were posting about their DSS rigs a couple of years ago are now expousing the virtues of the ET. No doubt the DSS rig is a fine product so I'm sure you didn't switch because the DSS was bad in any way, but that there was something about the ET that made you prefer to dive with it.

If anybody out there who has move from diving one of these rigs to the other (either way, actually) could you say what caused you to switch?

thanks much!

I haven't dived the ET but the big concern most bp/w users mention is stability of your tank. Because the ET is a "soft plate" it won't keep the tank quite as stable while diving, or hiking, or whatever. I personally don't think it would be enough to keep me away and I'll probably buy an ET next year any way.

For now, I made a PVC plate and bought an SS plate because cost is a major factor for me at the moment. I've already spent 3x what I told my wife to expect for gear and she's not thrilled with me spending more... so I went for a generic plate and a webbing harness that I can build myself for $15.

The expensive part of any bp/w is the wing, though, so that's where the ET really wins out, in my opinion. You can barely get a wing at the price of the ET. For the cost of the wing you get a whole rig, ready to dive, comfortable, well designed, and great for traveling and packing. The folks I've spoken to who have dived one say it's a great rig and they didn't have major issues with the stability. "A little less but nothing I can't deal with/get used to" was basically what I heard.

 

[parzdiver]

I currently have two rigs, a Halcyon Stainless Steel Backplate with HOG harness and both single and doubles wings. I also have the Express Tech. I use the two for different applications.

The Express Tech is a great lightweight, single tank, warm water setup. I use it when I travel on vacation when some diving is involved. I've used it when going on cruises. It is a great light travel BC with many of the features of a BP/W. It is no quite as stable as a traditional plate, but it is a nice minimalist configuration. I added d-rings, a crotch strap, upgraded to a steel buckle and added cam strap weight pockets. If you are looking for a warm water travel rig, this is a great setup.

I use my SS BP/W when diving cold water (quarry in PA), diving doubles, or doing any extended diving. For a dive trip (different than a vacation with diving), I will take the backplate. If you are diving with any ballast requirement, the SS backplate will move that lead off your waist onto your back and help with trim. The stability with an STA is rock solid, there is no tank shift at all. If you are thinking about diving doubles, the backplate keeps the tanks solid on your back.

So, having said that, it is all use case. If I lost all my gear and needed to buy just one new setup, I'd be getting the DSS rig. It is a great set for a great price and will serve just about any type of diving you will ever do. The ET is a bit more limited in its range.

 

[gcsherwood]

Thanks, everyone for your replies. I've been away from the computer for the last week but I appreciate all of your input. I think I'm going to try a BP/w rig. While the ET looks nice and all, I think the plate is just too small for my 6'4" frame -- the lower straps bite under my arms. I saw the ET on a smaller person, and they cleared the arms just fine....

Geoff