DSS horseshoe or donut single tank wing?

[BigTuna]

I use DSS's LDS 30 horseshoe wing for my single tank dives and like it a lot, so I'm wondering what I'm missing compared to their new donut wing. Any comparison experience or opinions out there? I've read thru the horseshoe vs. donut discussions before, which makes me wonder whether the donut brings any discernable benefits to the dive.

I'm also wondering if the sewn-shut design of the donut wing would be a problem--I've had to remove the shell of my horseshoe wing to repair a pinch-hole in the bladder....

 

[cool_hardware52]

I use DSS's LDS 30 horseshoe wing for my single tank dives and like it a lot, so I'm wondering what I'm missing compared to their new donut wing. Any comparison experience or opinions out there? I've read thru the horseshoe vs. donut discussions before, which makes me wonder whether the donut brings any discernable benefits to the dive.

I'm also wondering if the sewn-shut design of the donut wing would be a problem--I've had to remove the shell of my horseshoe wing to repair a pinch-hole in the bladder....

Hi BT,

You aren't missing much. A narrow horseshoe will perform very much like a narrow donut.

Remember the LCD 30 wing you have has the standard bladder, not the 22 mil urethane.


Tobin

 

[zach5150]

I've got the Torus 35lb, and I love it! But, Tobin has described many times in great detail the differences between his two designs...and as he summarized above, I've heard there's nearly no difference between them.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

I've got the Torus 35 as well, and it's an awesome wing! I used to have an LCD 30, but I loaned it to TSandM and never got it back ...

You'll love either wing ... my preference is for the Torus, but I think it's more "new toy" syndrome than anything else.

One thing I did notice ... the LCD seems to have a slightly wider center panel, and works better on certain backplates (like Oxycheq) that have wider-spaced slots for the cam straps. If you use a non-DSS plate it may be worth considering ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[cool_hardware52]

the LCD seems to have a slightly wider center panel, and works better on certain backplates (like Oxycheq) that have wider-spaced slots for the cam straps. If you use a non-DSS plate it may be worth considering

Thanks for the kind words Bob. I believe you had a "first generation" LCD 30. They had a slightly different center panel configuration. The current LCD wings, and Torus Single Wings share the same camband panel windows.

Tobin

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

Thanks for the kind words Bob. I believe you had a "first generation" LCD 30. They had a slightly different center panel configuration. The current LCD wings, and Torus Single Wings share the same camband panel windows.

Tobin

Yes, you're right ... my first DSS wing was an early model. It definitely hooked me on the quality of DSS products ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[GreenDiverDown]

You two need to get a room!

... just kidding.

 

[*Floater*]

I use DSS's LDS 30 horseshoe wing for my single tank dives and like it a lot, so I'm wondering what I'm missing compared to their new donut wing. Any comparison experience or opinions out there? I've read thru the horseshoe vs. donut discussions before, which makes me wonder whether the donut brings any discernable benefits to the dive.

I'm also wondering if the sewn-shut design of the donut wing would be a problem--I've had to remove the shell of my horseshoe wing to repair a pinch-hole in the bladder....

I can't speak to the DSS single Toruses as I haven't tried them, but I do find that donuts in general are easier to rear dump. People sometimes complain that you have to tilt almost completely butt up to shift the gas in the rear with some donuts, but it's not that unusual to have to tilt almost completely head up with some wings to get that last bit of gas out from the front either, so at the very least you always have the option of two different ways of tilting your body to dump gas efficiently. If you prefer to use the power inflator/deflator to control buoyancy, then you probably would not have much to gain from the donut design.

As for the sewn-shut design, I doubt it would matter since that part will be under the tank anyway, and the wing doesn't have zipper/velcro access to the inner bladder so you cannot remove it for repairs yourself anyway.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

You two need to get a room!

... just kidding.

Are you really? Given your posting history, I wonder ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[GreenDiverDown]

Are you really?

Yes.