Freedom Plate Divers Roll Call: show us your rig!

[TMurrr]

We are prepping and packing gear for another trip to Indonesia. Carryon weight is limited to a meager 15 pounds. My travel regs and BP/W are essential carryon items (for me) and are stowed in a gutted Kelty Redwing Tactical 50 backpack. I've been hellbent on reducing the weight of my BP/W assembly for the previous and upcoming trip.

If anyone is interested here are the results: stainless steel Lightweight Contour Plate, wedge, one piece hogarthian harness, DGX 30# wing with inflator, 3x ridged bent serrated D-rings, 2x standard D-rings, 2x plastic sliders, nylon buckle, crotch strap and 2x nylon cam bands hits the scale at 6.3 pounds.

The naked large Contour plate weighs in at 2.16 pounds. For our previous trip I carved and hollowed out a new thick wedge from a phenolic tree wedge. It has the same height, width and angle as the welded rails on my original Freedom Plate and that of the bolt-on rail for the Contour. Finished weight 6 ounces.

Bought the DGX wing after reading numerous recommendations and laudatory reviews on SB. The detailed descriptions and specifics on materials provided by Eric are spot on. The wing is well constructed, robust, streamlined and super LIGHTWEIGHT. Essentially the same narrow profile as the OxyCheq 30# at the weight of a VDH 18# wing. The latest iteration (sold after November 2024) has new coarse threads for attaching the lower pull dump and standard inflator elbow to the wing (no shoulder dump thankfully). I prefer these threads over the fine. Used the DGX in Cozumel a couple a weeks ago and couldn't be more pleased.

Seemed like an opportune time to post some pics, so here is my latest travel rig (sans pockets, light and reel). Thanks @Eric Sedletzky for the incredible backplates!

View attachment 886643

Great looking rig! Wow, you went with a DGX 30# over a VDH 18#? Love the wedge idea.

Also aren't the older style fine thread inflator/elbow valves compatible with VDH/Oxycheq/Dive Rite valves / assemblies? Thicker seems nice but also ease of repair and availability of replacement parts too.

I've also seen ideas where a zip-able backpack is attached to the backplate somehow so you wear your backplate's harness as the straps to your carry on backpack.
@Eric Sedletzky that would be a great add-on to the freedom plates

 

[Soloist]

Great looking rig! Wow, you went with a DGX 30# over a VDH 18#? Love the wedge idea.

Also aren't the older style fine thread inflator/elbow valves compatible with VDH/Oxycheq/Dive Rite valves / assemblies? Thicker seems nice but also ease of repair and availability of replacement parts too.

Thank you! I agonized over selling the VDH 18# for months and my apprehension continues (my wife still hasn't forgiven me), but the fact is I have sold several wings recently. I really only need one wing to use between my Contour and Freedom plates. However, it had to be very lightweight like the VDH for travel, yet provide more than enough lift when diving steel 120's mounted to a heavy Freedom plate slinging various sized bottles, an array of hunting gear and lead to sink a 7mm wetsuit. The DGX 30# was the logical choice.

Very good point on the threads. I called DGX for the specific differences between the previous model and the new. They mentioned better construction and materials, but nothing about the course threads. It's a bit of a dilemma because my wife has an OxyCheq 30# and a VDH 18# of all things with fine threads. Some of my HOG wings had course threads, so this issue isn't new. I plan on getting the 12" inflator assembly if/when DGX gets them in stock. Sadly it wasn't available when I ordered the wing. The 16" inflator included with the unit will be parted out and put in the save a dive kit.

 

[TMurrr]

Thank you! I agonized over selling the VDH 18# for months and my apprehension continues (my wife still hasn't forgiven me), but the fact is I have sold several wings recently. I really only need one wing to use between my Contour and Freedom plates. However, it had to be very lightweight like the VDH for travel, yet provide more than enough lift when diving steel 120's mounted to a heavy Freedom plate slinging various sized bottles, an array of hunting gear and lead to sink a 7mm wetsuit. The DGX 30# was the logical choice.

Very good point on the threads. I called DGX for the specific differences between the previous model and the new. They mentioned better construction and materials, but nothing about the course threads. It's a bit of a dilemma because my wife has an OxyCheq 30# and a VDH 18# of all things with fine threads. Some of my HOG wings had course threads, so this issue isn't new. I plan on getting the 12" inflator assembly if/when DGX gets them in stock. Sadly it wasn't available when I ordered the wing. The 16" inflator included with the unit will be parted out and put in the save a dive kit.

Its in a better place now. Its actually going out lobstering tomorrow and Friday, but it sends its regards
Thats interesting, thats a really logical choice. The DGX 30# seems perfect for an all-around wing and its still only $240 brand new. I really can't find many arguments for any other wing to recommend to friends (unless they want to spend months scouring the internet for VDH).

Depending on how DIY and particular you are, you could totally get more of the thicker/thinner threaded flanges and replace the entire flange on each wing so all wings in the house matched. I had to repair a bladder flange once and it wasn't terribly difficult. The only 'tricky' thing is having the right tool

Bladder-Flange-3-Piece-Assembly-Kit-13917 - I believe this is the thinner threaded one.
BCD-Valve-Repair-Tool-Set-2552 - this tool is great - I think theres some 3D printer models to if you have access to a printer

Love those 12" assemblies - I think Piranhas has the 13" version in stock. For what its worth I live drivable to DGX and really like their products, but Piranhas is also really good.

I wonder if the HOG wings course threads match other manufactures course threads. I know VDH/Dive Rite/Oxycheq and older DGX wings are all compatible thread wise, but not sure about any others.

 

[Soloist]

Its in a better place now. Its actually going out lobstering tomorrow and Friday, but it sends its regards
Thats interesting, thats a really logical choice. The DGX 30# seems perfect for an all-around wing and its still only $240 brand new. I really can't find many arguments for any other wing to recommend to friends (unless they want to spend months scouring the internet for VDH).

Depending on how DIY and particular you are, you could totally get more of the thicker/thinner threaded flanges and replace the entire flange on each wing so all wings in the house matched. I had to repair a bladder flange once and it wasn't terribly difficult. The only 'tricky' thing is having the right tool

Bladder-Flange-3-Piece-Assembly-Kit-13917 - I believe this is the thinner threaded one.
BCD-Valve-Repair-Tool-Set-2552 - this tool is great - I think theres some 3D printer models to if you have access to a printer

Love those 12" assemblies - I think Piranhas has the 13" version in stock. For what its worth I live drivable to DGX and really like their products, but Piranhas is also really good.

I wonder if the HOG wings course threads match other manufactures course threads. I know VDH/Dive Rite/Oxycheq and older DGX wings are all compatible thread wise, but not sure about any others.

Rubbing salt(water) into the wound isn't helpful! Glad the wing has a good home. Hopefully you gather up a big bag of bugs. I would be willing to bet the VDH has more than 18 pounds of lift. It is deceivingly small when deflated with the internal bungee drawing the shell in nice and tight. Very clever design.

I have an old elbow assembly from a HOG with coarse threads, so I know for certain the threads are different than those on the DGX. Thanks for the tips, but I like the new larger threads. My OCD commands me to disassemble and throughly clean our gear, so reassembly is quick and easy on the DGX. Cheers!

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

Thank you! I agonized over selling the VDH 18# for months and my apprehension continues (my wife still hasn't forgiven me), but the fact is I have sold several wings recently. I really only need one wing to use between my Contour and Freedom plates. However, it had to be very lightweight like the VDH for travel, yet provide more than enough lift when diving steel 120's mounted to a heavy Freedom plate slinging various sized bottles, an array of hunting gear and lead to sink a 7mm wetsuit. The DGX 30# was the logical choice.

Very good point on the threads. I called DGX for the specific differences between the previous model and the new. They mentioned better construction and materials, but nothing about the course threads. It's a bit of a dilemma because my wife has an OxyCheq 30# and a VDH 18# of all things with fine threads. Some of my HOG wings had course threads, so this issue isn't new. I plan on getting the 12" inflator assembly if/when DGX gets them in stock. Sadly it wasn't available when I ordered the wing. The 16" inflator included with the unit will be parted out and put in the save a dive kit.

You have company brother, because I sold away my VDH 18 wing to my punk-ass steroid injected nephew and I regret it still!!
I just figured at the time that I would order another one. But when Bryan died my heart sank, because not only did we lose a beloved member of our tribe but all the products he contributed to the sport.
I will finally be getting another dude I know into the water after he certified 4-5 years ago. I set him up with a premium heavy polished stainless FP with all the accessories, VDH 35, Scubapro MK25/G250-R190, GB SPG - The absolute holy grail premium setup.
You can lead a person to the water but you can't make them dive, and that's what happened here.
Hopefully that will be changing.

 

[TMurrr]

You have company brother, because I sold away my VDH 18 wing to my punk-ass steroid injected nephew and I regret it still!!
I just figured at the time that I would order another one. But when Bryan died my heart sank, because not only did we lose a beloved member of our tribe but all the products he contributed to the sport.
I will finally be getting another dude I know into the water after he certified 4-5 years ago. I set him up with a premium heavy polished stainless FP with all the accessories, VDH 35, Scubapro MK25/G250-R190, GB SPG - The absolute holy grail premium setup.
You can lead a person to the water but you can't make them dive, and that's what happened here.
Hopefully that will be changing.

Why didn't VDH continue producing the products he had already created? Seems reasonably simple enough to continue ordering parts and assembling pre-existing products like the wings... right?

 

[Soloist]

You have company brother, because I sold away my VDH 18 wing to my punk-ass steroid injected nephew and I regret it still!!

You remind me of my benevolent adoring uncles the way you gush with pride over your nephew. They didn't hesitate calling me a moron either! We are still stunned by Bryan's death and disappointed his truly unique business suffered the same fate. Hey, good luck getting your horse to drink the water, but if he bolts you can bet your ass divers will line up for an opportunity to buy his coveted gear.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

Why didn't VDH continue producing the products he had already created? Seems reasonably simple enough to continue ordering parts and assembling pre-existing products like the wings... right?

Bryan was VDH, and the business died with him. He did it part time and as far as I know nobody else was involved enough to keep things running. I don't think he had any employees.
Maybe someone who knew him can fill in the details.

 

[happy-diver]

Depending on how DIY and particular you are, you could totally get more of the thicker/thinner threaded flanges and replace the entire flange on each wing so all wings in the house matched.

I hear you speaking with excited enthusiasm, have you considered the prevalence of wings with welded flanges

 

[Soloist]

Bryan was VDH, and the business died with him. He did it part time and as far as I know nobody else was involved enough to keep things running. I don't think he had any employees.
Maybe someone who knew him can fill in the details.

I noticed a few months ago the VDH website is back up to honor Bryan's legacy, however, no gear is being sold or listed there. The website is maintained by friends of Bryan. What is available is equipment information, maintenance, manuals, message board and a nice profile on Bryan and the district and unique gear he developed.

Home | Vintage Double Hose

vintagedoublehose.com