I do agree DSS is a high quality produce. But I do found your reply biased, many points are inaccurate. I have 3 wings now, Oxycheq, DSS, Halcyon, one each. Here is what I have to say.
Buy DSS because they are better. I also own an Oxycheq signature wing, and have previously owned a Dive Rite.
Their inner bladder is thicker than their competitors.
This isn't true. DSS 22u vs Oxycheq 26.5u.
Their outer shell is a heavy denier ballistic nylon. Better than my Oxycheq or the Dive Rite.
It is hard to say which is toughtest. But based on the outter shell thickness, Oxycheq Signature V fees tougher but less flexible. Oxy wing retains it shape better even when the wing is empty. Not for DSS
Fast draining mesh at the bottom vs. grommets.
DSS grommets don't corrode, like my Oxycheq has.
All three of my wing has SS grommet. I use my Oxycheq the most, no sign of corrosion after 2 years.
The DSS OPV is much better that the (sourced from ???) that everyone else uses. The ones that were all recalled for bad springs. I put a DSS OPV on my Oxycheq.
The waist belt buckle on the DSS is made from approx. 1/8" thick stainless steel, not the thin stamped stainless everyone else uses/has outsourced for them.
This is BS. I haven't encount any SS buckle that gives me problem, including no brand plain SS buckle from DGX.
There are no exposed seams along the center line/perimeter of the DSS wing, the Oxycheq is similarly constructed. Halcyon, HOG, and others are just two flat pieces of fabric sewn together with the seam along the perimeter of the wing.
This is also inaccurate. I would say DSS wing's cut is more inline with H, HOG. They all can be folded flat. Oxycheq has a very different cut, more 3D. It cannot be folded flat. And because of Oxycheq's special cut, it is the most streamline wing. But I also suspect it may not be the easiest to vent.
The inner bladder of my DSS wings is properly sized to the outer shell. My Oxycheq seems to be a 55 lb. bladder stuffed inside of a 40 lb. shell. There are other posts here describing the same.
DSS plates have a flatter bend than others. Nicer for single tank.
DSS, Dive Rite, HOG are about the same flatness. OMS and H have higher degree of band. This is strictly a personal preference. Flatter plate put the tank closer to one's body. I found it is abit too close. My head hit 1st stage. I much prefer a steep band of my OMS over my DiveRite
DSS wings don't need a single tank adapter.....and.....allow you to quickly remove/replace the wing from the plate.
So as HOG and Oxycheq. I do agree that DSS mounting mechanism is better than other that I have.
DSS plates come in a few different lengths, and the have the molded in rubber pieces which mean you don't need to use tri-glides to lock in your webbing adjustment.
The DSS crotch strap is nice and soft, it doesn't require a neoprene sleeve over it,
So as many other. The only over stiff crotch strap is from DiveRite.
Again, I do agree DSS makes high quality product. I have no problem recommanding it. But to say DSS is the king, others are crap is a unfair statement.
To me DSS's advantages over other are these:
1)Tobin's knowledge, support and service
2)Different size backplate if that is what you need.
3)ability to add weight on to the plate, especially if you dive in cold water.
4)the wing attachement mechanism allow you to take wing off without rethreading tank band when not using STA