Halcyon vs. DSS

[Fly&Dive]

I want to get a BP/W. I have read threads about different brands and different setups and I want a complete setup of the same manufacturer. My LDS sells Halcyon, but I have read great things about DSS. I am torn between the two choices. I have seen and touched a Halcyon, but I have never been in the water with one...yet. However,my knowledge of DSS is mostly through their website and forums. I dive mostly cold water now, but most likely that will change in the near future.

1) Considering price, which would you prefer?

2) Without considering price, which would you prefer?

3) Used Halcyon is similar in price to new DSS. Of a used Halcyon and a new DSS which would you prefer?

4) Is there a better alternative?

Thanks!

 

[SparticleBrane]

1: DSS
2: DSS
3: DSS
4: IMHO, I think that Halcyon and DSS are on about the same level. I prefer DSS for the 'value for money' option, plus I think the gear is well made and customer service excellent. Then again you could say the same thing about the big blue H.

 

[digital_steve]

It's all well made gear, you won't go wrong either way
I didn't go for DSS due to shipping costs to Australia. So i have some Halcyon gear
The Zeagle backplate and wings are also pretty good, i had one of them too

 

[halocline]

I really like the design of the DSS single tank set up. The plates are excellent, the wings are very streamlined, and the feature that allows you to simply pull the wing off the plate for cleaning and storage is terrific.

 

[Tortuga68]

If I was in the UK, I would probably have DSS

But instead I went Halcyon

 

[diveandclimb]

Go with DSS. Halcyons aren't any better but they are more money. Talk to Tobin and he'll get you set up with the right stuff for your needs.

 

[Fly&Dive]

Thanks for your posts!

 

[theskull]

Perhaps you might suggest to your LDS that they become a DSS distributor?

Both brands are excellent. You'll probably get a better buy on DSS.

theskull

 

[mcgowman]

Does your LDS have Halcyon in their rental fleet? Maybe you can test drive it before committing fully.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

I own both brands ... for both singles and doubles setup. I own Halcyon because I used to work for a Halcyon dealer, and they insisted I wear their brand. I own DSS because I prefer it.

There are some minor differences in the gear ... I think DSS makes a superior plate in terms of features. I like the elastomer inserts because they reduce wear on the webbing and your harness lasts longer. I like the screw-in plate weights for single tank diving. And I like the shallower bend and channel of the plate, also for single-tank diving.

The most significant difference in their singles wings is that the DSS tend to be more streamlined, and do not require an adapter. The DSS donut style wings also do not have a zipper, so if you get a puncture or pinch flat in the wing, you have to send it back to DSS for repair (fortunately, the wing's so tough I don't see much possibility of it happening ... mine's got hundreds of dives on it without issues).

I own both the Halcyon Evolve 60 and DSS Torus 49 doubles wings ... they dive very similarly, and I use them interchangeably, depending on what rig I'm diving.

Both brands are high-quality gear. Given the price difference and the exceptional customer service you'll get from DSS, I'll give them the advantage.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)