HELP with buying Harness/back plate/wing

[TSandM]

The above post is typical of why I recommend DSS . . . Tobin will bend over backwards to make sure you get the rig that will work best for you and your diving applications. In fact, he occasionally aggravates people, when he won't sell them what they WANT, because he's sure it isn't what they NEED

 

[Pullmyfinger]

At the risk of sounding like a pitch man for DSS, I'll tell you why I like them
At $465 for a complete rig you get a wing selection that includes more shapes and sizes than everyone else.
They are made by DSS, not outsoursed like some other companies. The inner bladder is make of a thicker material than most others.
The OPV is an improved design over the outsourced, and previously recalled OPV's on other companies wings.
Other small touches that show attention to detail not found on other wings are double zipties on each end of the inflator hose, the type with metal inserts, not the all plastic style found elsewhere.
A DSS molded rubber hat on the inflator hose connection.
The backplate is a flatter bend than some others, which I like. DSS use a unique STA-less design.
The plate and wing are quickly separated for packing. The slots have molded rubber inserts to lock the webbing in place.
The DSS belt buckle is much thicker and heavily made than the thin ones found elsewhere.
The crotch strap is made of a soft webbing, and included a DSS made tri-glide that has curved slots to prevent slipping.
They could have used a regular tri-glide like everyone else, but the time and attention to detail show me that Tobin gives a $h1T.
There are 3 of Tobins rigs in our house.
They're that good. Only $465


-Mitch

 

[kanonfodr]

^^^^^^ Very good argument for DSS.

I've used DSS, Dive-Rite, Halcyon, Oxycheq, and Edge/HOG products. All have had their positive and negative attributes over other pieces of equipment. But I would highly recommend either DSS or Halcyon because both brands' equipment is really made to work together in a fully functional and well thought-out system.

Dive Rite is still quality, but the gear has little issues here and there that don't work for me. Oxycheq makes some great wings, but haven't tried the rest of their lineup. HOG makes some very good products and their prices are super competitive.

Peace,
Greg

 

[Insta-Gator]

:crazyeye: OMG...you too? The best advice you have received thus far is 'go to a shop and see it, touch it, try it, dive it' if you can. Everyone else thus far is absolutely correct. I wish I could make up my mind. I may have to resort to driving all the way to Florida to try one out. Good luck.

 

[LakeCountyDiver]

Well I got off the phone with Tobin a little while ago and I now understand a lot more about Tec rigs then before. I really like the reviews people give about DSS rigs and in time I am sure I will own one (or many hahaha) Thank You Tobin for spending the time with me to point me in the right direction.

 

[txapacheguy]

I was in your boat a few months ago. I ended up getting the Oxycheq rig with a 6lb steel plate from caveadventurers.com - Home and then putting some XS Scuba quick release pouches on the belt and tank bands. They did right by me and I would recommend them to anyone else.

In hindsight, I would probably have bought the 40pound wing instead of the 30lb version, but that is mainly due to the fact that I wanted to be able to keep all my weight on the rig and none on a separate belt. I no longer think that is such a great idea when diving dry, or with a 7mm suit, so my 30lb wing is sufficient for now and I do not intend to attempt to trade or replace it. The extra buoyancy at the surface would be nice sometimes though...