IST BP/W setup

[SangP]

We have to pay a 7% gst for any shipped item > SGD $400... :depressed:

It's not a lot but still a pain.

Other than scubastore.com I can't think of other sites within the EU that sells cheap and has some tech gear.

SangP

 

[johnsub]

SangP, wish that was the case here too. We have to pay a lot more i think.
When importing you have to pay the diference in vat value for it plus some custom fees unless the value is up to 100$ or declared as a gift.
For 350$ including shiping cost you may have to pay 130$ in customs.
Even like this sometimes you get good deals and its worth it.

 

[johnsub]

Oh.. And lets not forget about the thread.. Any IST wing reviewers???? Comment please.

 

[theduckguru]

Not a wing reviewer, but last year Seavenger had IST BCDs at a unbelievable price and a friend ordered one. The stitching / fabrics / metal D rings / dumps were very good quality, but the inflator was kinda of micky mouse. For what he paid for it, one could switch out to a better inflator and still be money ahead.

The inflator pictured looks like the same on that was on the BCD.

 

[fishinfortuna]

IST, has very decent stuff for the price point. I agree their inflators appear to be very cheesy plastic, instead of graphite reinforced stuff. Replace the inflator if you think its suspect. If your interested in the 30 you cant go wrong, for the price, the 50 is for doubles ONLY. If you want a little more versatility (single or double) check out OMS. There might be other, I'm just familar with them, but they will cost more$.
Interestingly IST jacket type BCD's are made by TUSA/Tabata.

 

[DevonDiver]

If your interested in the 30 you cant go wrong, for the price,

...unless it comes apart at the seams mid-dive and kills you

In all seriousness, these are probably fine for the 30lb single-tank wing. Even if it did fail, it's unlikely to kill you. Replacing the LPI hose is easy enough. I prefer shorter length hoses anyway...and will normally stick a 'flat' Halcyon hose on.

I would be a bit more circumspect about buying the 50lb for doubles diving. For the type of diving most divers use doubles for, I wouldn't recommend making an equipment decision that prioritised price. I definitely recommend piece of mind from a quality brand. I've seen wings torn apart twinset diving.... and those were 'high-end' brands.

Sometimes brands like IST are actually just selling non/re-branded versions of products that are made on the same production line as other 'branded' products. They make the same product, but just don't add the branded label and tend to put cheaper peripherals (i.e. LPI hose or plastic rather than metal cams). However, I don't think these ones are, as they seem to be Halcyon copies.... and those aren't made in a Taiwan factory.

 

[johnsub]

fishinfortuna, thanks for the info. Does this come from your personal experience or some friend of yours had a dive with one?

Andy, price is not the first factor when it comes to making a desicion about underwater equipment since your safety depends on it. I agree with you. But if its a product that is fair quality for a good price and gets the job done, then it worths a try. LPI and dump valves can be replaced easily if needed. But that is extra cost. If you add that extra cost plus 20% more, you can get a Frog 30lb wing system here. What is really ipmortant though is how long will the wing last. If i dive the wing 30 times and problems start apearing with the fabric, stiching etc then i dont think it worths it.

 

[DevonDiver]

Andy, price is not the first factor when it comes to making a desicion about underwater equipment since your safety depends on it. I agree with you. But if its a product that is fair quality for a good price and gets the job done, then it worths a try..... What is really ipmortant though is how long will the wing last.

If you're diving a 50lb Double wing... then the chances are that it is an advanced or technical dive... decompression and/or overhead environment (cave/wreck penetration). In those circumstances a wing failure could kill you. What's really important is that you don't die for the sake of saving $30.

Recreational diving is not so critical, as even major equipment malfunctions are 'escapable'.

 

[fishinfortuna]

fishinfortuna, thanks for the info. Does this come from your personal experience or some friend of yours had a dive with one?

Personal experience with the entire IST product line.

No bashing Halcyon (I like their products) but the big H has had problems with their production as well: Halcyon Manufacturing Recall of SCUBA BC Inflators

So price does not always mean the product will not fail when you least expect it. But DevonDiver is right, a 30lbs wing is great for relatively shallow water diving. Great for hunting lobster in the rocks. Wreck diving with a single 120, I personally want something with more lift. Wreck penatrations with doubles, I want even more and double bladders, because as DD explained s%!t happens.

TUSA/Tabata has had problems as well:
Tabata USA Recalls Scuba Regulators Due to Drowning Hazard

I hope this has been helpful!

 

[DevonDiver]

I tend to trust companies that have occasional 'product recalls' the most. It tells me that they care about quality and safety.

It's the companies that never had a product recall that worry me!!!