Just got my new DSS BP/W setup today

[H2ODoc]

This is my first buoyancy device and I decided to start out with the BP/W setup for compactness (travel) and simplicity.

Based on Tobin's recommendations, I went with the med SS backplate and LCD20 wing. The setup sure doesn't look big enough to float me at the surface, but we'll see. I sure hope I don't have to ditch the whole rig on my first drop into the ocean! :shocked2:

I paypalled DSS and it was shipped the next business day. Nice!

Assembly wasn't too difficult at all - eldiabloboe's recent post sure helped me see how things go together.

Not sure how to adjust it for best fit, so I think we'll setup a pool session before our upcoming Bonaire trip.

 

[kidsdream]

DSS is nice stuff and I am sure you will be happy. I would have recommended a 30lb wing as it will give you more flexibility (sorry Tobin). The reason I say this is related to incidences where you may have to take off your rig in the water -a common method if you dive off of smaller boats or pangas. If you have a steel tank with a pony attached and a back up light etc. or even a couple of pounds of weights, your rig will not float by itself

Also when I am doing drift diving in places like Jupiter, Fl where you might be at the surface in big seas, I like more lift to keep out of the water a bit.

Just my personal thoughts related to surface issues not necessarily buoyancy at depth.

 

[Rogue_Diver]

Congrats on your new rig. I have been using a DSS setup for the last 300 dives and am still a satisfied customer. You can be confident that your setup will fit your needs spot on if Tobin led you through the process.

 

[H2ODoc]

I would have recommended a 30lb wing as it will give you more flexibility (sorry Tobin). The reason I say this is related to incidences where you may have to take off your rig in the water -a common method if you dive off of smaller boats or pangas. If you have a steel tank with a pony attached and a back up light etc. or even a couple of pounds of weights, your rig will not float by itself

I'll venture a guess that he recommended the 20 lb-er based on the info I gave him: all dives in Caribbean-type locations - Coz, Bonaire, etc. with AL80s.

 

[Gombessa]

Sounds perfect. Tobin steered you away from the #1 mistake made by new bp/w adopters - excessive lift. Enjoy the rig!

 

[TSandM]

If you're diving in warm water with a single Al80, 20 lbs should be fine. And knowing Tobin as I do, I'm quite sure he got the relevant data before recommending the wing.

You'll be surprised at how well it works, and how easy it is to vent a wing that is so well optimized for its required function.

 

[H2ODoc]

So, I'm wondering if I'd need a diff wing if I swapped to a steel tank (a few ops in Coz offer these) or if I'd have any positive buoyancy in a fresh water/pool dive with a full tank?

 

[redacted]

So, I'm wondering if I'd need a diff wing if I swapped to a steel tank (a few ops in Coz offer these) or if I'd have any positive buoyancy in a fresh water/pool dive with a full tank?

A steel tank would make you another 5 lb negative but the 20 lb wing should still be OK but you may always need a little gas in the wing to stay neutral. If you add a shorty, that would offset the steel tank and give you a little protection for the longer dives..

 

[fdog]

So, I'm wondering if I'd need a diff wing if I swapped to a steel tank (a few ops in Coz offer these) or if I'd have any positive buoyancy in a fresh water/pool dive with a full tank?

Although a steel cylinder is generally 6 lbs more negative than an aluminum 80, you'd be taking 6 lbs out of you belt, so your buoyancy doesn't really change.

Given that you travel, I'm surprised Tobin didn't point you to a Kydex plate, as it will save about 2 to 3 lbs in your luggage. However SS is the best multi-environment choice.

All the best, James

 

[H2ODoc]

Although a steel cylinder is generally 6 lbs more negative than an aluminum 80, you'd be taking 6 lbs out of you belt, so your buoyancy doesn't really change.

The SS plate may be enough neg buoyancy for me, so I may not even have a belt!