lift bladders to avoid?

[Crush]

I am thinking about getting a BP/w. I would like to know if there are any lift bladders to avoid. If you are concerned about being flamed, feel free to PM your response. I have noticed some good prices on the "OMS Single Bladder without retraction bands 32 lb lift."

Background: I am a recreational OW diver that currently uses a BC and might try an NACD cave singles course - I will need to buy a BP/w to do this. I will likely get an AL BP since I often fly to my dive sites.

Caveat: I post this with a cringe as I know it will likely devolve into an off-topic discussion on why BCs suck or how I should not waste my time with a single, but go straight to doubles. Really, I just want to know about lift bladders.

Thanks.

 

[GrumpyOldGuy]

No real warning, but an opinion FWIW...

I would avoid any wings that you don't have access to the bladder with (via zipper or other means). Eventually Murphy will catch up to you and put a little hole someplace. If you can fix it yourself it is real nice rather than sending it in and paying someone else to.

Personally, I like the narrow profile doughnut shaped wings available by multiple manufactures. In hindsight, I have 2 observations:

I like the built in roll control on the Oxycheq (which I have) cause I don't want to mess with an STA. I think DSS may have this also.

I wish my Oxycheq had the ability to remove the wing as easy the the DSS, it would be nice to break down the plate/wing without removing the cam straps when traveling.

 

[Crush]

I was assuming that I could mix and match a Dive Rite BP with an OMS wing - is this incorrect?

 

[Kern]

I was assuming that I could mix and match a Dive Rite BP with an OMS wing - is this incorrect?

The OMS 32 has a wide centre panel with long cam band slots. It should work with a DR, indeed most BP on the market.

Some wing manufacturers use a very narrow centre panel, & some have cam band slots that are too short, sometimes only as wide as the cam bands, to be a multi purpose fit.

 

[Mike Boswell]

There are lots of choices of wings out there, and most will work just fine. I have 2 Oxycheq wings now and like them a lot.

I travel by air with my SS backplate in my checked luggage, and it's never an issue. Diving in a t-shirt I only need 4 lbs of lead.

FYI, I bought many of the components seperately, and replaced some with others, and I have enjoyably spent many days (or, being honest, weeks) putzing around with 2" webbing, cam bands, weight pockets, bolts, snaps, wingnuts, sex screws, D-rings, buckles, gear pockets, Trauma shears, O-rings, tri-glides, rubber bands, inflator valves and hoses, and assorted bits and pieces. It's still not perfect (I hate that K-Style inflator valve).

If this is the sort of thing you enjoy, I highly recommend it. If not, maybe you should look at buying a package deal.

 

[scubafanatic]

There are lots of choices of wings out there, and most will work just fine. I have 2 Oxycheq wings now and like them a lot.

I travel by air with my SS backplate in my checked luggage, and it's never an issue. Diving in a t-shirt I only need 4 lbs of lead.

FYI, I bought many of the components seperately, and replaced some with others, and I have enjoyably spent many days (or, being honest, weeks) putzing around with 2" webbing, cam bands, weight pockets, bolts, snaps, wingnuts, sex screws, D-rings, buckles, gear pockets, Trauma shears, O-rings, tri-glides, rubber bands, inflator valves and hoses, and assorted bits and pieces. It's still not perfect (I hate that K-Style inflator valve).

If this is the sort of thing you enjoy, I highly recommend it. If not, maybe you should look at buying a package deal.

...how very true! I design/build my own BC/wing/BP units and it can be time consuming to brainstorm, modify...remodify again, but it's kinda neat when everything finally comes together!

 

[Van Isle]

I dive an Apeks 30 lb wing for singles, and although fit and finish are fine, and I really don't see a problem with putting holes in the single layer bladder, it is nowhere near as slick to dive, dump, and use as the Agir or Halcyon single tank bladders that I've seen.

VI

 

[Bonairetrip]

Rather than focus on what to avoid, I would prefer to focus on what to get. Here are my suggestions:
a) If you dive singles, get a singles wing. And vice versa. I would tend to avoid any that claim to do both.
b) Get the right size. The lift needs to be enought to float your rig (without you) at the heaviest AND it needs to make you positive in the most negative situation (full tank and compressed exposure suit) AND, in combination with ditchable weight, make you positive in a worst case scenario (i.e., drysuit flood, etc.). Avoid any that are too small or too large.
c) If you dive singles, be certain to either have a STA and/or a wing with some sort of built in roll control (i.e., Oxycheq or DSS).
d) Make certain that the wing and the plate are compatible (i.e., do the slots and holes line up).
e) Buy a well designed, well constructed and simple wing. Lots of super solid choices out there -- I have used both Oxycheq and DSS and have been very happy with both. Those are just a few examples...

 

[Blue982]

HOG wings also include a built-in STA/roll control/wobble-stopper.

 

[Crush]

HOG wings also include a built-in STA/roll control/wobble-stopper.

Thanks, Blue982,

Do you dive a HOG wing? Can you compare it to other wings? How do you like it?