New wing - totally over-thinking this!

[Aloha Joe]

Disclaimer: I'm totally new, this is my first set of scuba gear, and putting together a custom rig from several different suppliers has wore me out a little

I ordered a wing from Sub-Gravity - their site advertised Cordura material and metal inflator buttons. They sent me the 'Lite' version which is 1000 Cordura and plastic inflator buttons. I emailed and asked about it, and they responded by shipping out a replacement. I opened the box and see the replacement is made in 2014 (has been 'sitting in a warehouse'). I was then told the website is outdated, and the Lite version and the one I got are both discontinued, with the current version being somewhere in the middle (plastic buttons, lighter than Cordura 2000). I thought the heavier material might be better for protection, but I don't like that it's 3+ years old. The metal buttons do make the inflator a bit heavier and it might be nice to not have it floating around. From the looks of it, the 'Lite' version I got is basically the same construction as the Halcyon Eclipse which makes me feel a little better.

My question: which would you keep? Is it that big of a difference, and do I need to 'baby' my rig so the bladder doesn't get damaged?

 

[divad]

I would keep the "lite" version for the greater suppleness vs the heavy version. If you were in a fight, would you want to just stand there and take it until something tore or broke, or would you prefer to "float like a butterfly?"

 

[CrumhornDiver]

On the age of the wings, I wouldn't worry about it. As long as there are no defects, storing it shouldn't affect performance. Lots of more experienced diver here on SB suggest buying used wings to start anyway.

 

[kensuf]

I wouldn't worry about it as long as it's holding air and no plastic parts appear to be UV damaged (dry/cracking/discolored).

 

[rjgiddings]

The stainless steel inflator buttons wont change the buoyancy characteristics of the wing - they're too small for that - but they should be able to handle, say, dive gear being put on them without cracking. I would want something metal.

 

[Aloha Joe]

You would be surprised, this new inflator weighs a ton!

 

[USMC CPL.]

You would be surprised, this new inflator weighs a ton!

I have ss on my inflator and it still floats.

 

[Aloha Joe]

The plastic inflator was always floating off in space when I used it last week. Today I dove with the new wing (heavier material) and the inflator was definitely weighted and easier to find near my shoulder.

Thanks for the help - I wasn't thrilled seeing the older sticker on this wing at first, but now I'm really happy with it. I think it will better withstand handling/transportation.

 

[Norwegian Cave Diver]

Buy the halcyon. Fantastic quality gear.

 

[rddvet]

I wouldn't be happy paying full retail for an older model wing that I ordered expect an up,to date product. The wing will be fine. It's possible the orings in the inflators could go bad sitting for a few years, but unlikely. The reason I wouldn't be happy is it may affect your resale.

I bought a halcyon wing from a retailer that had sat in the shop for two years. I got a discount for buying old stock. I sold the wing and it went for less than the same wing that had a newer production date even though they both had the same amount of dives on them.

I would ask for a partial refund, send it back, or just live with it.