Newest greatest single tank travel wing?

[Eric Sedletzky]

It's been a long time since I've been in the market for a small single tank travel wing, but I need one now (again).
When I left off several years ago it seemed that the Oxycheq Mach V was the go-to choice when it came to very narrow compact and zippered single tank wings. I just looked at caveadventurers.com and those wings have sharply increased in price to the point that I'm considering something else similar that may have been developed in the mean time by another manufacturer, it never hurts to look around and do research.
So, are there any other comparable wings out there in tbe 18 - 20 lb. range that have an access zipper and 360 donut design that have a slim profile? I'm not interested in wide wings since this will be used with a very slim new plate I made and I'm into long and narrow wings for maximum streamlining. I'm tall so length does not matter to me.
I also have some political and personal reservations on dealing with Oxy and that's part of it. Plus their wings, even though designed well, are a bit thick and stiff for what I'm looking for.
Thanks in advanced.

 

[halocline]

I'm a big fan of the LCD 20 DSS wing, although it's not a donut style.

 

[Nemrod]

I am not understanding the "political" part but if you want a wing that can simply take any punishment the heavy duty construction of the Oxy cannot be beaten. And they are not really all that heavy with an appropriate plate like their Travel Plate or my new favorite, the VDH Universal Plate. I think the Hog 23 might be a good choice as well. I like the slight extra capacity, frankly, 18 is not enough sometimes even in a warm water configuration.

N

 

[stuartv]

I do like my Hog 23# wing. It works great with my steel 120s.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

I am not understanding the "political" part but if you want a wing that can simply take any punishment the heavy duty construction of the Oxy cannot be beaten. And they are not really all that heavy with an appropriate plate like their Travel Plate or my new favorite, the VDH Universal Plate. I think the Hog 23 might be a good choice as well. I like the slight extra capacity, frankly, 18 is not enough sometimes even in a warm water configuration.

N

I'm not going to get into the political part,
but I used to be a dealer. And yeah, a little bit of baggage but not terrible. Not so terrible that they are off the table completely. If I have no luck with any other brand I may go back.
The only issue I'm having (sort of) with Oxy is the price and the stiffness of the outer shell material, I'd like it if they were a bit softer. I don't abuse wings so I'm not too worried about poking holes or ripping the outer cover. I'm pretty much a no contact diver. So something that rolls better and can pack tighter might be better.
There are other wings out there with more supple materials that supposedly hold up very well. I don't know, maybe I'm imagining things and the price is right in line with other brands. I have to search the net and see.
I wish Hog wings were narrower. If only they narrowed up that center panel a couple inches, they would totally rock.
Meanwhile, I'm going to continue looking.
And as far as plates go, I have that under control.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

I'm a big fan of the LCD 20 DSS wing, although it's not a donut style.

I may consider that. An access zipper to me is more important than whether it's a donut or not. I use so little air in my wing anyway that I seriously doubt I'd notice a difference in performance.

 

[KenGordon]

I used an Apeks 18lb wing on a recent warm water trip. It is a donut, has a zip and just worked. It does not seem either excessively lightweight or heavyweight in construction.

I did think "OMG there is nothing of it!" When it turned up but it is great.

 

[tbone1004]

I'd go LCD20 if you can go away from donut only. Super narrow, made somewhat locally to you, still enough lift to keep your head up at the surface, and packs a lot easier than the Oxychecks.

 

[Nemrod]

I guess you guys are wanting to roll the wing up? I leave my wing on my plate fully assembled and place it in the bottom of my dive roller bag and squash it down and then put everything else on top. Packs down pretty flat that way. I am using either the Oxy Travel Plate or the VDH Universal Plate. Both pack super flat.

I do like the Hog 23 and the extra lift would be useful because 18 is marginal to get your head out of the water but it is a little too wide, if they would narrow it a few inches it would be great.

N

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

Prices.
I looked around and from what I saw Oxycheq's prices are right in line with everyone else, that is name brand premium lines, not a discounted rebranded model offered by a few of the on-line dealers. I saw a few around $199 but I have to wonder why are they so cheap when all others are in the $350 range?
I just had a little sticker shock, no biggie, I'll get over it. I guess Bob Dylan was right, times are a changin'.
I considered DSS, but one thing I didn't realize about them is the inflator hose comes right out of the center. I'm concerned it will interfere with the first stage. If that's true then unfortunately it's a deal breaker.
I also looked at Apeks wings and although a few bucks more than Oxycheq they are a very narrow slick looking wing.
The Scubapro Xtec wings look good, but typical SP, overpriced as usual. Those SP patches must be darn expensive to make and sew on!!
Dive right also has a narrow travel wing for a few bucks less than Oxycheq but I don't
know about the lack of a center panel. It would seem to me that even though there is a center strap in the middle holding the two sides together, it looks as though that could put a lot of stress on just one small point of contact in the center of an area that want's to go up, i.e. the inflation tube. It just looks somewhat flimsy by design, maybe I'm wrong?
The search goes on.
Maybe I should just forget the wing and go old school?