Singles Wings: Oxy Mach V vs. DSS LCD/Torus

[CompuDude]

All are very good, very well made singles wings. I'm tired of my rec wing's floppiness and plan to devote it to my Al.80 doubles and just maintain two separate rigs (as in, I'm doing what seemed the height of foolishness when I was first buying gear, even though everyone said I'd end up doing it anyway... *sigh*)

I'm guessing that if I was to get the DSS wing, it would work best with a DSS plate (which I don't currently have, but may get at some point) instead of my DiveRite plate. Something to keep in mind in case I decide against the DSS plate.

I have a Dive-Rite STA, and rather like it, because I don't have to disassemble everything for transportation. There is something to be said, however, for going STA-less and snugging the tank closer as a result. (And yet I've read using an STA with the Mach V can help with 8" tanks as it lets the wing more fully inflate?)

Decisions, decisions, decisions...

What say you, O ScubaBoard? I know the Mach V is the cat's meow, but in all seriousness, how does it compare to the DSS LCD or Torus?

 

[Mr. Sunday]

You should be able to use your Diverite plate with the DSS wing without issue. As long as the plate is drilled at 11". If not it would not be to hard to redrill.

The DSS plate is nice for singles as its flatter on the back bringing the tank a bit closer. I dont have any problems using a Hammerhead plate which was originally designed for doubles. (Fred T copy I think)

For a wing I use Oxy and love my Mach V. It is very streamline and well made. My 40lb wing is smaller than my dive buddies 36 lb Torus.

I think you should also be able to use your DR STA. It is nice to have the option. If you go away on vacation you might want to leave it at home. I do find I like using my STA with an 8" tank.

Check out the extreme version of the Mach V. It may be overkill for your needs but it is an interesting material Oxy is using for its new wings. I think it would last a very long time.
If I was to buy again I would probably go with the Oxy again. But it would be a tough choice as I like both wings and respect both makers. You cant go wrong with either. Patrick and Tobin both make some of the best gear available.

 

[cool_hardware52]

You should be able to use your Diverite plate with the DSS wing without issue. As long as the plate is drilled at 11". If not it would not be to hard to redrill.

DSS plates have 2 sets of Holes / Slots at 11" centers, no need to drill anything

The DSS plate is nice for singles as its flatter on the back bringing the tank a bit closer. I dont have any problems using a Hammerhead plate which was originally designed for doubles. (Fred T copy I think)

For a wing I use Oxy and love my Mach V. It is very streamline and well made. My 40lb wing is smaller than my dive buddies 36 lb Torus.

We make a Torus 35, no 36 lbs wings at all. Displacement is displacement. A 35 lbs capacity wing will have less volume than a 40, about 138 cubic inches, or a cube about 5.2 inches on a side......

Tobin

 

[cool_hardware52]

All are very good, very well made singles wings. I'm tired of my rec wing's floppiness and plan to devote it to my Al.80 doubles and just maintain two separate rigs (as in, I'm doing what seemed the height of foolishness when I was first buying gear, even though everyone said I'd end up doing it anyway... *sigh*)

I'm guessing that if I was to get the DSS wing, it would work best with a DSS plate (which I don't currently have, but may get at some point) instead of my DiveRite plate. Something to keep in mind in case I decide against the DSS plate.

First you should determine how much lift you need, that may narrow your wing choices.

I have a Dive-Rite STA, and rather like it, because I don't have to disassemble everything for transportation. There is something to be said, however, for going STA-less and snugging the tank closer as a result. (And yet I've read using an STA with the Mach V can help with 8" tanks as it lets the wing more fully inflate?)

I recommend removing your wing from your plate for transport, clean up and storage. DSS wiings and plates are very simple to seperate. If your wing can provide the necessary lift without a spacer or STA what benefit is there to allowing for additional inflation?

Tobin

 

[Rainer]

I've used the Mach V 30# for 12 dives (thank you Stephen Ash for loaning me your wing) and the DSS 35# Torus for about 100 dives. My gf has the 26# Torus and I've seen her dive it about 25 times. All are excellent wings (I've also used a DR wing, once, and a Halcyon wing for a couple of dives, and prefer the Oxy and DSS wings).

Mach V
-Great looking wing. Extrememly narrow profile.
-Inflator offset to left side (I prfer this on a singles rig).
-Requires STA.

DSS
-35# wing is noticeably larger than the Mach V, but the 26# is almost the exact same size (a touch wider for the cam band slots). Regardless, I didn't notice any difference between the two wings *in the water*.
-Inflator off the center. While this is slightly easier to vent (less need to roll), the hose routing is slightly less nice (I get a bit of bunching from the LP hose). Not a big deal, though.
-No STA. While this *does* mean slightly more work to set up, I greatly prefered this to having the STA with the Mach V. First, it reduces chances for pinch flats in transport (keeping the wing and plate seperate). Second, it's a lot easier to clean the wing when it's not attached to anything. Just fill it up with water and give it a good shake. I personally didn't notice any difference in how secure the two wings mounted.

The 26# might be too little lift (you can always borrow Robyn's to check), so you'd probably be deciding between the 35# Torus and 30# Mach V. In all, I'm sure I'd be happy with either wing. I lean slightly to the DSS wing (mainly b/c of the STA-less issue), but the Mach V is clearly the sexier wing.

Perhaps shop on price. One suggestion I can make is to consider getting another plate and harness now if you're going to be going to doubles soon. I've just put a set of LP85s together, and after a few weekends of going back and forth between having the plate set for singles (cam bands and weight plates) and doubles (neither of those), I broke down and bought another plate and harness (good deal on TDS). If you're looking at a DSS plate, then the DSS singles package might be worth a look (you could then commit e/t else you have now for doubles).

Good luck.

 

[kidsdream]

My long a short of it. If you are going to go with the DSS wing, go with the DSS plate. While the 11" pitch is the same, the position on the DSS plate is slightly higher.

As others have said, the STA fit so tightly in the Mach V you could not get much tighter nesting between an inflated wing and the Tank. I like STA especially if you are not going to travel too much. If you are then you can go with a lighter or two piece STA.

 

[CompuDude]

I know you're "supposed" to separate the wing and such for transport, and perhaps someday I'll regret not doing so, but as it is currently, I just treat my bp/w like I would a BC. With the STA pretty much permanently attached, I can treat it as a cohesive unit. A little heavy, perhaps, but that's only awkward for a moment while cleaning, and then it all hangs to dry on a UK hanger. If I was flying or something, I could see separating things since who knows what it will go through, but going from home-car-boat-car-home or home-car-beach-car-home in either a big rolling case or a plastic tub, I think it's fine.

I agree I need to determine how much lift I need so see if the 30# range is enough (normally I would think so but prolly best to double-check?) or if I need to move into the 40# range.

 

[Rainer]

I know you're "supposed" to separate the wing and such for transport, and perhaps someday I'll regret not doing so, but as it is currently, I just treat my bp/w like I would a BC. With the STA pretty much permanently attached, I can treat it as a cohesive unit. A little heavy, perhaps, but that's only awkward for a moment while cleaning, and then it all hangs to dry on a UK hanger. If I was flying or something, I could see separating things since who knows what it will go through, but going from home-car-boat-car-home or home-car-beach-car-home in either a big rolling case or a plastic tub, I think it's fine.

I agree I need to determine how much lift I need so see if the 30# range is enough (normally I would think so but prolly best to double-check?) or if I need to move into the 40# range.

Definitely check your weighting requirements, but I can tell you, for me, 30# was probably fine, and 35# certainly is. That's wet or dry, with a can light, and once in a blue moon slinging a 40 (required to have a pony by one operator up here if not in doubles). Floats me just fine. Given the thicker undergarments I wear (due to colder waters), I'm probably carrying a bit more weight than you, even though you're a few inches taller.

As for the issue of an STA, it takes less than 60 seconds to put the DSS kit together (less if you don't have weight plates which make it a tiny bit harder). 60 seconds is definitely worth the lack of worry about pinch flats and the extra ease in washing gear. 60 seconds.

 

[CompuDude]

Hmm. If I was to go with the DSS wing, yes, I'd definitely want the DSS plate. Ironically, ultimately I think I'd prefer the DSS plate with the Oxy wing... and the DiveRite basic harness and padded crotch strap! The only "issue" with that (and please check me on this) is based on something I saw this past weekend on someone with a new DSS rig: On every non-DSS bp/w I've seen, the top shoulder straps, where they go from left right right on the backside of the plate, pass directly over the hole where the STA (or doubles) is supposed to mount through. Thus you have to burn a hole or otherwise (the DiveRite harness has a nice grommet) make a hole for the bolt to pass through. On the DSS rig I saw, the hole seemed to be an inch or two higher than on other plates, which meant the grommet just sat there, unattached to anything. Personally, I really liked that the hole provided a stationary point on the rig, and that was missing with DSS plate. And if I was to use the STA, I'm guessing that would also put the tank an inch or two higher on my back (i.e., toward my head!)?

The option of weight plates on the DSS rig is really cool, however.

Then there's a question of pricing, as always. I'm guessing it all comes together, and shipping is paid and taxes kick in (DSS is in state), I'm looking at $100 more for the DSS rig, or perhaps $160 or so more if I was to scrounge up a used DiveRite or other plate from somewhere. (I suppose it could be possible to find a used DSS plate, but that seems less likely) Not a huge difference... although that would more than pay for a photon torpedo.

 

[Rainer]

DSS is in state, but also so local you wouldn't have to pay shipping, so might work out.

You're right about the hole, however. It is JUST barely covered by my harness. I can punch the connecting plug through (and did for about 90 dives), but recently just cut a small 5mm hold in it at the top of the webbing to make it easier. No need for a centering grommet, as the DSS plate uses plastic guides that keep the webbing from ever moving (a pain to thread the first time, but holds its shape perfectly after that). Agree, the weight plates are nice (I use them).

In the end, I'd also be looking at price. It's why I bought a used Halcyon plate and harness for my second rig and not another DSS plate (I had no luck finding a used one).

Can definitely see saving for the PT!