Out of curiosity, what do you like about the DSS plate?
'U' v 'O' shaped wings - does it matter?
- Thread starter Grajan
- Start date
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Grajan
Contributor
I could be way off the mark here - I have no direct experience of either - but it gets great reviews here for manufacturing quality (as opposed to some issues reported with the Halcyon plate slots). It also appears to have a slightly flatter profile that I like. The steel plate has inserts in the slots to protect the webbing and the plastic plate looks like a great option for tropical diving as I use very little weight.
There does not appear to be a practicable way of trying this sort of thing before you buy so I am relying on the great input from those of you with more experience. As always SB delivers. Thanks.
There does not appear to be a practicable way of trying this sort of thing before you buy so I am relying on the great input from those of you with more experience. As always SB delivers. Thanks.
jonnythan:
So far 3 for 3 from people who have used both.. 
djanni
Contributor
My Stiletto has a U wing and is a single tank rig. Would you mind telling me why you don't like to match a single tank with a U wing?
Rick Murchison:
OP
Grajan
Contributor
Noted....
jonnythan:So far 3 for 3 from people who have used both..
Grajan:
IIRC, the Pioneer has no separate bladder, while the DSS does. I don't know if the whole DSS bladder is therefore replaceable but if it is you might consider that an advantage.
On the plates, I have several from various makers including Halcyon and I have found the finishing of the Halcyon slots among the best I have owned (FredT is number one.) The plastic inserts in the DSS plate are making a feature of a cost savings - it's cheaper and faster to mold and insert plastic bits than it is to finish the metal. If they ever fall out, get ready to get out your file.
OP
Grajan
Contributor
Thanks Henryville,
Factored that in - not a major issue - I like the low profile and am OK with the single skin. Just focussed on the shape now.
Factored that in - not a major issue - I like the low profile and am OK with the single skin. Just focussed on the shape now.
Henryville:
Grajan:
Then you can count me as favoring the "O" for singles. I have Eclipse 30# and 40# wings and love them. I dive a "U" for doubles (Explorer and Abyss) until Halcyon decides to make and "O" for doubles.
Grajan:
Don't buy a plastic plate. Get AL or SS. Personally, I use U shaped even for single tanks because you used to be able to get a smaller #18 more streamlined Halcyon wing that way. Now that that is special run wing, it is more academic of an issue. Technically the air can transfer between sides in two places with the O but with proper technique in the water you really wouldn't notice either way.
Having dived both U-shaped bladders (Ranger and Tusa BCs), then gone to an O-shaped bladder, the O-shaped bladder is easier to dump when horizontal. When in a horizontal position, the rear dump is the most effective dump. When using it with a U-shaped bladder, you have to roll to the side to dump from both sides of the wing otherwise you have one side with air and one side without. With an O-shaped bladder it vents from both sides equally.Don Janni:
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