VDH 23# Wing - Any repair kit or new bladder replacement available out there?

[CarcharodonCarcharias]

Just got back from my first diving trip in 5 years.

Still loving my setup (Freedom plate SS + VDG Argonaut 23#).

I would like to ask the old timers here that are there any repair kit and new bladder replacement for the wing?

Or am I pretty much SOL and just gotta be extra careful?

Thank you!

Good to be back on the forum and good to be back in the water again.

 

[newman_diver]

AquaSeal might do the trick. I have used it to patch bladders and dry suits in the past.

 

[rhwestfall]

TearAid? Gear Aid Tenstious tape?

 

[CarcharodonCarcharias]

The wing still works well. I am just preparing of what might have later.

Somehow, I gotta think that there is still a way to get the bladder replacement.

 

[Badger7]

Looks like a pretty standard wing design with a thinner bladder zipped into a thicker cordura outer shell. If at some point in the future the bladder needs repair because of an accidental puncture or pinchflat, personally I would just unzip the bladder, and cover the hole with a patch of cordura using aquaseal as the cement. You wouldn't need a special repair kit, just a scrap of PU coated cordura and an $8 tube of aquaseal, and you'd never even see the ugly but functional patch since the bladder is internal. Unless the leak is on the seam - I wouldn't attempt a perimeter seam repair on a bladder.

If the seam on the bladder welding starts to delaminate or the inflator elbow or OPV mounts deteriorate, I'd just replace the whole wing. Probably not worth replacing a deteriorating bladder on a shell of the same age. Is there something special about that specific wing other than sentimental value?

 

[CarcharodonCarcharias]

Looks like a pretty standard wing design with a thinner bladder zipped into a thicker cordura outer shell. If at some point in the future the bladder needs repair because of an accidental puncture or pinchflat, personally I would just unzip the bladder, and cover the hole with a patch of cordura using aquaseal as the cement. You wouldn't need a special repair kit, just a scrap of PU coated cordura and an $8 tube of aquaseal, and you'd never even see the ugly but functional patch since the bladder is internal. Unless the leak is on the seam - I wouldn't attempt a perimeter seam repair on a bladder.

If the seam on the bladder welding starts to delaminate or the inflator elbow or OPV mounts deteriorate, I'd just replace the whole wing. Probably not worth replacing a deteriorating bladder on a shell of the same age. Is there something special about that specific wing other than sentimental value?

Tks for the info. Much appreciated.

Nothing special or sentimental about the wing.

It's just that it is quite well made and the profile is quite compact. I really enjoy diving with it. It really marries well with the Freedom plate.

 

[Nemrod]

Looks like a pretty standard wing design with a thinner bladder zipped into a thicker cordura outer shell.

Is there something special about that specific wing other than sentimental value?

The VDH wings were and are unique. They are extremely compact and constructed of quality materials in the USA. Bryan was a friend and a dive buddy. I have both an 18 and a 23. The 23 is my favorite. What makes them unique is the internal perimeter bungee and the sewing pattern. The bungee collapses the wing in very tight to the cylinder. Inflated the VDH wing somewhat resembles an Oxy Mach 5 Signature wing. But deflated and in normal use they are pulled and tucked in by the internal bungee. Absolutely no taco and vent nicely. They also have the preferred off center corrugated hose connection that does not interfere with the regulator or bump the diver's head and neck (for those who wear their plate and wing up high). And the VDH wings are light weight.

Keep it clean, rinsed out and the VDH wing should last for years. Aquaseal can be used for punctures and to adhere a self fabric patch if needed. One thing, , get rid of the metal plate and use a textile plate like the Oxy Ultralite plate and there is much reduced chance of pinch cutting the bladder. Unfortunately, everything has a useful life and wears out. VDH 23 on Oxy UL plate:



I do not know of a replacement bladder. I hope OxyCheq stays around because I do like the Oxy wings equally and seem to trim a little better with my Oxy 18 and VDH 23 vs the VDH 18. Hopefully my VDH 18 and 23 and Oxy 18 and 30 will last the remainder of my diving.

 

[CarcharodonCarcharias]

The VDH wings were and are unique. They are extremely compact and constructed of quality materials in the USA. Bryan was a friend and a dive buddy. I have both an 18 and a 23. The 23 is my favorite. What makes them unique is the internal perimeter bungee and the sewing pattern. The bungee collapses the wing in very tight to the cylinder. Inflated the VDH wing somewhat resembles an Oxy Mach 5 Signature wing. But deflated and in normal use they are pulled and tucked in by the internal bungee. Absolutely no taco and vent nicely. They also have the preferred off center corrugated hose connection that does not interfere with the regulator or bump the diver's head and neck (for those who wear their plate and wing up high). And the VDH wings are light weight.

Keep it clean, rinsed out and the VDH wing should last for years. Aquaseal can be used for punctures and to adhere a self fabric patch if needed. One thing, , get rid of the metal plate and use a textile plate like the Oxy Ultralite plate and there is much reduced chance of pinch cutting the bladder. Unfortunately, everything has a useful life and wears out. VDH 23 on Oxy UL plate:



I do not know of a replacement bladder. I hope OxyCheq stays around because I do like the Oxy wings equally and seem to trim a little better with my Oxy 18 and VDH 23 vs the VDH 18. Hopefully my VDH 18 and 23 and Oxy 18 and 30 will last the remainder of my diving.

Oxycheq is my back-up wing. I do mostly warm water diving given my location so 18# works well.

Just felt that it is a shame to see the discontinue of Argonaut wings after Bryan passed away.

I've never met him personally but the few times that I've chatted with over the phone, one can tell he was a great guy. I also firmly agree with this stance on Made in USA.

The quality of Argonaut wing is top notch.

 

[scrane]

Does it look like the the Oxycheq bladder can fit the VDH?

 

[CarcharodonCarcharias]

Does it look like the the Oxycheq bladder can fit the VDH?

I don't know. Perhaps someone can help answer that question.