Why do Wings cost so much?

[ozziworld]

Why do wings cost so much considering there isn't much material that goes into them. by the time you buy the BP, harness and wing it will easily cost around $500.

Also, is there such a thing as bladderless wing? Seems to me that they would be even more streamlined without the bladder.

 

[616fun]

It's supply and demand. If you are producing scuba products you have a limited market (certified divers). In order to stay in business you'll need to ensure you are making enough margin to keep the doors open.

 

[evil_xander]

They make you fly.

 

[marchand]

Like everything else in life you get what you paid for and there is a lot more than just materials costs that is factored in to it. Someone does have to design the wing, and engineers aren't cheap. The better the design the more thought had to go into it and the more the engineer has to get paid.

Yes, there is such a thing as a bladderless wing, and no they are not more streamlined; due to the bladerlessness at least.

There really is no reason to be spending $500 on a rig. You can get a good wing for $300, a plate for $50 is you shop around, and the webbing shouldn't cost you more than $20.

 

[kpdivers]

I agree...supply and demand but taking it a steo further think of any specialized sport apparatus. It's going to cost you and then add the fact that it is really a necessity to dive with...there's your answer.

 

[almitywife]

They make you fly.

because Fairys arent cheap


but in all seriousness, because a manufacturer really only gets 2 opportunities to sell to a better informed buyer so chances are they will only buy one wing for 10yrs (unless they later go doubles and then buy a bigger wing if their current wing cant handle it) so its a matter of trying to make a profit (and nothing wrong with that!) knowing the buyer isnt going to come back for a while

cheers

 

[cool_hardware52]

Why do wings cost so much considering there isn't much material that goes into them. by the time you buy the BP, harness and wing it will easily cost around $500.

Also, is there such a thing as bladderless wing? Seems to me that they would be even more streamlined without the bladder.

Wing are currently available from what, 10 or more brands? There is ample competition in the market place.

Vigorous competition tends to keep prices down close to the cost of production + a reasonable margin.

That's all for now, I'm late for my wing makers Cartel meeting.........

Tobin

 

[diveandclimb]

Tobin's right. Every month the BP/W manufacturers gather in a secret wreck 1000 feet down in the ocean and use their slates to decide what price they are going to charge for wings. Because they have to pay for all that trimix their monthly dives to 1000ft use they have to charge a lot. Also a lot of though goes into the manufacturing process. To the OP: DSS sells full rigs for $400. You could also look used here on the board. You should be able to pick up a used backplate for 50 a wing for 200 and webbing and buckles from your LDS for 20 this brings in the total at >300.

 

[spectrum]

There really is no reason to be spending $500 on a rig. You can get a good wing for $300, a plate for $50 is you shop around, and the webbing shouldn't cost you more than $20.

Let's not mix oranges and apples,
New SS plates can be found for $100, but $50? Used is another matter even if we're talking about plates. Add cam bands, D rings, sliders, buckle maybe a STA and $500 is pretty much where you are at.

Get carried a way with tacking on pockets, weight systems, padding and fuzzy dice and you start talking about real money.

I'd say that it's a small market and it's being sold as a premium product. The market is bearing the going rate.

Pete

 

[OH-JJ]

BP for $50? not any more, but you can get an AL plate for $60-70.

most wings go for $250-$350, but if you add a Blue H the price goes up alot for the extra ink.

Hog harness about $40-$60

then IF you are diving a single tank, add in two Cam straps for another $60-70

so $350 on the low end for a doubles rig or $420 for a low end singles rig.

Now then if you shop around There are places that have Package deals on BP/W's that may be lower in price for the better stuff.

For example right now
DiveRite AL BP with OxyCheq hog harness for $69
Dive Rite AL back plate with Oxycheq Hog Harness [drbpoxh] - $69.00 : Cave Adventurers!, We will NOT be undersold!!!

With an Oxycheq Mach V - Razor for $224
Oxycheq Mach V - Razor [ROW-09-30] - $224.00 : Cave Adventurers!, We will NOT be undersold!!!

and then two Oxycheq SS Cam Buckle Strap for $25.60 each ($51.20 for both)
Oxycheq SS Cam Buckle Strap [ROTB-03-02] - $25.60 : Cave Adventurers!, We will NOT be undersold!!!

gives you a grand total of:
$344.20