Wing bladder problem/Deep Outdoors

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C

Chuckitall

Contributor
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Location
Jupiter, Fl
Who makes bladders in the US for all the different wing types. I need a 34/35 lb wing for a company that is out of business. It's a 34 lb horseshoe type. I think another company would work, but most other companies are making donut types mainly. I would like to just buy a new bladder and fix it myself. Have already patched it once.
 
I almost hate to say it but I will -- Don't Go Cheap. Yes, a BCD is not a life preserver BUT it is the item that is going to keep you, and your gear, on the surface in that big air tank in the sky. Unless you can find a Deep Outdoors replacement bladder, do your buddies a favor and get a new wing.

For what it's worth, I have three (count them 3) Deep Outdoors Wings and if/when they develop a leak, I'll very sadly discard them and replace with one from DSS (probably) or some other current manufacturer. There are some things you just have to be discarded when they break.
 
The issue you are likely to run into is that while the lift capacity may be close the actual wing design may not work. Dump valves not lining up with the shell, inflator in different position, actual wing geometry different enough to compromise the functionality of the wing, etc. Agree with Peter, in the long run it'd be cheaper and safer to buy a new wing. And you can do that for under $250. Or a lightly used one from ebay for less.
 
Maybe you could find a used wing of the same type on eBay and replace the bladder in yours with that? Keep it for spare parts.

---------- Post added June 2nd, 2013 at 10:21 AM ----------
tracydr:
Maybe you could find a used wing of the same type on eBay and replace the bladder in yours with that? Keep one of them for spare parts.
Click to expand...
 
Assuming you're using a DO backplate as well -- I'm curious to hear if you come up with a replacement wing that's compatible with the existing cam band slots (as in, able to continue using it without a STA). I'm hoping to downsize the 55lb do-nothing-well wing that came with my rig.
 
Travis, I'm using the Outdoors steel BP with an XT Dive Rite 25 lb wing with a 1 lb steel STA. System works perfect. The outdoors wing is in excellent condition other that a small leak, I thought if I could get a close bladder to fit, I would use it again.
 
One of the reasons I like the DO wing is that it has very large "shoulders", allowing one to park a good deal of gas in the upper arc to help balance head-heavy doubles. I have not seen another wing that is cut that way.

I love my DO doubles wings. But I think you are probably out of luck, if you can't fix the bladder you have.
 
If you can tell me the model or send me some pictures of your bladder, maybe I can help you on this.
 
Thank you, it is the 34 lb horseshoe wing used on both their harness and BP BC. Give me an Email and I can send a Pict. Thanks again, Chuck
 
TravisD:
Assuming you're using a DO backplate as well -- I'm curious to hear if you come up with a replacement wing that's compatible with the existing cam band slots (as in, able to continue using it without a STA). I'm hoping to downsize the 55lb do-nothing-well wing that came with my rig.
Click to expand...

Piranha sells a DO AL Plate which looks very similar to this Manta steel plate that Leisurepro sells. So maybe a Manta wing will work.
 
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