wing question

[Garth]

My LDS has led me into buying OMS products even though he does not carry them in his store. In fact when i told him I wanted a backplate and wing setup he told me that he would have to order it because he doesn't carry any bp/w styles.

my question: other than the cost, is there any dissadvantages to having an extra bladder (dual bladder).

(i have searched for topics on dual wings and it seems like the cost is the only deterant from the dual wing, and some suggest you just don't need the extra bladder but i haven't found any dissadvantages in having an extra bladder. ie maybe the power inflator gets to be much when dealing with two? )

I probably don't belong in this forum but thought I would ask the more seasoned divers a question about this.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

My LDS has led me into buying OMS products even though he does not carry them in his store. In fact when i told him I wanted a backplate and wing setup he told me that he would have to order it because he doesn't carry any bp/w styles.

my question: other than the cost, is there any dissadvantages to having an extra bladder (dual bladder).

(i have searched for topics on dual wings and it seems like the cost is the only deterant from the dual wing, and some suggest you just don't need the extra bladder but i haven't found any dissadvantages in having an extra bladder. ie maybe the power inflator gets to be much when dealing with two? )

I probably don't belong in this forum but thought I would ask the more seasoned divers a question about this.

Cost and complexity ... why pay for something you don't need?

There are lots of alternatives out there. Purchase a wing that suits your needs ... not something your LDS owner likes and has decided you need.

Given your experience level, I'm assuming that you want this for single-tank diving? If so, then get a wing that's designed for single-tank diving ... and one that won't overwhelm you with "features" you don't need and won't use.

Look at wings from Halcyon, Oxycheq, Deep Sea Supply, Dive Rite, and Golem (there are others ... these are the easiest to find). Compare them to the OMS wing your LDS wants you to buy. Look at how much lift they offer ... depending on what you want to use it for a wing in the 25-40 lb lift capacity range will suit just about any singles application. Come back to this thread and ask about wings that catch your attention ... chances are excellent that someone will have first-hand knowledge of the wing you're asking about. Besides price, consider durability, ease of trim, ease of venting, and customer service/support by the manufacturer.

Don't get me wrong ... OMS makes some decent products. But more often than not when someone just takes their LDS's word for it, they end up with a product they're not entirely happy with.

BP/wing systems are completely modular ... you can use pretty much anybody's wing on pretty much anybody's backplate ... standardized spacing between the mounting holes is 11 inches. Make sure that both the wing and backplate you purchase have that spacing, and it opens up a world of options for you as your diving progresses or you just want to replace your existing equipment (the wing's the most expensive part of any BP/W setup).

My advice ... shop around a bit before buying the setup your LDS is recommending.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[DCBC]

I'd just like to second what Bob has said. OMS has some great stuff, but the LDS just wants to sell you a brand that he can supply and turn a buck. Don't be pressured into buying something that will not suit your requirements (you don't need a dual bladder or too much buoyancy). Do your homework and shop around.

 

[fisheater]

Agreed.

Try to give Tobin at Deep Sea Supply a call. He can give you a good idea of what you actually need.

 

[Diver0001]

ie maybe the power inflator gets to be much when dealing with two? )

Well the obvious part is that you'll have two inflators instead of one. Given the number of times you're likely to ever need it, that's more clutter than I'd be willing to carry with me on every dive... That said, if it doesn't bother you then I don't see the problem.

The same function (redundant buoyancy) can be achieved other ways too. I see in your profile that you dive with a wetsuit. A drysuit will provide you with redundant buoyancy too. So will a blob or a lift bag..... in other words, it doesn't *need* to be in the wing. Given your location, you might consider shopping around for a simpler wing and save the difference to put toward a drysuit. If it were me, that's what I would do.

R..

 

[Doc Harry]

OMS has a well-deserved reputation for having the WORST customer service in the industry.

Personally, I have had several interactions with OMS regarding shoddy construction, wings falling apart after only 60 dives, and warranty issues. Every single one of my interactions with OMS was extremely frustrating and unsatisfying.

I would avoid giving OMS any business at all. Given the wide range of options for outstanding gear from other companies, it's not worth the hassle dealing those a-holes at OMS.

Besides that, you'll find that only a very small minority of technical divers believe in the usefulness of a dual-bladder wing.

 

[RAWalker]

The only real purpose for a dual bladder is redundancy. The only time I'd consider it is if I were solo diving.
I happen to dive a OMS BP&W. The BP is as good as any other. I like the deluxe harness and there is nothing wrong with their wings. For singles their are a few significantly better wings and I prefer the Oxycheq Mach V 30#.
As for their reputation I've spoken with other OMS users and generally the gear is all very high quality that you'll never need customer support for.
However should you need support it is agreed that OMS isn't the best company to deal with.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

For customer support I have found DSS, Halcyon and Dive Rite to be excellent. I'm not a big fan of Dive Rite singles wings ... but that's more a matter of personal preference than a statement of the quality of the product (I've owned Rec and Venture wings in the past). Personal preference is DSS ... with Halcyon a close second. I've owned Oxycheq wings in the past as well, and they're great ... but I found their customer support a bit lacking. When I complained about it the owner told me (publicly, right here on ScubaBoard) not to bother buying his products anymore. Not sure that's a great business plan, but it's his company. YMMV.

Another company that hasn't been mentioned is Deep Outdooors. I've owned and used one of their doubles wings, and it was great. And after I damaged it (foolish, operator error) and contacted the company owner, I found them to have fantastic customer support. If their products suit your needs, they're worth looking into.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)