Wing valves and materials

[jtpwils]

I've been doing a bunch of research on BP/W BC's and have found many threads on choosing plate materials, harnesses, STA's, weights, etc. and peoples opinions of favorite brands but I haven't seen much, if any, discussion on which vendors choice of materials for bladders, exterior wing material (sorry I'm forgetting the proper term) or inflation, or dump or overpressure valves.

Since there is obviously some different prices in the wings, or between vendors that have the same price for different size wings, what's being reflected in those prices other than "name value" -read Halcyon? Is there much difference in the quality, design, function, maintenance, etc. of these parts of the wings that I mention above?
Thanks,
Jim

 

[Scott L]

Well those are well thought out and relevant questions that are also beyond my knowledge level. Waiting for answers...

 

[micklock]

Oxycheq offers extreme series wings. Wings-Single

 

[TSandM]

There are differences in materials. DSS uses a thicker urethane bladder than some other manufacturers (but I don't know if it's unique). Oxycheq has a wing series that has an extremely tough outer fabric, which might interest those who do wreck penetration and are exposed to sharp points and surfaces. Deep Outdoors puts a reflective strip on the outside of their wings, which is a feature I like. Halcyon seems to use a heavier, softer corrugated hose on their inflators than the other wings I have.

Whether the differences in design and materials justify the wide range of prices is going to be very much a matter of opinion.

 

[rstofer]

There won't be a store where you can go to look at all the options. Many LDSs don't carry ANY BP/Ws and others usually carry just one or two. Comparison shopping is right out the window.

Technical data on wing construction is going to be sketchy at best and even if it were available, would it make a difference? Every manufacturer makes the best wing; just ask them.

The OxyCheq Mach V Extreme has a very good story but a very high price. There are advantages to the Deep Sea Supply LCD 30 wing in that it doesn't require an STA to support the tank.

Around here we have 2 Deep Sea Supply with LCD 30 wings, one Dive Rite Trans Plate with Venture wing and a hybrid OxyCheq SS Travel Backplate Plate with a HOG 32# wing. BTW, the HOG wing has a couple of ridges to help locate the tank. An STA doesn't seem necessary with this wing. As to the Dive Rite setup: the tank moves around a bit and we're thinking about adding an STA. But just thinking about it.

The cheapest of those rigs is the OxyCheq arrangement because the wing is inexpensive.
Far and away the best rig of the bunch is the Deep Sea Supply.
My wife uses the Dive Rite and she wanted the padded harness and the wing with kind of a weird shape - a bunch of lift down low. Maybe that's the right way to go! The weight harness is down there.

For our recreational diving, all are adequate. The OxyCheq/Hog setup is specifically for use with my double hose regulators. That specific plate with that specific wing seems to set up nicely with my regs. The heavy rubber logo patch prevents the reg from damaging the wing.

It's all well and good to look into every possibility but, no matter what you buy, it's only the first rig, not the last.

You can get the HOG setup complete for $499 for SS backplate and $399 with aluminum backplage. I don't know how that compares with others. http://www.dolphinscuba.com/HOG_Custom_BC_Package_p/bc_hog_package.htm

That web page is goofy! I don't see how to select both the lift capacitiy AND the backplate material. You probably have to call.

Richard

 

[jtpwils]

Thanks all. I've pretty much decided on the DSS BP, and I'm heavilly leaning toward a hog harness but am a long way from deciding on the first wing.

I realize that I'll be buying other plates and wings in the future but I don't want to have my firt wing go the way of the dumpster early when I could have made a wiser choice.

I'm the kind of person who buys $150 knives and saute pans and has quality tools for the rest of my life rather than spending less money up front and having to replace stuff. I'm also an engineer which means I have to research everything to death before buying it.

 

[rstofer]

Thanks all. I've pretty much decided on the DSS BP, and I'm heavilly leaning toward a hog harness but am a long way from deciding on the first wing.

I realize that I'll be buying other plates and wings in the future but I don't want to have my firt wing go the way of the dumpster early when I could have made a wiser choice.

I'm the kind of person who buys $150 knives and saute pans and has quality tools for the rest of my life rather than spending less money up front and having to replace stuff. I'm also an engineer which means I have to research everything to death before buying it.

If you call Tobin at DSS, he can help with every configuration detail. He's great to talk to and almost always available.

I, too, like to buy high end stuff, once. I am a retired engineer so I have to be somewhat frugal but I'm not going for low-ball gear.

Richard

 

[DA Aquamaster]

+1 Tobin is both knowledgeable and helpful - and makes really good stuff.

 

[Gombessa]

This may be a bit late, but there is a huge, and hilariously odious thread on another forum that nearly devolves into fisticuffs regarding the durability of 1050 Ballistic nylon (DSS) versus 700573 SuperFabric (Oxycheq Extreme). If you get past the back-and-forth there's a lot of good information to glean from it.

Btw, I think you can't go wrong with DSS, Tobin makes fantastic gear.

 

[jtpwils]

This may be a bit late, but there is a huge, and hilariously odious thread on another forum that nearly devolves into fisticuffs

Thanks - I'll check it out. I'm always amazed at the lack of mutual, and by my way of thinking - personal, respect that people don't have. I LOVE a good argument -read debate- but that "art" seems to have gone the way of the dodo a loooong time ago; it's too bad because it's reflected in our politics and lives to the extent that we're all much worse off because of it - but I digress

Btw, I think you can't go wrong with DSS, Tobin makes fantastic gear.

I've noticed that's an opinion shared by many - and it goes a long way for sure. Particularly when I've read that his after-sale service is as good as before.