This weekend I did 12 dives with my new DSS Single Tank rig. Here is my take on how it compares to my old Seaquest Pro QD+.
First, I didn't have time to do a proper weight check before the first dive, so I just took a guess on weight. I normally use 10 pounds with my Seaquest wearing a 3 mil fullsuit. I decided to go with 4 pounds to start. These were put in XS Scuba weight pouches I had put on the waist strap.
The first thing I noticed was the BP/W wants to put your body in a horizontal position. I normally descend feet first, but with the bp/w, my body naturally moved to a more horizontal position. That took a little getting used to.
Once at depth, I immediately noticed how stable the unit was. No sliding up, rolling around, etc. The main complaint I had about my Seaquest was that it never stayed in one place on my body. I was constantly pulling it down or rotating it. The bp/w stayed put, regardless of my body position.
I felt a little overweighted after the first dive, so I dropped to 2 pounds for the subsequent dives, and that weight was perfect.
After 3-4 dives, I started getting really comfortable with the system. It is very uncluttered, almost like wearing nothing. There are a lot more attachment points for lights, retractors, etc. My trim in the water was much better. My buoyancy was much better just for the fact that I was not fighting my bcd all the time. It was very easy to take apart, clean, and pack away.
I got the adjustable harness from DSS. After fiddling with all the adjustments, between dives a lot of times, I think I should have gotten the Hogarthian harness. The webbing on the adjustable harness is very soft and flexible. I actually only used the buckles on the shoulder straps to take the unit off, not to put it on. It is kindof hard to get both hands of the buckle to connect with the weight of the unit on your back. Once I figured out how to do it, it is very easy just to slide it on and slide it off. I think I will be ordering a Hogarthian harness from DSS to replace the adjustable.
I couldn't be more happy with the comfort. The bp distributes the weight very evenly across the back. There were no pinch points or areas of discomfort. The only minor discomfort I felt was from the webbing just behind my neck. There are a couple of velcro straps that wrap around each shoulder strap where they cross behind the neck. In the water I could not feel them, but walking with the unit on out of the water, they would kind of dig in my neck a little. Again, the Hogarthian harness should eliminate that.
Overall, I am very happy with the system. The comfort, quality, and performance is light years ahead of my old bcd. I am a true convert now. I can never see myself diving without a bp/w!
Thanks DSS! Before ordering this, I called DSS and Tobin gave me a very good lesson on bp/w systems, how they are manufactured, and why he makes his the way he does. I think most of the bp/w manufactures produce quality gear, but I don't think Tobin's customer service or products can be beat.
First, I didn't have time to do a proper weight check before the first dive, so I just took a guess on weight. I normally use 10 pounds with my Seaquest wearing a 3 mil fullsuit. I decided to go with 4 pounds to start. These were put in XS Scuba weight pouches I had put on the waist strap.
The first thing I noticed was the BP/W wants to put your body in a horizontal position. I normally descend feet first, but with the bp/w, my body naturally moved to a more horizontal position. That took a little getting used to.
Once at depth, I immediately noticed how stable the unit was. No sliding up, rolling around, etc. The main complaint I had about my Seaquest was that it never stayed in one place on my body. I was constantly pulling it down or rotating it. The bp/w stayed put, regardless of my body position.
I felt a little overweighted after the first dive, so I dropped to 2 pounds for the subsequent dives, and that weight was perfect.
After 3-4 dives, I started getting really comfortable with the system. It is very uncluttered, almost like wearing nothing. There are a lot more attachment points for lights, retractors, etc. My trim in the water was much better. My buoyancy was much better just for the fact that I was not fighting my bcd all the time. It was very easy to take apart, clean, and pack away.
I got the adjustable harness from DSS. After fiddling with all the adjustments, between dives a lot of times, I think I should have gotten the Hogarthian harness. The webbing on the adjustable harness is very soft and flexible. I actually only used the buckles on the shoulder straps to take the unit off, not to put it on. It is kindof hard to get both hands of the buckle to connect with the weight of the unit on your back. Once I figured out how to do it, it is very easy just to slide it on and slide it off. I think I will be ordering a Hogarthian harness from DSS to replace the adjustable.
I couldn't be more happy with the comfort. The bp distributes the weight very evenly across the back. There were no pinch points or areas of discomfort. The only minor discomfort I felt was from the webbing just behind my neck. There are a couple of velcro straps that wrap around each shoulder strap where they cross behind the neck. In the water I could not feel them, but walking with the unit on out of the water, they would kind of dig in my neck a little. Again, the Hogarthian harness should eliminate that.
Overall, I am very happy with the system. The comfort, quality, and performance is light years ahead of my old bcd. I am a true convert now. I can never see myself diving without a bp/w!
Thanks DSS! Before ordering this, I called DSS and Tobin gave me a very good lesson on bp/w systems, how they are manufactured, and why he makes his the way he does. I think most of the bp/w manufactures produce quality gear, but I don't think Tobin's customer service or products can be beat.
