Hardware Advice

I have a couple hardware related questions.

first of all I want some opinions on the DSS and Golem 1 piece (waterjet cut) D-rings like these:

https://www.golemgear.com/p-201-harness-d-ring.aspx
https://www.golemgear.com/p-203-under-counterlung-d-ring.aspx
https://www.deepseasupply.com/index.php?product=24
https://www.deepseasupply.com/index.php?product=1277

what about these types of D-rings ( aka billy rings, rigid d-rings), are they good/bad/durable/weak/etc:

http://www.highland-millwork.com/products/hardware/hardware.html
http://www.omsdive.com/hardware.html
http://www.diveriteexpress.com/hardware/drings.shtml

basically I am looking at those prebent fixed position d-rings but dont know if they are really better or durable enough. ( I'm sure the one piece d-rings are durable though)

my next question is where to find highland millworks products. I want a couple sets of their doubles bands and some of their sling tank bands. in case you are not fimiliar with their products here is a link to their site:

http://www.highland-millwork.com/products/products.html

I am hoping for an online source for the highland bands but at this point I would be willing to order over the phone too. Thanks

I bought my doubles bands from www.techdivinglimited.com on the advice of someone here on ScubaBoard. The person I talked to on the phone was very helpful, shipping was fast. You might give them a try.

The special D-rings aren't better. I'd just use standard D-rings.

The Deep Sea Supply water cut rings are an acceptable alternative, whether you buy them from Golem or direct. I'd save my money (as much as I love toys) because I just don't see any need whatsoever.

I'd avoid billy rings for the same reason, plus they add an element of increased risk of breaking. One piece (DSS or plain) is always going to be stronger.

Ask yourself this: What need do they fill? And is this a case of substituting gear for skill? Perhaps more practice with regular D-rings is all you really need.

XS Scuba bought out Highland Hills when they were going to close up shop. That's why the "Highland Mills" bands are harder to find. The ones made by XS are identical to the Highland bands. Lots of places carry them, including TechDivingLimited.com (mentioned above) and DiveSports.com (both good vendors with a presence here on ScubaBoard). ScubaToys stills lists Highland Mills stuff on their website, but I don't know if they are selling old stock (not that bands go bad) or selling the XS bands and have not updated their website yet.