DSS Rig Question

[Go_zoom]

Hey, I recently got into diving about 2 months ago and I decided to take up the Advanced course a month ago. I bought a Mares Icon BC from my cousin when I first started and he bought a Dive Rite. My brother and my other two cousins are deciding on buying a Dive Rite, so I'm leaning towards a BP/W setup. I was going to get a DR too, but I was a little low on budget and I was lurking on the forums and I found out that a lot of people use DSS gear. I want something affordable but reliable so I think this would be a great choice. Would it be ideal for a new diver like me to start using these?
Just in case, I was wondering what an optimal setup for me would be.
I'm 5'7" 140 lbs and I use an aluminum-80 tank (single). I use 1 pound on each side for my weight system if that helps.
Thanks in advance

 

[Blue Sparkle]

I'm not sure if you are looking for info from other divers, or just from DSS themselves, but I can give you my thoughts.

I bought a DSS rig as my first "own" BC, when I had about 20 or so dives in. I really like the BP/W style BC, but then I was never able to give the "vest" types a fair shake because I could never find one that fit me!

I got the DSS over others for two main reasons:

1) They make backplates in many sizes; small fit me and I got a steel one.

2) They make wings in many lift (#) amounts, so I was able to get one that would be nice and tidy for warm water diving

I went with a 17# wing which is a great size for me for my usual diving, which was/is mostly warm water diving with aluminum tanks. I have been able to use it with up to a 5mm suit and slightly negative steel tank and still come out okay in lift calculations (and in actual use), although of course I would hit the limit at some point. Then I would probably go to a larger wing or a lighter plate or some combination thereof.

Our "stats" sound similar in terms of size and typical diving scenario (although I'm slightly shorter than you and rather short-waisted, so you would probably not fit the Small plate, but perhaps the Medium).

I like the way the rig fits, and the lack of padding/clutter (which would apply to most bp/w, I believe). Also the quality of the DSS gear is very good, as is the fit and finish. The details seem well thought out. The ability to quickly separate the wing and the plate is really handy for packing up and for rinsing, and makes it easy to keep the wing away from the plate during the jostling when you are transporting gear.

This is not strictly DSS related, but if you are used to having BC pockets and stowing things in them, you will want to come up with a plan for the bp/w. I have seen people put pockets on the waist band, but I like the uncluttered feel in that area. I currently wear a pair of cargo shorts and use their pockets, but I will probably make something similar but with "real" dive pockets (X-shorts make them that you can buy directly but they don't come in Women's sizes).

I wear a weight belt for my weights, although there are other possibilities.

Blue Sparkle

 

[DevonDiver]

Would it be ideal for a new diver like me to start using these?

I sometimes teach Open Water students using BP&W and had many more students on AOW & Rescue courses using them. There's absolutely no drawbacks for a novice diver using this equipment - it is, after all just another style of BCD.

The only caveat that I'd add is that having someone knowledgeable to help you fit the harness and show you the optimum techniques for use is priceless..and you'll get a lot more out of the system. Failing that, there's lots of threads here on SB that discuss those issues.

DSS is a very highly regarded manufacturer. Having dived professionally in BP&W systems for many years, and owned Halcyon, OMS and Custom Divers set-ups (as well as having trialled many others), the design and quality of DSS has always stood out amongst the crowd. Coupled with that, Tobin from DSS (cool_hardware52) is regularly here on the forum giving expert advice on purchase and use of his systems.

 

[Go_zoom]

I'm not sure if you are looking for info from other divers, or just from DSS themselves, but I can give you my thoughts.

I bought a DSS rig as my first "own" BC, when I had about 20 or so dives in. I really like the BP/W style BC, but then I was never able to give the "vest" types a fair shake because I could never find one that fit me!

I got the DSS over others for two main reasons:

1) They make backplates in many sizes; small fit me and I got a steel one.

2) They make wings in many lift (#) amounts, so I was able to get one that would be nice and tidy for warm water diving

I went with a 17# wing which is a great size for me for my usual diving, which was/is mostly warm water diving with aluminum tanks. I have been able to use it with up to a 5mm suit and slightly negative steel tank and still come out okay in lift calculations (and in actual use), although of course I would hit the limit at some point. Then I would probably go to a larger wing or a lighter plate or some combination thereof.

Our "stats" sound similar in terms of size and typical diving scenario (although I'm slightly shorter than you and rather short-waisted, so you would probably not fit the Small plate, but perhaps the Medium).

I like the way the rig fits, and the lack of padding/clutter (which would apply to most bp/w, I believe). Also the quality of the DSS gear is very good, as is the fit and finish. The details seem well thought out. The ability to quickly separate the wing and the plate is really handy for packing up and for rinsing, and makes it easy to keep the wing away from the plate during the jostling when you are transporting gear.

This is not strictly DSS related, but if you are used to having BC pockets and stowing things in them, you will want to come up with a plan for the bp/w. I have seen people put pockets on the waist band, but I like the uncluttered feel in that area. I currently wear a pair of cargo shorts and use their pockets, but I will probably make something similar but with "real" dive pockets (X-shorts make them that you can buy directly but they don't come in Women's sizes).

I wear a weight belt for my weights, although there are other possibilities.

Blue Sparkle

I appreciate your opinion on the DSS rig
What's the difference between the "lift"? Sorry, I'm still fairly new to these kinds of equipment.
I also noticed there's a Torus and an LCD. I read that the Torus is horse-shoe shaped and the LCD is donut-shaped or is it the other way around?

I'm leaning towards buying the DSS rig, but I'm still saving up for it, I'm a little bit light on the pockets right now. :depressed:

I was going to buy the DR, but it was too costly and almost all my cousins and brothers have them so I just want to prove that the "expensive is always better" philosophy isn't true all the time

Thanks for the information again Blue!

 

[Go_zoom]

I sometimes teach Open Water students using BP&W and had many more students on AOW & Rescue courses using them. There's absolutely no drawbacks for a novice diver using this equipment - it is, after all just another style of BCD.

The only caveat that I'd add is that having someone knowledgeable to help you fit the harness and show you the optimum techniques for use is priceless..and you'll get a lot more out of the system. Failing that, there's lots of threads here on SB that discuss those issues.

DSS is a very highly regarded manufacturer. Having dived professionally in BP&W systems for many years, and owned Halcyon, OMS and Custom Divers set-ups (as well as having trialled many others), the design and quality of DSS has always stood out amongst the crowd. Coupled with that, Tobin from DSS (cool_hardware52) is regularly here on the forum giving expert advice on purchase and use of his systems.

I'm planning on buying the DSS rig myself. Judging from all the praise it's getting from the other members of this board, I think it's a great buy!

This is off-topic, but I noticed you reside in the Philippines? My family was planning on going there this Christmas to go dive at Anilao, Batangas and Puerto Galera. I heard it's quite beautiful over there!

 

[DevonDiver]

What's the difference between the "lift"?

Lift is the buoyancy capacity of the wing. It is determined by the inner volume of the bladder, which -as air is added- expands to create more displacement and, thus, positive buoyancy.

The lift capacity of the bladder is described in terms of the buoyancy (lbs/kgs), rather than volume (litres/cuft).

Determining your required lift capacity involves calculating sufficient positive buoyancy to float you, and your kit, at the surface with a full tank.

Tobin will absolutely help you with this..and ensure that you get the right wing for your specific requirements.

If you're interested in the academics of how to calculate your necessary wing lift, check out this thread:
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/bu...ems/158370-ultimate-wing-lift-calculator.html

This is off-topic, but I noticed you reside in the Philippines? My family was planning on going there this Christmas to go dive at Anilao, Batangas and Puerto Galera. I heard it's quite beautiful over there!

It is lovely! I came here for a month....and never left!

 

[Go_zoom]

Lift is the buoyancy capacity of the wing. It is determined by the inner volume of the bladder, which -as air is added- expands to create more displacement and, thus, positive buoyancy.

The lift capacity of the bladder is described in terms of the buoyancy (lbs/kgs), rather than volume (litres/cuft).

Determining your required lift capacity involves calculating sufficient positive buoyancy to float you, and your kit, at the surface with a full tank.

Tobin will absolutely help you with this..and ensure that you get the right wing for your specific requirements.

If you're interested in the academics of how to calculate your necessary wing lift, check out this thread:
The "Ultimate" wing lift calculator

Thanks for the information regarding the lift! I'll be sure to check out the calculator!

It is lovely! I came here for a month....and never left!

Haha. I was born in the Philippines and I NEVER realized that it had such beautiful dive sites. I've snorkeled many times, but never thought about diving there. The pretty filipinas are a plus too

 

[cool_hardware52]

Hey, I recently got into diving about 2 months ago and I decided to take up the Advanced course a month ago. I bought a Mares Icon BC from my cousin when I first started and he bought a Dive Rite. My brother and my other two cousins are deciding on buying a Dive Rite, so I'm leaning towards a BP/W setup. I was going to get a DR too, but I was a little low on budget and I was lurking on the forums and I found out that a lot of people use DSS gear. I want something affordable but reliable so I think this would be a great choice. Would it be ideal for a new diver like me to start using these?
Just in case, I was wondering what an optimal setup for me would be.
I'm 5'7" 140 lbs and I use an aluminum-80 tank (single). I use 1 pound on each side for my weight system if that helps.
Thanks in advance

Go_zoom,

You have received good info here already.

Based on the info you have provided here is what I'd recommend:

Medium Kydex Plate
Torus 17 Wing
Hogarthian Harness
(cambands and wedge blocks are included)

At 5'7" you need a medium sized plate, and if you are currently diving with only about 4 lbs of total ballast ( 1 + 1 fr lead and about 2 for your reg) the ballast provided by a SS plate is likely more than you need. The kydex plates are much less negative than the SS plates.

Required wing capacity is mostly a function of exposure suit buoyancy, your suit compression after all is what any Buoyancy Compensator Compensates for.

If you are only using enough total ballast to offset the buoyancy of an empty al 80 (~+4 lbs) then I can assume you aren't using very thick exposure suits, 3mm shorty maybe?

You also want your wing to be able to float your rig at the surface if you ditch the gear. Your "rig" , Kydex plate, harness, reg and full al 80 will be about -6 lbs, and a Torus 17 easily floats 6 lbs.

When would this set of gear no longer be appropriate? If you moved to much more buoyant exposure suits, typically 5 mm and up full suits, and or large capacity negative steel cylinders.

Tobin

 

[Go_zoom]

Go_zoom,

You have received good info here already.

Based on the info you have provided here is what I'd recommend:

Medium Kydex Plate
Torus 17 Wing
Hogarthian Harness
(cambands and wedge blocks are included)

At 5'7" you need a medium sized plate, and if you are currently diving with only about 4 lbs of total ballast ( 1 + 1 fr lead and about 2 for your reg) the ballast provided by a SS plate is likely more than you need. The kydex plates are much less negative than the SS plates.

Required wing capacity is mostly a function of exposure suit buoyancy, your suit compression after all is what any Buoyancy Compensator Compensates for.

If you are only using enough total ballast to offset the buoyancy of an empty al 80 (~+4 lbs) then I can assume you aren't using very thick exposure suits, 3mm shorty maybe?

You also want your wing to be able to float your rig at the surface if you ditch the gear. Your "rig" , Kydex plate, harness, reg and full al 80 will be about -6 lbs, and a Torus 17 easily floats 6 lbs.

When would this set of gear no longer be appropriate? If you moved to much more buoyant exposure suits, typically 5 mm and up full suits, and or large capacity negative steel cylinders.

Tobin

Alright, I'll keep that in mind.

I don't really use wetsuits since I dive in tropical waters and the wetsuit makes me uncomfortable so I just use a rashguard. Does that change anything in regards to the wing capacity?

I want to be sure I know enough about the rig before I order it.

Thanks, Tobin !

 

[cool_hardware52]

Alright, I'll keep that in mind.

I don't really use wetsuits since I dive in tropical waters and the wetsuit makes me uncomfortable so I just use a rashguard. Does that change anything in regards to the wing capacity?

I want to be sure I know enough about the rig before I order it.

Thanks, Tobin !

Thin suit / rash guard is consistent with my assumptions. My recommendations stay the same.

Tobin