Variation on A Theme CD v OMS

[Kristen]

Having made further enquiries about CD wings, someone has suggested that OMS are, generally, better (in terms of usability/build quality/comfort etc).

If anyone has experience of diving both a CD wing and an OMS wing I would be grateful for their thoughts on the pros and cons of each wing.

Thanks in advance,



Kristen

[Andy Phillips]

OK,

What about DiveRite and Halcyon

Andrew

Well to be a bit nicer, whoever said that was wrong, there are four main manufacturers of wings, Custom Divers, DiveRite, Halcyon and OMS. You will be hard pushed to find a real difference in terms of quality between them. There are generally various types in there range, aimed at subtly different applications / markets. If you want DIR then single bladder, no bungy. If you want to dive warm water in a wet suit then twin bladder for redundancy.

The bungy thing is a personal choice, I dive a DiveRite SuperWing, this is a dual bladder affair, it works. Mark (Chasey) has a CD wing, it also works. SteveW (aka Batman) has and OMS wing, it works and lastly Bob Cooper has a Halcyon one, and guess what, it works.

You need to think about what type of diveing you expect to get into, where you expect to dive, and if you intend to go down the DIR road, then that needs to be considered.

Don't be fooled by this mine's better than yours thing, they really are much of a muchness.

[Kristen]

I would like to buy a wing that is adaptable for use with a single cylinder and can also handle a twinset up to twin 12s and dive it both in this country and abroad (I have decided to go single bladder as the majority of my diving is in this country). I am currently diving singles and it may be a year before I move on to a twinset but want to invest in a wing now that will be good for both.

Any comments welcome........

[Andy Phillips]

In which case. probably the CD wing. Send Mark Chase a PM, he will fill you in on the details of his rig.

Andrew

[Dr Stevil]

My OMS with IQ harness does singles too (it's what I used in the Red Sea), you get two cam bands as part of the package.

[Mark Chase]

Hi Again  

You know most of my thoughts already as I put them on D net. On the specific issue of quality, its a non issue they are both very good wings. My original choice was between OMS and CD and it was the flexibility of the CD TDB that swayed me in the end. No single tank adaptors required and no super long cam bands trying to hold twin independents in place.

My Avatar is me in the Red sea using two independent 12's on the CD wing.

Another issue to consider is that CD is in Redhill Surrey. You being a London lad will be able to pop down to the place the things are made and take a look around and chat to the man himself. I have popped in for a chat and he is a very knowledgeable and experienced diver who designs dive kit to do a specific job.

When my CD torch flooded he was willing to send out a circuit diagram and a list of parts required for me (well Andrew actually) to repair it using bits from Maplins and he took time to asses the failure of the torch and tell me what to do to prevent it happening again.

I don’t think you will regret buying an OMS or a CD wing they are the two most commonly used in my circle of divers and all speak highly of their own unit and respect the other.

Two things with the TDB unit:

1:The rubber bungees are very soft and designed to break if you get snagged on anything. Unfortunately they break far too easily for the liking of most users especially if like me you stow your long hose in them. You will need 2.2m of shock chord to replace the bungees.

2: The sleeve cover that covers the wing inflator hose is very good at keeping it all tidy but it drops down over the connector thus preventing easy detachment of the inflator hose in an emergency. It is a standard mod to stitch in a loop at the top to prevent this sleeve dropping down and covering the connection.

I will sort some more picks. I hope the first lot came through OK

ATB

Mark Chase

[Mark]

<font color='#000080'>

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (KCR @ Jan. 27 2004,15:17)]I am currently diving singles and it may be a year before I move on to a twinset but want to invest in a wing now that will be good for both.

Any comments welcome........

You would be best off if you buy single purpose wings. So buy a single tank wing for use until you get your twinset then buy a larger wing when the need arises.

Underwater Explorers in Portland are doing a good deal on the new Halcyon Eclipse single tank wings at the moment -  Special offer



That is the best way to go. You can then just buy an Explorer wing at a later date. Dual purpose wings are the worst of both worlds.

HTH

Mark.

[Andy Phillips]

Mark,,

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] ]Dual purpose wings are the worst of both worlds.

Boll**ks This is what the bungy is for, admitidly with the Superwing I have to use an adapter, but, I have never had any for of issue using a single, nor has Mark (Chase) nor has any other wing user I have ever come accross who has the nouse to work it out.

Sorry, but as far as I am concerned we are moving back to the Halcyon is best garbage again. Where is the considered and valid opinon of Bob when you need him.

Andrew

[Rick Huggins]

<font color='#0000FF'>Go dive in Derby are doing really good prices on the TDB &amp; TCW at the minute, apparently only a mark up of £19!!

Prices were £349/£359 if memory serves me right!

[Mark]

<font color='#000080'>

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (andyp @ Jan. 27 2004,20:07)]Sorry, but as far as I am concerned we are moving back to the Halcyon is best garbage again.

Don't be sorry. IMO Halcyon is best, that's why I use and recommend it.

I would imagine most sales of CD wings are by clueless dive shop monkeys to unsuspecting and unpreparred  'tech' diving wannabees that know no better.

There is an alternative to that 'old school' and outdated 'UK tech diver' gear.

Regards,

Mark.