Apeks vs OMS

[Perth Diver]

Hi all,

Can anyone give me some Pro's and Con's on these wings/Backplates and harness systems

I currently dive twin 12s on a Transpac II / Rec wing. Looking at purchasing some new kit when i visit the Uk.

Like the idea of a one piece DIR harness
Knowing that both have a great Rep and following, this makes it a bit of a harder decision.

[IanW]

Originally Posted by Perth Diver

Hi all,

Can anyone give me some Pro's and Con's on these wings/Backplates and harness systems

I currently dive twin 12s on a Transpac II / Rec wing. Looking at purchasing some new kit when i visit the Uk.

Like the idea of a one piece DIR harness
Knowing that both have a great Rep and following, this makes it a bit of a harder decision.

Any reason why you've limited yourself to just these two brands? If I were you, I'd look a bit further afield - why not also investigate brands like Halcyon and DIRZone as well? You've already said that you're interested in a 'DIR style' harness so these should definately be on the list of wings to consider...

[Rob Dobson]

I use a DIRZone 20L wing, SS BP and single piece harness. The Cordura nylon material that the wing is made from is *really* tough stuff and I have complete confidence in it. Definitely one to look at in IMO.

[Hazel W]

if you are interested in DIR ...then Halcyon make a very very good rig
If not interested in DIR then the best IMHO is undoubtably OMS.

a personal opinoin .... but one shared by many methinks


Hazel

[ardhill]

Between those two (Apeks vs OMS), I think you will find most people here opting for OMS. If you have thought of other wings and decided why you don't like them, then speak up 'cause you will get all sorts of suggestions.

Have a look at this part of the forums, lots of discussion on wings http://www.yorkshire-divers.com/forums/bcds-wings/

You will also get a few folks asking why you want to get rid of your Rec Wing.

If you like the idea of the one piece harness, then go for it. It isn't that expensive, so If you really don't like it then you can change. Some people have also gone for the one piece and added a clip into the left side to create a break point for easier removal. This can be useful if you usually remove your kit in the water before getting back into the boat. Some find it hand, others don't, so try it without for a while.

Backplates - Aluminium or stainless steel. If you carry a load of lead on your weight belt, then the SS one will help you take off a few pounds. You can use the one that comes from the same supplier as your wing, or get a separate one. Two of the members here make them - Woz and Kent Tooling, both are reputable. You can't see the kent tooling backplate on his site - it is in the catalogue.

So, decide what you like and dislike about your existing kit, what you like dislike about your two choices, then go have a look at the wings section of the forum, you may find something completely different.

Oh, and you say you are coming to visit the UK, there's a big Dive Show on in London on 1 & 2nd April. If you are about you will see lots of wings, backplates and harnesses and do a bit of touchy feely.

As you posted this in the DIR section then maybe that is the way you are leaning. In which case, don't be going down the OMS route. Try Halcyon as already mentioned or maybe DIR Zone from another YD member.
.

[Mark Chase]

OMS are very good wings. Contrary to some statements above they do do some DIR compliant wings. I did my DIRF in an OMS wing which was fully compliant with DIR without alterations past what you have to do to a Halcyon wing to make it DIR compliant ie remove the toggle on the bum dump (required for CE mark apparently its dangerous not to have one ).

That said if you want to be a DIR diver why piss them off by not using the Halcyon wing? There not that expensive and the build quality is OK (although not as bomb proof as some would like to think, read the reports of fraying seems on new wings, dumping problems and faults with the wing inflators).

There are a lot of DIR divers out there who don't consider you to be DIR unless you fly a Halcyon wing. I met three from Canada whilst in Cuba last week and they all reckoned i couldn't be DIR with an OMS wing That said they were unable to find anything wrong with the rig.

ATB

Mark Chase

ATB

Mark Chase

[Perth Diver]

Hey guy's thanks for the input,

Read through a lot of the old threads on wings/Bp/Harness's
So many for's and againt's for each.

No particular reason for just theses two systems.

I suppose price enters the equation as well. Been surfing the sites. quite a difference from Apeks all the way up to Halcyon.

Apeks £262
OMS £340
Halcyon £360
Agir £380
DIR Zone £340
WOZ Bp/Harness only £145 inc pp. (Woz + Halcyon 55 wing £390) Hmm!!!

[ardhill]

Originally Posted by Mark Chase

... Contrary to some statements above they do do some DIR compliant wings.

OK, hands up, I am wrong (how am I ever going to live that down, I'm never wrong ). You're right Mark, I was thinking of the 'traditional' OMS bungied wing. Yes, they do plain non-bungied too.

I will go stand in the corner now with my dunce cap on.
.

[StephM]

I'm sure I read somewhere that the head honcho at Halcyon is also one of the main honchos of the DIR 'you must do it this way' gang. I get VERY suspicious when specific brands are put forward as the DIR brand. Nothing wrong with the Apeks Wings or indeed the Dive Rite Classic, but hey what do I know my wing is probably the least DIR compliant wing on the planet and I'm proud of it, need more bungies on it though :-)

[mixdiver]

I like some Ideas put forward by the DIR school of thought however as already posted it does not leave very much up to personal choice.
In the real world we are all different shapes and sizes so Halcyon wings might not suit. I have an twin bladder OMS and it is regaded as Non-DIR as it has bungee, a dual bladder and it is Red (shock Horror!) However, I find it suits my needs very well. It is bullet- proof and has enough lift to raise the heaviest of divers without any problem and most of all trust it to work when I need it to!

Mixdiver