Golem Gear

[funkydiver]

I got to dive a backplate/wing rig (DSS Hog Set-up) over the weekend and fell in love... luckily the Family Finance Committee (Oregondiver) has approved the expenditure of scuba credits on a new rig. I've been chatting up a few folks and Golem Gear recieved high marks for quality and customer services. To top that off, they have a screaming good deal on a backplate/wing package going right now. So, does anyone have any experience with Golem Gear backplate/wing set-ups? Likes/dislikes?

Inquiring minds with scuba credits to spend would like to know.

Thanks!

jim

[Dashrynn]

I got to dive a backplate/wing rig (DSS Hog Set-up) over the weekend and fell in love... luckily the Family Finance Committee (Oregondiver) has approved the expenditure of scuba credits on a new rig. I've been chatting up a few folks and Golem Gear recieved high marks for quality and customer services. To top that off, they have a screaming good deal on a backplate/wing package going right now. So, does anyone have any experience with Golem Gear backplate/wing set-ups? Likes/dislikes?

Inquiring minds with scuba credits to spend would like to know.

Thanks!

jim

I know myself and april dive one. I have no complaints except when going from bcd to backplate i noticed the "bat wings" the bladder makes. But thats just a personal preference, its a nice build and held up the 50 or more dives that i have dove it.

[John Rawlings]

Golem Gear wings are really fine products, and are built like TANKS - real strong construction designed to tolerate virtually any kind of abuse. Jakub, the owner, also prides himself on great customer service, and is generally the one that answers the phone if he's not off diving! Good man and good products!

I dive a Golem Gear wing on my rebreather - too bad I didn't know you were interested in Golem Gear wings - you could've taken a good close look at the way that it's made at the club dive!

BTW, everything that I said above also goes for Deep Sea Supply wings, another good product line and great customer service from Tobin.

- John

[spatman]

dave (ORdiver) has that rig. shoot him a PM if he doesn't see this thread.

[LCF]

I know several people diving GG rigs who are very happy with them, and Jakub certainly puts some screaming deals out the door. If you want to deal locally, Scott Christopher is a dealer for HOG rigs, which are also reasonably priced and appear to be good value. And, of course, Peter and I dive DSS, largely because of Tobin's customer service.

It's a great world where we have so many good choices.

[Joshua Smith]

DSS makes excellent gear. I hear good things about Hog as well. But Golem has a special place in my heart- I've owned their singles rig and their doubles rig in the past, and absolutely loved them both. I'm currently diving an oxycheq wing on my Meg, but when it comes time to replace it, I'll probably be going with the Golem CCR wing.

[Ken G]

Golem wing are some of the toughest well made wings I have ever used. That said I found the singles wing to be way to big for a single 7" tank. The Golem 35lb single wing I used was closer to the size of my doubles wings than the singles wing's I have experience with in the same lift capacity.

[Dashrynn]

Golem wing are some of the toughest well made wings I have ever used. That said I found the singles wing to be way to big for a single 7" tank. The Golem 35lb single wing I used was closer to the size of my doubles wings than the singles wing's I have experience with in the same lift capacity.

I feel the same way, glad you could put it in words i could not.

[funkydiver]

Golem wing are some of the toughest well made wings I have ever used. That said I found the singles wing to be way to big for a single 7" tank. The Golem 35lb single wing I used was closer to the size of my doubles wings than the singles wing's I have experience with in the same lift capacity.

I feel the same way, glad you could put it in words i could not.

Thanks for all the info everyone

Follow-up question for Ken and Dashrynn (or anyone else that wants to chime in): How big is "too big"? I can't find any specs on the GG wing, but the DSS wing looks to be 18x26 and looks sort of pear shaped. The GG wing looks more rounded (both the horseshoe and donut types). So, is the issue with GG wings (1) the extra material flaps a bit and is slightly annoying and/or (2) with the larger size it is more difficult to fully empty the wing of air? In short, is the wing being too large an issue that impacts performance, or one of personal preference?

Thanks again for all the help!

jim

[CaptnJack]

In short, is the wing being too large an issue that impacts performance, or one of personal preference?

It impacts performance but incrementally. If you were shortie & AL80 in the tropics diver then something in the 18-25lb range feels like nothing. But that's too small for a 8" diameter steel tank and steel plate around here. Likewise a 50lb "single" wing is silly overkill here. Any bungies and drawcords the manufacturer puts on there are just kludges to make an oversized wing the correct size. For single steel tank diving in Puget Sound most people are happy with a wing built for a single tank that's in the 30-40lb lift range. Within the pool of single tank wings, don't get too hung up on 1" wider or longer etc.

[no excuses]

I know that ORdive(Dave) dives one and it is a great looking unit. As far as I know he has never had any problems with it.

[Tangfish]

You can't go wrong with either Golem Gear or DSS!

[ktb]

don't get too hung up on 1" wider or longer etc.

Really? No one? Maybe it's just too easy . . .

[Nwbrewer]

don't get too hung up on 1" wider or longer etc.

Really? No one? Maybe it's just too easy . . .

Oh what the hell, TWSS!

[funkydiver]

don't get too hung up on 1" wider or longer etc.

Really? No one? Maybe it's just too easy . . .

Oh, okay Kelly...

Seems like 1" wider or longer would, necessarily, get hung up... just sayin

[ktb]

IMNSHO, it all comes down to technique and experience, regardless of the topic.

[funkydiver]

IMNSHO, it all comes down to technique and experience, regardless of the topic.

[Joshua Smith]

IMNSHO, it all comes down to technique and experience, regardless of the topic.

No, no, NO. Cool-looking gear will completely compensate for lack of skill and knowledge, every time. Duh. Haven't you learned anything here?

[whatevah]

You can't go wrong with either Golem Gear or DSS!

I would add Oxycheq - been pretty happy with mine.

[Ken G]

You can't go wrong with either Golem Gear or DSS!

I would add Oxycheq - been pretty happy with mine.

I love my Oxycheq wings. Highly recommended. Also the DSS is mighty nice too.

[funkydiver]

Thanks to everyone for the advice and special thanks to Spatty for the offline advice... you all are the best!

In the end I went with an Oxycheq Mach V Signature 30lb. wing, with a Dive Rite Deluxe harness and SS plate and a Seasoft weight harness... super excited to get the gear and head out to dive it

See you under water!!

jim