of nylon . Providing 22.2 kg ( 217N ) of lift , the Deep Ocean has the advantage of being compatible with single or double cylinder use .
The two conventional tank bands kept my single cylinder very firmly in place , but I felt this rig was crying out for doubles , so I unthreaded the bands , removed the two bolts connecting the cell / backplate and mounted twin sevens .
This is my preferred open circuit setup , much more manageable for me personally than tens or twelves . However , if you ’ ve got a more substantial frame and can handle the larger cargo , it ’ ll certainly cope with ease .
Another interesting and useful feature of the air cell is the use of internal retraction bands rather than an external bungee-type retaining system . The primary purpose of these inner elastic cords is to keep the wing compact when not fully inflated , while also preventing any localised trapping of air .
By loosening these inner bands , the cell ’ s lift can be increased from an alreadyheathy 22.2kg to 27.2kg . This does involve unzipping and turning the cell inside-out , but it ’ s no real issue and once done , it ’ s done . It ’ s just as easily reversed .
Inflation and deflation is carried out by way of a corrugated hose / direct feed to a standard K-shape inflator unit , which is compact , simple and easy to use . Toggle dump valves are located at the left and right kidney positions , plus one on the top right . Pulling on the corrugated
hose will do the business too .
I didn ’ t require much in the way of lead to make my descent , but added a couple of trim weights to the nondumpable pockets located on the rear of the backpack , just enough to counter any forward orientation when floating at the surface .
Unlike plastic quick-release buckles , the stainless steel versions on the Comfort Harness are real heavy-duty beasts – not in size particularly , but in construction . I found them very easy to operate as they required the minimum of effort to release , while remaining extremely secure when closed .
With the shoulder straps , waist belt and crotch strap adjusted to my liking , the whole rig felt very comfortable and the position of the weight system nicely balanced . I don ’ t tend to attach much to a BCD generally , but there are plenty of D-rings to do so , without tipping into Christmas Tree territory .
Over several dives I grew to like and appreciate the Comfort Harness / Deep Ocean . It allowed me to hover horizontally over the seabed or during safety stops and maintain a vertical position while ascending or descending a wall .
The positioning of the four dump valves meant I could adjust buoyancy whatever my orientation and even at the lower factory setting for lift I found there was plenty to spare .
For those of us who primarily dive in the UK where our kit gets tough love on a regular basis , then this robust wing is an attractive option . There are certainly cheaper wings available for divers who may not be quite so committed to allyear-round diving activity , but for build , quality and its adaptability for single or twinset use , this gem from OMS would fit the bill for many a keen club diver . Neil Hope
SCUBA SAYS
With its robust build quality , stainless steel hardware , allied with a comfortable fit , OMS ’ s Comfort Harness III Deep Ocean 2.0 looks , feels and performs like it was born for challenging UK diving .
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