Your guide to OMS diving products and their modularity
- Sabine Kleinschmidt
- Apr 13
- 5 min read
(The translation into English, French, Spanish or Arabic can be found in the webshop under BLOG.)
Every dive is preparation for the next big underwater adventure. As experience grows, so do the demands on your equipment. This is precisely where the well-designed concepts of Ocean Management Systems (OMS) truly shine. Instead of buying completely new equipment for every new step, a modular system simply grows with your skills.
We cordially invite you to discover the fascinating world of OMS diving equipment. A modular system separates the harness from the buoyancy compensator (wing bladder). This clever design allows you to precisely tailor your configuration to the conditions of your next dive. Whether you're exploring warm tropical waters or diving in cool local lakes, your equipment adapts seamlessly.
We founded the OMS Store as a complement to our dive shop because we firmly believe that OMS offers one of the best and most comprehensive diving concepts on the market. In this article, we'll show you in detail which harness systems can be combined with which wing bladders, for whom these combinations are suitable, and why you'll benefit from this enormous flexibility.
What does modularity mean in OMS?
With conventional BCDs, the harness system and air bladder are sewn together. OMS's modular concept takes a completely different approach. First, you choose a harness system that perfectly suits your physique and preferences. Then, you add the matching wing bladder, which provides precisely the lift you need for your tank configuration.
The biggest advantage of this system is its unrestricted compatibility. Basically, any OMS harness can be combined with any OMS wing bladder. An aluminum backplate for travel can be swapped in just a few steps for a heavy-duty stainless steel backplate for cold-water use. Diving with OMS is simple, convenient, and comfortable because you only ever use the components you actually need.
An overview of the best OMS harness systems
Choosing the right harness is the foundation for perfect body position in the water and superior comfort. OMS offers various systems tailored to different diving styles.
The IQ Lite Harness
This carrying system is incredibly lightweight, weighing just 1.1 kilograms. It easily fits into any carry-on bag and utilizes anodized aluminum components to minimize weight without compromising stability. The soft back padding and padded shoulder straps ensure excellent carrying comfort. The IQ Lite can also be easily modified for cold-water dives by simply attaching a wing bladder for increased buoyancy.
The SmartStream Harness
The SmartStream system was designed to drastically simplify the adjustment of a full-length webbing harness. Simply pulling on the waist belts automatically adjusts the shoulder straps into the correct position. This system utilizes 3.5 meters of durable nylon webbing and is available with either a stainless steel (approx. 2.3 kg) or aluminum (approx. 0.8 kg) backplate. It's an excellent choice for divers who prefer a minimalist DIR (Doing It Right) configuration but don't want to compromise on quick size adjustments.
The Comfort Harness III
The Comfort Harness III offers ultimate comfort. It features removable, thickly padded shoulder straps and a convenient quick-release system (Cobra-style) on both sides. It can be mounted on any standard backplate and offers numerous D-rings made of corrosion-resistant aluminum or stainless steel. This harness is an excellent choice for divers who dive with both single and twin cylinders and seek maximum comfort.
Which wing bladder provides the perfect lift?
Once the harness is fitted, the next step is selecting the wing bladder. The right bladder ensures a streamlined position in the water and effortless buoyancy control.
Performance Mono Wing
The Performance Mono Wing is a classic donut-shaped bladder that allows for quick and easy air exchange from one side to the other. Integrated stabilizing rods prevent the diving cylinder from slipping during the dive.
With a buoyancy of 27 lbs (approx. 12.5 kg) or 32 lbs (approx. 14.5 kg), it is small, lightweight, and easy to pack. It fits all OMS harness systems and is ideal for divers using a single tank.
Performance Double Wing
Divers using double tanks require more buoyancy and a wider bladder shape. The Performance Double Wing also features a ring-shaped design and offers lifting capacities of 45 lbs (20 kg) or 60 lbs (27 kg). The robust outer shell made of 1000 denier nylon reliably protects the inner polyurethane bladder from abrasion and punctures.
Deep Ocean Wing 2
The Deep Ocean Wing 2 is equipped with an internal silicone retraction band system.
These straps pull the empty bladder tightly behind the diver's shoulders. This reduces water resistance and minimizes the risk of becoming entangled in wrecks or caves. With a buoyancy of 48 to 60 lbs, it is extremely versatile and ideally suited for demanding dives with a lot of gear.
Sensible module combinations for every type of diver
The limitless compatibility opens up countless possibilities. We have compiled the most practical combinations for various applications.
For the travel-loving recreational diver
Combination: IQ Lite Harness + Performance Mono Wing (27 lbs)
Those who fly frequently and dive on tropical reefs are mindful of every gram of luggage. This combination is incredibly lightweight while offering the full comfort of a professional buoyancy compensator. You don't need a heavy stainless steel plate, as thin wetsuits in warm waters mean you hardly need any weight anyway. The donut shape of the Performance Mono Wing keeps you in a perfectly horizontal position underwater.
For the ambitious cold water diver
Combination: Comfort Harness III (stainless steel backplate) + Deep Ocean Wing
When diving in cold lakes with a dry suit, significantly more lead is needed.
The heavy-duty stainless steel backplate of the Comfort Harness III already takes over two kilograms of weight off your weight belt and distributes it comfortably across your back. The thick shoulder pads prevent pressure points caused by the additional weight. The Deep Ocean Wing provides ample buoyancy at the surface and remains nicely compact underwater thanks to the retraction straps.
For the technical diver
Combination: SmartStream Harness (stainless steel) + Performance Double Wing (60 lbs)
Technical divers who carry twinsets and additional stage cylinders appreciate the robust reliability of the SmartStream Harness. The continuous webbing minimizes potential points of failure while still allowing for quick adjustments. The Performance Double Wing provides the necessary buoyancy for heavy steel twin cylinders and keeps the equipment perfectly balanced.
Yes. That's the core idea behind OMS modularity. The hole spacing of the backplates and the attachment points for the wing bladders are standardized. You can easily combine a lightweight travel harness with a large double bladder if the situation requires it.
Which material is better for the backplate: aluminum or stainless steel?
It depends on your preferred diving area. Aluminum (approx. 0.8 kg) is perfect for air travel and tropical waters. Stainless steel (approx. 2.3 kg) is the first choice for cold-water divers who dive in dry suits, as the weight of the plate directly helps to generate the necessary buoyancy.
Can I upgrade my existing system later?
Absolutely. If you start with a Performance Mono Wing and later want to switch to twin tanks, keep your harness and simply replace the wing bladder with a Performance Double Wing. This saves money and ensures you can continue using your familiar equipment.
Start your next underwater adventure with us
Properly matched diving equipment is key to safe and enjoyable dives. We strive to offer a wide selection of OMS products, as well as special offers to suit every budget. Our store in Beeskow near Berlin is open, and our staff will be happy to assist you in finding the exact setup you need.
We've been successfully selling diving equipment online since 2006. Visit our online shop at mydive.store , browse our latest OMS offers, and create your dream modular BCD. Feel free to call or message us if you need help or specialized advice. We look forward to equipping you for your next big adventure!
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