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To choose a Hollis Buoyancy System, you need to ask yourself: “What kind of diver am I?”
Because assembling your own dive kit can be tricky.
Case in point: With tons of components, varying dive styles and priorities that differ from diver to diver, it can be hard to sort through all the options to find the right kit.
For years, Hollis has been synonymous with elite, superlative technical diving components and equipment. But many divers (including experts) struggle with all the guesswork. How will this backplate match up with this piece of tech, etc…
The combinations are nearly endless, but in all of the swirl, it can be frustrating, because each diver’s needs are unique. As such, there’s no such thing as the “best” setup—only the setup that is best for you.
That’s why we built the Systems: to allow you to access our deep bench of elite Hollis components, but without all the guesswork. Thus far, the response (and demand) from the diving community has been incredible!
So this blog is for you. To help you choose the right Hollis buoyancy system.
ST System vs ST Elite vs DT System: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | ST System | ST Travel System | ST Elite System (Standard) | ST Elite Travel System | DT System | DT50 Dual Wing |
| Harness Style | Solo Harness | Solo Harness | Elite 2 Harness | Elite 2 Harness | Solo Harness | N/A |
| Backplate | Stainless Steel 2.0 | Aluminum 2.0 | Stainless Steel 2.0 | Aluminum 2.0 | Stainless Steel 2.0 | N/A |
| Wing | ST35 | ST22 | ST35 | ST22 | DT45 / DT50 | DT50 |
| Cam Bands | Stainless | Delrin | Stainless | Delrin | Slots included | Slots included |
| Customization Potential | High | High | Very high | Very high | Moderate | Moderate |
| Travel Friendly | Moderate | Excellent | Moderate | Excellent | No | No |
The Hollis ST System
Great For: Single-tank Divers, Streamlining, Decluttering, Minimalists, Warm water (ST Travel), Cool Water (ST System)
The ST System is for minimalist-minded divers who prioritize streamlining their kit for simplicity. So if you’re concerned about unnecessary bulk and pieces of equipment failing, the ST eliminates those factors.
The foundation of the ST system begins with our backplate 2.0, whose geometry and material choices are tailored to your style of diving. We then added our continuous-weave solo harness. It has no buckles that can fail, and no extra parts that you don’t need.
An ultra-streamlined single-tank ST Wing rounds out the system with a perfect balance of horizontal trim and surface floatation. It’s all one simple, ultra-rugged design made for technical dive utility.
The ST comes pre-assembled from the factory and includes unique components depending on your desired configuration.
- For warm waters and traveling, there’s the ST Travel System, which includes the Aluminum backplate 2.0, Delrin cam bands and the Backplate backpad 2.0.
- Or those diving in colder waters can choose the Standard ST System, which includes the ST35 wing, Stainless Steel Backplate 2.0, Stainless steel cam bands and the Backplate backpad 2.0.
The Hollis DT System
Great For: Double-tank Divers, Simplicity, Minimalism, Decluttering, Cool Water
The DT System is minimal and simple, and designed for the rigorous demands of the discerning doubles diver. Made tough, it comes with all the components for your backplate and wing kit in one, pre-assembled from the factory.
This Hollis buoyancy system starts with our new stainless steel backplate 2.0, with geometry and material choices tailored to your style of diving. We then added our continuous-weave solo harness. It has no buckles that can fail, and no extra parts that you don’t need.
- For cold waters, the DT50 Dual Wing has a radical redesign; ideal for various sized double cylinders. The DT50 also promotes greater lift towards the divers hips for better horizontal trim. It also includes the new Hollis Backplate Backpad 2.0, which is designed to pivot out of the way when installing your kit on a set of doubles. Be sure to add a set of cam bands for the occasional single tank dive.
Choose Your Hollis Buoyancy System
The key to becoming a better diver is having the right equipment, starting with your buoyancy system.
Whether you’re getting your first BCD or upgrading for technical diving, Hollis has a buoyancy system for your diving style. Explore the ST System, ST Elite, and DT System to find your ideal configuration.
