static Issues...anybody know why?

Tried looking at them? Lyra Delos, open body, hardly anything comes near the vinyl but the stylus. Ortofon, great big plastic body running right next to the record. DYODD on static, everything from shape to construction, the Ortofon is gonna be worse.

Zero-Stat, Static-Guard anti-static spray, increase humidity if you can.

I may try removing the plastic cover and going nude.

You might want to try an accessory grounded sweep arm that trails the tonearm as closely as possible.