Halcyon Pioneer wing bpw

[spc751]

I found a Halcyon bpw with Pioneer wing for sale. When did Halcyon stop making the Pioneer wing and are they any good.

 

[rongoodman]

I think it's been at least 12 years now, as I don't recall seeing it as an option when I bought my first BP/W. I don't see the point of buying a wing without a replaceable bladder, though.

 

[divad]

I think it's been at least 12 years now, as I don't recall seeing it as an option when I bought my first BP/W. I don't see the point of buying a wing without a replaceable bladder, though.

How many bladders have you replaced ?

 

[rongoodman]

One. Cheaper than buying a new wing and I can't see any downside of having one. I take a dim view of proprietary OPVs and inflators too.

 

[divad]

I agree.

 

[tbone1004]

the elbows are also welded into the wing, so if the elbow fails then the whole wing is trash. Happened to my buddies Pioneer last fall. It's not a wing I'd spend any real money on. It was a great wing while it worked, but with plastic being that old already, it's a bit of a gamble

 

[spc751]

Sounds like I would only be buying a backplate because the wing may or may not be any good. the webbing may not be any good after this amount of time also. Thanks for the information

 

[divad]

The more current versions (post pioneer) have $125.00 replacement bladders available.

 

[DeepSeaExplorer]

Webbing lasts decades. I have one plate with 20 year old webbing. It’s faded and a little chewed, but strong as ever.

 

[formernuke]

Webbing lasts decades. I have one plate with 20 year old webbing. It’s faded and a little chewed, but strong as ever.

I'm going to add if used. Mine sat for an extended time, I started diving again and it had developed a memory and would not budge, but hey it's only 25 bucks to replace.