Another Halcyon vs. OMS thread

[ivan73]

Hi,

I'm a pretty new diver (50 dives) and I would like in a following year to enjoy my dives as much a possible. I decided to go for a BP/W type of BC. My logical choice is Halcyon eclipse but my favorite diving shop (here in Singapore) is selling only OMS and I know that at my level the difference is not noticable. Instead creating another thread comparing small details (at least for me), I have a question to people using this two BCs.

If I go for OMS they have a model BP-133-S with comfort harness system which looks a bit nicer than Halcyon Eclipse. So my question is: are these harness really worth it? To be honest I have just a bit more confidence in Halcyon (nothing logical just a feeling). Another question, does Halcyhon comes with a back pad? In the local shop they sell it for OMS separatly and it's not so cheap (15% of the BC price)?

Thanks in advance and cheers,

Ivan

 

[pakman]

First off, you really don't need the backpad... Although it is convenient for tossing a DSMB between the pad and the plate (I've got one but that's cuz it came as a Halcyon package I bought at my shop). As for harnesses, you'll get used to the single piece harness with time (putting it on in the water, on the boat, taking it off in the water, etc). Certain groups would scream at you for getting the comfort harness and tell you you're gonna die or that they are major failure point... But having seen a number of people in my dive club with the comfort harness, they are convenient...

As for the single wings (Halcyon vs OMS), I really don't think you can go wrong with either brands...

So... if you're on a budget, I'd say get the BP, wing, and a single piece harness... You can always bungee stuff [gasp] like a rolled DSMB on the bottom of the backplate...

Happy shopping and diving...

 

[TSandM]

Ivan, my advice would be, whichever system you buy, don't buy the back pad at first. Dive the rig and find out if you think you need padding. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised to discover that you don't need it at all. I've spent a fair bit of time in my BP/W with a 3 mil wetsuit and I've been completely comfortable without any padding.

The people I know who have started with a non-Hogarthian harness have all eventually converted, and that seems to be the case with many on this board as well. I can't say anything more about that, because I started with the continuous harness.

 

[*Floater*]

which OMS wing are you looking at?

 

[ivan73]

First thanks guys for your quick responses.

Floater, I think that for the beginning I'll go for a single cylinder BC116-S-32.


Ivan

 

[GreenDiverDown]

That OMS wing is fine. It certainly is just as good as the Eclipse... if not better in some respects.

Get (or make) a one piece Hog harness. The OMS comfort harness is silly. It looks cool... sort of... but it's actually a pain to put on. All of the zigs and zags and buckles and such just serve to make it floppy and complicated. A one piece Hog... especially one made of stiff webbing... keeps its form and is easy to slip into. I know... for the novice... it just doesn't look as appealing. But it really is the way to go... for most folks, that is. Like others have said... everyone that I know that started with the comfort harness eventually switched over to Hog.

You don't need a pad for the plate. IMHO it is worthless. You can easily stick a SMB in your pocket or bungee it to the bottom of your plate. Most DSMBs won't fit in the pad anyways... well if you can cram 'em in there they arent comfortable. You certainly don't need a pad for comfort... it adds nada.

If your LDS has all of the OMS stuff on hand... plate, webbing, crotch strap and hardware, STA, cambands and wing... then just get it from them. OMS makes high quality gear... it's just that often you can't get it in a timely manner. OMS = "backorder". OMS = "vaporware".

 

[*Floater*]

First thanks guys for your quick responses.

Floater, I think that for the beginning I'll go for a single cylinder BC116-S-32.


Ivan

I think OMS recently changed the design of their 32# singles wing from a horseshoe to a donut. Just make sure that your shop has the new version in stock in case that's an issue for you. The eclipse is also a donut.

 

[GreenDiverDown]

I think OMS recently changed the design of their 32# singles wing from a horseshoe to a donut. Just make sure that your shop has the new version in stock in case that's an issue for you. The eclipse is also a donut.

It has been awhile but yes, the older design was a horseshoe... mine is. But for the last year or so all of the ones that have been sold thru our shop have been ovals.

 

[Hoosier]

To be honest I have just a bit more confidence in Halcyon (nothing logical just a feeling).
Ivan

Why do you feel in that way? Have you read many threads on our board?

Actually, out of our board, there are many tech divers are actively using the OMS gear, even with the bungee cord. There is nothing wrong or less confident with OMS.

 

[ivan73]

I thank everybody for your response, comment.

I still have some time to decide myself but I think that I'll go for OMS ss BP + W (I'm using 6lb in warm water and I hope I don't have to use any more waist bell; for travel well it's only 4 lb difference), after verifying how good my local shop is supplied. I didn't quite understood why OMS system is kind of under explored by (experienced) divers who are responding in this forum. I understand that they are expensive, but still cheaper than Halcyon system (at least here in Singapore). If I understood right they are same high quality as H, DSS, or other brand BP + W. I'm going for single wing so no reason to talk about bungees and WOD issues. I think also that I'll follow TSandM and install simple Hogarthian harness, just because is simple (I hope local salesman/dive instructor can help me to adjust it right. Btw. if any of you could post a picture of how a well adjusted harness on her/him should look like it would be great). Although a lot of people are using comfort or IQ OMS system I think that I would like to try the simplest and then upgrade if I don't like the Hogarthian one (it's always good to know you can upgrade something on your gear; well one could say you can always upgrade but I'm considering myself as a reasonable person, or better I follow my wallet). So let me just finish with a probably stupid question (again one will say there's no stupid question only answer is) I didn't get what STA is (often used in BC forums)? Let me also ask if you use only one D-ring per item and if yes in average how many rings do you put on your harness (vertical/horizontal). Just last remark I like the red color of the wings, not because it's red but cause I've never seen it on a boat so allows me to find easily my gear.

Anyway I thank you all again.

Cheers,

Ivan

P.S. I won't go for the back pad, at least not at the biginnig. And what's the difference between angled mouthpiece and normal one on the inflator (is it just another great idea to take more money or really usefull?). Ok I stop now.