Any comments on Halcyon ACB system?

[TTSkipper]

Does anyone who has used the Halcyon ACB system with their BP/W have any comments. I have ordered a set of the 15lb per side pockets and wanted some opinions. The reason I am looking into them is that I need 20+ lbs of weight with my 5mil suit and accessories. I have only had the BP/W for a few dives but the weight belt is very uncomfortable and keeps shifting around on me while under water.

I had thought about the DUI wieght harness instead, but I really do not like those giant handles that seem like they are bound to catch on something and the whole threading of the cord seems like a pain if they come out by accident.

Any comments would be appreciated as long as they are your opinion about how much you liked or disliked the ACB weight system when you tried or used it.

Thanks,

TTSkipper

 

[Scubaroo]

I use the 10lb per side version, and think they're great. The 15lb per side version look somewhat larger and bulkier though.

The weight ratings are for hard weights only - mine, I can fit either a 5lb soft weight (7lb if I try REALLY hard), or a 10lb hard weight. So don't expect to be able to stuff 15lb of soft weights into each pocket.

You might want to investigate either a channel weight or weighted STA to reduce the amount of lead you need to wear elsewhere on your rig. Uncle Pug has used the 15lb version before and he does not recommend them.

 

[MechDiver]

I used the ACB when I first got my single rig and still thought I needed ditchable weight. There are okay, but are bulky and take away some of the benefit of a bp&w IMO.

I agree with scubaroo about moving weight to your back if you can. I use a weighted STA and steel tank, with two 3 pound bullet weights on my waist belt right next to the bp. Much cleaner without the ACB, but they won't kill ya

MD

 

[deepdiverbc]

Scubaroo once bubbled...
I use the 10lb per side version, and think they're great. The 15lb per side version look somewhat larger and bulkier though.

The weight ratings are for hard weights only - mine, I can fit either a 5lb soft weight (7lb if I try REALLY hard), or a 10lb hard weight. So don't expect to be able to stuff 15lb of soft weights into each pocket.

You might want to investigate either a channel weight or weighted STA to reduce the amount of lead you need to wear elsewhere on your rig. Uncle Pug has used the 15lb version before and he does not recommend them.

I am waiting for my ACB 20 to arrive and was talking to a guy that makes custom lead shot pouches. Do you think I could fit 10lb per side if the pouches are shaped to fit the ACB20 pouch?

 

[VTernovski]

Hey TTSkipper... I have them, but don't use them. As a matter of fact, I was going to sell them on eBay.

Tell you what. I will be there at Dutch Springs this Sunday. If you want, you can use them for the day and see for yourself. If you decide you like them, you can buy them off me. if not, than, don;t worry about it, the eBay it goes.

-VT

 

[TTSkipper]

Vternovski,

Thanks for the offer but I am probably not going to make it to Dutch this weekend. I am leaving for vacation on Wednesday morning and really need to get some work done. My ACB pockets should be here on Friday. I ordered them from EE, I would have gone into the city and picked them up from Village Divers but I have been so busy getting into the city is kind of a pain for me.

I guess if I do not like the pockets I will return them, I can always use my weight belt while I am on vacation. I will see what EE's return policy is.

Thanks everyone for the advice.

TTskipper

 

[jonnythan]

If you have a SS plate, you can take some old lead scuba weights (or lead shot, or wheel weights, etc) and melt them down in a pot and pour yourself a channel weight. I did, and it's 8 pounds. So with the plate, I have 14 pounds.... and amazingly that's all I need with a drysuit and aluminum tank. You can see pictures of my channel weight (I know, it's ugly, but it gets the job done and doesn't get in the way at all) at http://jonnythan.com/scuba

If you have an Al plate... consider getting a SS plate. Having most of your weight spread across your back is a great feeling.

 

[VTernovski]

EE is pretty good as far as returns I heard. I got my ACB from Cal at Village Divers... those suckers costs $120 if I remember correctly. it was kinda waste of money, honestly. I sort of liked them at the beginning, but my biggest problem with the was that they took up the whole damn harness belt, and I had no space to clip the stuff like the canister light, knife, etc...

I got small OMS pockets instead, they take twice as little space, but they are not self-ditchable... however, I only use 4lb (in fresh water), 2lb on each side, so, that's not a problem. I am hoping that when I move to doubles, I won't need any weight at all. However, considering it's so little weight, I may just switch to an old plain weight belt with a good metal buckle instead.

-VT

 

[Scubaroo]

deepdiverbc once bubbled...
I am waiting for my ACB 20 to arrive and was talking to a guy that makes custom lead shot pouches. Do you think I could fit 10lb per side if the pouches are shaped to fit the ACB20 pouch?

Nope - lead shot is nowhere near as dense as a solid weight. The pouches are rated by the largest single solid weight they will accept - I can't fit 2 x 5lb solids into the 10lb, but can fit a single 10lb solid hip weight. Even with solid weights it's going to depend on the shape - you might be able to find 2 x 5lbs that fit.

They're at almost bursting point with 7lb of soft weight jammed in them, and the buckles are almost impossible to close. Luckily I only need 5lb per side, so it's not much of an issue for me, unless I get stuck diving an AL tank somewhere.

 

[ColdH20diving]

I use the ACB 30 and for the most part really like it. I started out with a DUI harness, but the harness webbing did not quite clear the DUI weight pouches. That and it just didn't like a clean set up. On the down side of the ACB system, it's not as easy, ( but better than most that I've tried ) to load once your rig is on. By the way, for those using the ACB system, do you mount the strap on the diver or tank side of your backplate. I've tried both ways, it just seems like when mounted on the diver side it puts a lot of stain on the gromets.