Apeks BPW

[kidspot]

... I don't think it will meet the needs of the extended range technical divers...

Why not? - It would appear to be about the same as the Halcyon Explorer 55 (with 5 lbs more lift)

 

[PhilEllis]

Why not? - It would appear to be about the same as the Halcyon Explorer 55 (with 5 lbs more lift)

I was really talking about the soft-pack WTX Harness when I said the technical divers wouldn't approve. The WTX Harness with the 30 pound wing is going to meet the need of many difficult-to-fit recreational divers, or those that prefer a tight-fitting harness style BC. The 60 and 80 pound wings look really nice and I think many people will find them perfect for twin diving. In addition, the backplate and the one-piece harness are very nice. While many people consider the involvement of Aqua Lung to be a negative, you really have to see the quality of these components to appreciate them. These things are going to be a hit.

Phil Ellis
Dive Sports Online
www.divesports.com
(800) 601-DIVE

 

[kidspot]

ahh - I didn't realize you were refering to the soft pack - I think it's a great thing that Aqua-Lung has gotten involved - I think this will make the gear more widely available if there is a recognizable name involved (as in a name most new divers are exposed to)

Aloha, Tim

 

[StSomewhere]

I agree its nice to see one of the mainstream companies go back to the BP/W's since Scubapro apparently isn't in that market anymore.

I only meant that AL would be a negative from a buyer's price and availability perpective. My LDS is an AL shop, and I have plenty invested in Apeks/Suunto/etc. stuff. Knowing what the SeqQuest BCs retail for, I can't imagine what the MSRP will be for the new Apeks rigs.

Most interesting will be to see if my LDS will stock one or two, given the lecture I got about my BP/W the first time I showed up a the local diving hole with it.

 

[jonnythan]

Ohhh pretty.

 

[GreenDiverDown]

Not too shabby.

Looks like a few mods might be in order, though.

 

[jonnythan]

Not too shabby.

Looks like a few mods might be in order, though.

Yeah... nothing too serious.

These aren't about to become the DIR wings to get, for a variety of reasons. First, the steel cord inside the pull dump isn't necessary so there's no need to have that complication. Second, the right-side OPV/dump valve/hole on the doubles wing is not necessary so there's no need to have that there either. Plus the inflator looks pretty long. And of course the lower D-ring on the singles wing would have to go.

That being said, they look like fine wings for anyone going to a bp/w. I'd love to see one in person... my local shop is an Aqualung dealer so hopefully they will get a few in for me to check out.

 

[GreenDiverDown]

Yeah... nothing too serious.

These aren't about to become the DIR wings to get, for a variety of reasons. First, the steel cord inside the pull dump isn't necessary so there's no need to have that complication. Second, the right-side OPV/dump valve/hole on the doubles wing is not necessary so there's no need to have that there either. Plus the inflator looks pretty long. And of course the lower D-ring on the singles wing would have to go.

That being said, they look like fine wings for anyone going to a bp/w. I'd love to see one in person... my local shop is an Aqualung dealer so hopefully they will get a few in for me to check out.

Yah...those were the kind of things I had in mind. I suspect that the single wing has a pull dump that would have to go and the rear dump would need a little work. I'm wondering how one would get rid of that D-ring that you mentioned...cut it with bolt cutters, I guess. And, yah, the corrugated hose is probably long.

I would have to put my hands on one but the material of the single wing looks pretty thin...makes a great wing to pack, though.

 

[jonnythan]

I'm pretty sure none of these wings have pull dumps on the inflators.. they just have "safety cables" it would seem. The D-ring would cut off just by cutting the webbing it's sewn into.

Still I will hold off any judgement til I see one

 

[scubaputz]

I saw the doubles wing in action today. Look very durable -comparable to the Explorer I was using. I was a bit curious about the having dump options on the left and right side. I was told that the MSRP was/would be less than that of the Halcyon, so that should ease some of the concerns regarding the 10% max discount.

Also, the subdued logo was a nice touch. Beats the hell out of the big Halcyon/DIR patches that I end up tearing off .

Bruce