APEKS or HALCYON?

[chaco6053]

I am looking at purchasing a backplate style bc but would like some recomendations or input. I would mainly use it for single tank diving in tropical environments. I have been doing some reading between Apeks or Halcyon but would like some input on which route to take. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Nick_W]

Lets start here: There are a lot of companies out there making backplates. Why have you narrowed it down to those two? Are there specific features they have that you're looking for? Do you want to be the guy on the boat with the most expensive backplate?

 

[Jimmer]

Lets start here: There are a lot of companies out there making backplates. Why have you narrowed it down to those two? Are there specific features they have that you're looking for? Do you want to be the guy on the boat with the most expensive backplate?

Sad but true. I'm a little curious why those 2 companies as well? Local availability maybe?

 

[genxweb]

I came to this same question over a year ago and i went with Apex over halcyon. They are both great products but went it came to saving almost 700 dollars on a similar rig I decided the apex was the right choice. I purchased a apex 60 lb bladder with a steal backplate. The only thing I saw on the halcyon that I wish I would had on the apex was their webbing seemed softer / broken in already where the apex was stiff for a while but that was quickly fixed with diving it. Also if you are looking to do singles the halcyon single adapter fits the apex double setup or if you are going to start off singles then you wont need a single adapter. In addition the apex pockets are sure lock pockets and are over a 100 dollars cheaper then the halcyon the pockets.

Besides the reasons above I have dove both setups and I can not see any differences.

 

[The Chad]

I have a Apeks, but I would not get caught up in the name game after all its a plate of steel or al. The main thing to look at is does it suit your plans...ie does it have places to mount a can light, reels, butt bag, argon tank (probally not for you if vacation diving is your goal) can it be set up for a single. AL is good for travel but you may need to add weight...thats is about the only thing I would be looking at, AL or steel

 

[Jasonmh]

I came to this same question over a year ago and i went with Apex over halcyon. They are both great products but went it came to saving almost 700 dollars on a similar rig I decided the apex was the right choice. I purchased a apex 60 lb bladder with a steal backplate.

What Apeks rig did you buy that costs $700 LESS than a similar Halcyon rig? That pricing sounds completely out of whack... I am wondering if someone gave you some bad pricing or misunderstood what you were looking for.
The reason why I say this is because full retail (and you can easily find discounts) on a full H setup with 60lbs. wing and steel backplate is $665:
60 lbs Evolve MC System with Stainless Steel Backplate | Extreme Exposure

 

[chaco6053]

My reasoning is local availability. I live in Japan and have not been able to find any backplate systems besides for those 2 companies. I was really trying to avoid using the internet for a purchase but if a product of good quality is recommended I would consider it. Thanks for the help.

 

[Jimmer]

Well Tobin here on the board runs Deep Sea Supply that makes some really nice looking products. I know if I was in the market for a new buoyancy system right now, I'd probably be ordering one from him.

 

[danktex]

I was about to ask that same question. $700 is more than any set up should cost.

I started with a Halcyon Eclipse which I paid $420 for and sold for the same. I have not been impressed with the Apeks BP/W but love their regs. I would go with a Deep Sea Supply. Great build quality, customer support and a good discount for buying a complete rig. I dive their wings now. Everything else on my kit is cobbled together.

 

[Nick_W]

I was going to suggest you talk to Tobin also. He makes some really nice stuff.

To be perfectly honest, there's no chance at all I would ever buy anything Halcyon. I just think their stuff is way overpriced.