back plates/wings.... huh?

[TwoBitTxn]

Thanks Tavi,

I have learned so much since I posted that question back in July. Included in that education was I learned my next BC will be a Transpak II.

Tom

 

[scorpiofish]

There are no Halcyon dealers locally. But you've already been provided some links to authorized dealers. Halycon has a new setup for single tanks that no longer requires a Single Tank Adaptor.

Dive Rite also has a complete line of BP and wings. The Transpac II is not a BP and wings, but serves as the most compact, lightest, slimmest profile when combined with travel wing.

They also make the traditional backplates, with a slew of optional wings.

Sand and Sea has gone by the wayside, but there are plenty of other Dive Rite dealers in the metroplex.

Emerald Sea in Richardson. Nice folks.

2Dive4 (Scubatoys) in Dallas. Last I heard, phasing out DiveRite and emphasizing Zeagle.

Scuba Southwest in Rockwall. Small shop, but will likely know more about BP/wings setup (as opposed to just Transpac)

Tuckers Dive Shop in Grand Prairie. Don't know them, but good rep.

Grapevine Scuba. Call and see what they carry. I don't recall seeing much DiveRite stuff there.

 

[TexasMike]

I want to add to ScorpioFish's list:

Southern Scuba in south Ft Worth (across from the Miller Brewery). They are a major Technical diving oriented shop and carry much of the major Tech lines.

 

[JoelW]

Depending on a person's particular interest in having the new Halcyon wing, Extreme Exposure has some old style Pioneer wings on their website from the blemished bin that they are selling for $237 as opposed to $338.

JoelW

 

[Scubadent]

Any idea what will be the difference between the old version of the Halcyon wings and the newer version? I have been eyeing the Extreme Exposure website with the intention to jump on the "Holiday Special".

Did you get the same impression as I did that the wings which had cosmetic blemishes from glue residue were the newer style wings? Any thoughts?

 

[Lost Yooper]

The newer Pioneers have a built-in single tank adaptor so you don't have to buy a seperate STA. Halcyon wings beat the others in terms of quality hands down. If price is an real issue, then either Dive Rite or AUL have cheaper BP's and wings. I would take an AUL BP and wing over any fancy "tech" BC on the market, but the Halcyon is simply the best out there.

Mike

 

[algulfdiver]

The Scuba Pro make the S-TEC just like the Dive Rite Transport ll. S.P. S-TEC with TEC-REC wings is a excellent choice.

 

[Divesherpa]

Predictably, I am a BP/Wings guy. My posting is in regards to which wing is better, and which plate is better. My plates consist of (1) Halcyon Stainless Steel Bp, (1) DiveRite Aluminum BP, (2) DiveRite ABS plates, (1) Larry Green Special Aluminum,(1) Halcyon Explorer wing, (1) DiveRite Classic Wing,(1)DiveRite Super One Wing, and (1)OMS wing.
As I only dive singles when doing pool sessions with students, I use a rental BC. (for demo purposes)
As to preferences, I can't tell the difference in plate manufacturers. A Plate is a plate. I use stainless any time I'm in saltwater unless I have a plethora of bottles. I use either aluminum or ABS when caving. DiveRite plates are less expensive and work fine. I have heard arguments that the Halcyon plate is better. (my question is how?).
Plate preference boils down to how much weight you dive as to what type of plate you need. I suggest stainless for almost all single tanks as the -6lbs. offsets all or part of the weighting issue.

I like the Halcyon wing, but I dive the DiveRite wing most of the time. I don't like the OMS wing.

Hope this helps.

 

[JoelW]

Scubadent,

I bought one of the ones that are on special. I think that it is a toss up as which type you get. It sounded like there were some of the old style and some of the new style. I will using the Pioneer in place of the Dive Rite Trek wing that I have so I already have an STA.

JoelW

 

[Scubadent]

I'm a mouse click away from picking up a Pioneer wings set.

Whats the rule of thumb for the amount of lift needed for, say, someone who dives in salt water,single tank, with full wetsuit (future drysuit), using 32-34 lbs lead depending on what was for dinner the night before. The SS backplate will shave some off the belt but are the 36 lbs wings enough for this type of diving? Never having bought a BC before I dont want to find that I shortchanged myself when I hit the water and cant get off the bottom! I cant imagine that I need more than 36 lbs, but just want to be sure before the purchase. Thanks