BC advice: intermediate diver looking for versatility

[AzAtty]

I was wondering what the advantages are of the 30# Eclipse over the 36# Pioneer (other than the 6# difference, which I suppose could be either a benefit or a liability, depending on your situation). As I understand it, the Pioneer is single tank ready, whereas the Eclipse needs an STA. So what are the benefits of the Eclipse over other wings?

1. The Eclipse is the new Halcyon single tank wing. It has an outer shell and an inner bladder. The inner bladder can be removed and replaced--like if you puncture the wing. The Pioneer doesn't have the inner bladder, and if you get a hole in the wing, you get to buy a new wing.

2. The Pioneer "built-in STA" isn't terribly impressive. It's a couple pieces of plastic piping/boning that run up the middle of the wing. You still need cambands to secure the tank. I bought a STA for my Pioneer wing anyway. It's much sturdier and holds the wing on the plate more securely, IMHO.

 

[JMG]

So I was at my LDS today in their pool. I dove a Halcyon system with the Pioneer 27# wing, and fell in love. I'm diving a Knighthawk tomorrow, but I honestly can't imagine anything being more comfortable than the setup I had on today. It was truly revelatory.

The guy at the LDS told me that the dive I'd be on tomorrow had a guy using an Eclipse and a couple of guys using FredT stuff, so I'll have a chance to check it out. The big question for me at this point is whether or not to pitch in the extra $$ for the Eclipse.

Thanks again for all the advice!

 

[Arnaud]

So I was at my LDS today in their pool. I dove a Halcyon system with the Pioneer 27# wing, and fell in love...

Had the same experience. And I did pitch in the $. When you look at it from a long term perspective, it's well worth the investment.