Beginner questions about Backplates and Wings

[NJdiver85]

I just converted from a Seaquest BD to Halcyon BP/Wings. I went with the whole setup from Halcyon, and the harness comes assembled so it's a no-brainer. Adjustment takes a little time, but not because it's hard to figure out, rather there are just a whole series of adjustments to be made- the BAUE site is perfect for doing the adjustments correctly and in the right order. I found that once I adjusted on land via the BAUE site, I was good to go. Any minor adjustments that I needed to make after diving the BP/Wings were just that - minor - and did NOT interfere with my diving plans or become a hassle.

 

[cyklon_300]

Ditch the Zeagle and get the BP....you'll be glad you did.

Not rocket science to weave the harness...it's just some webbing and some stainless keepers and d-rings...your fingers might get a little sore threading everything together, but that's the worst thing that can happen.

 

[Wendy]

You won't need to readjust the harness everytime you dive. When you adjust it the first time, wear the exposure suit you'll be wearing on your dive, that way you know it will be right.

 

[leadweight]

While there are varying opinions on the difficulty of adjusting the harness, the design is such that adjustments must be made out of water with the BP removed. This adjustment process is not something you want to be doing when boat diving.

If you want to go the BP route make sure you take it to the pool or local lake to set it up before you go on vacation. Personally, I believe it would be very helpful to find someone who knows how to do it to help you. Perhaps someone in this forum lives in your area.

 

[detroit diver]

leadweight once bubbled...
..... This adjustment process is not something you want to be doing when boat diving.

.......

Depends on if we're talking about "The Perfect Storm" or "Blue Lagoon"!

 

[leadweight]

detroit diver once bubbled...


Depends on if we're talking about "The Perfect Storm" or "Blue Lagoon"!

Even at the blue lagoon you really don't get another chance at adjustment until you climb back on the boat. In real life that is going to be at the end of the dive. One could easily spend an entire trip fooling with the thing. That happened to me with a rented BP and as a result I did not buy one.

Perhaps you are making an attempt at humor. At any rate, I seem to encounter attitudes on BP's around here that vary greatly. Anyone who wants to make it sound like a BP is an "enjoy instantly out of the box" product is distorting things. It is just going to take some effort to get it right.

I am not saying don't dive a BP. Just be realistic about the setup process. Everyone around here knows I don't dive one.

 

[jonnythan]

leadweight once bubbled...


Even at the blue lagoon you really don't get another chance at adjustment until you climb back on the boat. In real life that is going to be at the end of the dive. One could easily spend an entire trip fooling with the thing. That happened to me with a rented BP and as a result I did not buy one.

Perhaps you are making an attempt at humor. At any rate, I seem to encounter attitudes on BP's around here that vary greatly. Anyone who wants to make it sound like a BP is an "enjoy instantly out of the box" product is distorting things. It is just going to take some effort to get it right.

I am not saying don't dive a BP. Just be realistic about the setup process. Everyone around here knows I don't dive one.

It should take a few dives to get it spot on, I imagine, but once it's set it's... set. There are no Fastex buckles to adjust on every single dive.

 

[detroit diver]

I guess he didn't like my humor!

 

[jonnythan]

leadweight once bubbled...
Anyone who wants to make it sound like a BP is an "enjoy instantly out of the box" product is distorting things. It is just going to take some effort to get it right.

Mine was fun right out of the box, and it hasn't even been in the water yet!

 

[PacNWdiver]

Danny,

Curious... What don't you like about the Ranger? What is it about the Halcyon rig that you think will be the big improvement?

John