BPW Recommendations

[rickthompson]

I'm a recreational diver considering a BPW as my first buoyancy device. The shop near me is a Halcyon dealer and a complete kit is about $750. I've looked online and all the other manufactures (DSS, DiveRite, Hog, Hollis) seem to be more around the $400-$500 range for the same setup (steel plate, singles wing). What do you guys recommend? Do the Halcyons have anything besides the giant logo that makes it worth the extra money?

 

[SOFDiver]

Rick,

I have Halcyon, DSS, and DiveRite BPW rigs. While I love my Halcyon and dive it the most, I have to say that a DSS package rig makes the most sense as a starting point. My first BPW was a DSS single tank rig with the Torus 36 lb wing. I think the DSS SS backplate is the best on the market, wings are robust and well made, and customer service is great as you can deal directly with Tobin and his guys in CA by phone. I remember that they would not even ship my gear, which I had ordered online, until we had a phone conversation to ensure I was ordering exactly what I needed. Again I own complete Halcyon and DiveRite as well and they are great as well. I am not connected in anyway with DSS, except as a satisfied customer.

 

[chrpai]

I see you've posted pretty much the same question a month ago. Here's another thread where this has all been covered:

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/bu...cs-weight-systems/432643-reviews-halycon.html

What I recommend depends on your specific needs. Single tank, double tank, aluminum, steel.... For me, I've been very, very happy with My DRIS BP/W ( SS backplate with light monkey DIR harness, 28lb donut singles wing and highland tank straps ). I only paid $300 for it and it's a very stable, balanced rig that doesn't require me to wear any additional weight.

I'll probably end up buying an AL backplate and harness also soon for those times I want to dive a steel tank and/or wear less exposure protection.

 

[SangP]

I have owned H gear and honestly what makes it so much better then others I'll never know. They're prone to failures as much as other brands, ss inflator recalls, leaking valves etc. It's not as if the finishing of their plates is really any better then others.

I don't see how this Halcyon Eclipse MC System $769 can be worth more then 2x compared to this AL back plate w/ Oxycheq Hog Harness & Oxycheq Mach V wing $375.00 or a complete DSS rig $460.

For $750 I could pretty much get the best of any other brands for my rig by calling Edd at caveadventurers.
Oms al plate $65, Oxycheq extreme 30 wing $344.00, Oxycheq Mini STA and bolts $25, Hollis solo harness $89, oxycheq cam bands $50. The total so far is $575 (before any discount), I have room to spare for back pouch n tons of other stuff. Heck for $195 I could send the OMS plate for a full hand deburr, have it re-anodized and even add holes for a DSS Glide Harness Adapter I think lol!

 

[fisheater]

To answer the OP's question:

No.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk$/2,,/$7,678(9!.@(3,.

 

[GillScales]

Halcyon makes a nice rig,but it's not worth paying double for the big blue H,in my opinion. Northeast scuba supply has some nice BP/W packages starting at $299. If you like certain halcyon components you can always add em later.

 

[stano]

I own a 2010 Halcyon Eclipse and although nice it is not any better IMO than my buddies Dive Rite or my other buddies OMS. I also own a Dive Rite BCD and it is just as good. I think it's a perceived higher quality issue that just isn't justified. IMO buy the cheaper one as long as its a known brand. Regs, well thats another story... My 2 cents.

Stano

 

[Colliam7]

What do you guys recommend? Do the Halcyons have anything besides the giant logo that makes it worth the extra money?

Not really. Good gear, but a bit on the expensive side. There is nothing unique about Halcyon gear, if that is at the heart of your question. There are a number of good recreational, single cylinder options on the market, and Halcyon is but one. For recreational diving, I happen to dive a Dive Rite SS plate, with a self-assembled one piece harness, and a Halcyon single tank wing. Works for me. I also have a couple of Halcyon doubles wings, but my Dive Rite and Oxycheq double tank wings are just as nice, maybe a bit less expensive. A part of the decision-making should be service after the sale. As several have noted, DSS (and Tobin) rank at the top of that list) and their BP/W packages are very reasonabl priced. But, if the LDS near you (who is a Halcyon dealer) has a great service repututaion, some extra dollars spent there may be reasonable.

 

[j2s]

Did you check-out DSS's pkg/combo prices ???.....Their prices are hard to beat for what you get from an excellent company.....

 

[SandPhantom]

I love my DSS.