Chosing the best wing for double steel HP120s?

[matt t.]

I have narrowed it down I think. I am leaning more towards Oxycheq but I haven't forgotten about Halcyons evolve 60. Has anyone used both and formed any pros and cons about both products? I know Halcyon's egos are through the roof and prices reflect that. It is a solid product. From what I have heard though Oxycheq makes a very rugged, dependable wing. Anyone know where to get either of those wing types at a fair price?

I've owned the Oxycheq 50, the Halcyon Explorer 55, and now the Evolve 60. With a set of 130's they all seem to be about equal trim wise. With 2 deco bottles the Oxycheq was better than the Explorer, but the Evolve beats them both. The Oxycheq is a taller narrower wing, while the Explorer is a shorter wider wing. The Evolve is a completely different animal in that it's a doughnut wing. All are good, and as mentioned above, stay around the 50-55 lb range, anything more is overkill.Try to borrow a few different ones and see what works best for you. Let us know what you end up with.

 

[CompuDude]

I dive double steel HP120s, and I love them. For tec, I dive them with a drysuit, a SS BP, an AL80 deco bottle and a AL40 deco bottle, + JetFins, canister light, reels, etc. In (cold) fresh water I found the Dive Rite Rec Wing at 51 lbs to be just a little light for the combined weight. I also found the dual bladder DR Super Wing, at 77 lbs, to be definite overkill. I ended up with a Halcyon Expolorer 55 and, as Goldilocks said, 'It is just right'.

I think anything less than 50 lbs would be inadequate as you move toward tec / cave. An AL BP may help, but why bother.

I wonder if that has anything to do with the fact that the Rec Wing is only marginally acceptable for some doubles. I'm told it can't get it's full inflation strapped down by doubles, because they made it narrower than a "real" doubles wing would be so it could be better with singles. Compromise wing. (I dive one, too, but I'm not planning to dive it on anything more significant than a paid of Al.80 doubles)

 

[Colliam7]

I've owned the Oxycheq 50, the Halcyon Explorer 55, and now the Evolve 60. With a set of 130's they all seem to be about equal trim wise. With 2 deco bottles the Oxycheq was better than the Explorer, but the Evolve beats them both. The Oxycheq is a taller narrower wing, while the Explorer is a shorter wider wing. The Evolve is a completely different animal in that it's a doughnut wing … Try to borrow a few different ones and see what works best for you. Let us know what you end up with.

Several important points for Dustin to consider. The 120s are longer tanks and (while the Explorer has the lift and ‘feels’ good in the water) from that perspective a taller wing like the Oxycheq also makes good sense. Definitely echo the suggestion to borrow different wings to try, before investing in one. And, I would love to learn what you decide on as well.

I wonder if that has anything to do with the fact that the Rec Wing is only marginally acceptable for some doubles. I'm told it can't get it's full inflation strapped down by doubles, because they made it narrower than a "real" doubles wing would be so it could be better with singles. Compromise wing. (I dive one, too, but I'm not planning to dive it on anything more significant than a paid of Al.80 doubles).

I very much suspect that is the case. Although the HP120s are smaller diameter tanks, when you double them they are still wide. I love the RecWing for single HP120 dives, because it does have a nice slim profile. And, it was natural to start with what I had when I doubled them up. But, it IS a narrow wing and may not have the space to fully inflate when mounted between the plate and (wider) double tanks. In spite of the ‘qualification’ of the RecWing for doubles on the DR website, probably made simply on the basis of lift, I do not think it is an appropriate doubles wing.

 

[willardj]

I use the rec wing with dub 95's and it's fine, but you lose a lot of lift because it being so narrow. It probly has enought lift but you can't get it out of it. When I get my 72's back in action it will be great.

 

[PerroneFord]

I own an Evolve 60, and a DR Classic. I have used an Oxycheq 50. I also own a DSS Torus 45. I typically dive AL80s, LP95s, or LP108s. Quite frankly, the shape of the Evolve has worked best for me, but I dive with no weightbelt. If I needed a weightbelt, I might like a different shape better.

The most bulky setup I've used thus far has been 104s, can light, 3 reels, and AL80 stage. Just for reference.

 

[Nailer99]

I heartilly recommend GOLEM wings. They are incredibly tough, and function flawlessly.

 

[DustinC]

I have decided to try Archangel's 65# halcyon wing. Up here in the northeast there is no dealer that has any type of quality wing for tec divers. So the try before you buy is out of the question. I think that I will be pleased with the halcyon wing to start with. If I end up being disappointed with it for any reason I will try Oxycheq. I do however feel that the halcyon 65# wing should work just perfectly for getting started on doubles and getting some intro tec classes. I want to gives a thank you to all of you that helped give me suggestions and advice on this topic.
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