Eclipse/Pioneer Wing Question

[Vie]

Could someone please explain to me the differences between a 30 lb. Eclipse Wing and a 27 lb. Pioneer Wing? They seem so close in lift capacity and appearance/function. As far as I can tell, the Pioneer wings do not need an adapter when used with a single tank whereas an Eclipse Wing would require an adaptor.

 

[Dryglove]

Could someone please explain to me the differences between a 30 lb. Eclipse Wing and a 27 lb. Pioneer Wing? They seem so close in lift capacity and appearance/function. As far as I can tell, the Pioneer wings do not need an adapter when used with a single tank whereas an Eclipse Wing would require an adaptor.

The eclipse wing does require a STA unlike the newer pioneer wings which have a built in STA in the form of two rods that run along the spine of the BP to keep the tank in place.

The pioneer is a single bladder designed wing where the eclipse is designed like the explorer series wings with a seperate inner bladder and protective outer layer. The eclipse is a tougher version of the pioneer plus you can check the inner bladder on a eclipse unlike a pioneer.

Overall the eclipse is a tougher wing wing. The pioneer wings have been known not to be the most puncture resistant wings IMO.

 

[limeyx]

The eclipse wing does require a STA unlike the newer pioneer wings which have a built in STA in the form of two rods that run along the spine of the BP to keep the tank in place.

The pioneer is a single bladder designed wing where the eclipse is designed like the explorer series wings with a seperate inner bladder and protective outer layer. The eclipse is a tougher version of the pioneer plus you can check the inner bladder on a eclipse unlike a pioneer.

Overall the eclipse is a tougher wing wing. The pioneer wings have been known not to be the most puncture resistant wings IMO.

Built-in STA on the Pioneer sucks. You should (IMO) plan on buying a real STA (most dive stores tell you you don't need one due to the built-in one). A real STA should also let you space the tank straps wider apart for better grip.

I have pioneer 36 and it seems pretty durable so far (although I've put all of 7 dives on it

 

[Dryglove]

Built-in STA on the Pioneer sucks. You should (IMO) plan on buying a real STA (most dive stores tell you you don't need one due to the built-in one). A real STA should also let you space the tank straps wider apart for better grip.

I have pioneer 36 and it seems pretty durable so far (although I've put all of 7 dives on it

I totally agree about the built in STA on the pioneer wing but some members here like uncle pug and others swear by it. I personally used a fredt 2pc sta when i had my pioneer wing. I use a weighted STA with my eclipse wing and really like it.

 

[Vie]

I totally agree about the built in STA on the pioneer wing but some members here like uncle pug and others swear by it. I personally used a fredt 2pc sta when i had my pioneer wing. I use a weighted STA with my eclipse wing and really like it.

Thank you all for the info. My other questions are: who, apart from Halcyon, manufactures Single Tank Adaptors and should I stick with Halcyon or is another manufacturer's STA just as good or better?

 

[Scubaroo]

Most tech oriented companies make STAs.

OxyCheq, Dive Rite, OMS, Halcyon... numerous companies. Also FredT on this board.

 

[Dryglove]

To me a STA is a STA and most of them are similar except for the fredT version. The most important thing is to determine if you want the weighted version or lite version. The halcyon and oxycheq weighted version are identical while there are some variances of the lite version. Chris over at covci.com had some really good deals going with the oxycheq lite version and cam bands. Also check out scubaroo's site for a host of goodies, its just to bad he is in australia and not closer

 

[jonnythan]

The built in STA on the Pioneer works fine. I can never understand why people hate it so much.. you can't tell the difference underwater.

 

[Dan Gibson]

I know I've never had any problems with any of mine. It has to be operator error

The built in STA on the Pioneer works fine. I can never understand why people hate it so much.. you can't tell the difference underwater.

 

[kalvyn]

The built in STA on the Pioneer works fine. I can never understand why people hate it so much.. you can't tell the difference underwater.

Maybe it's because if you're not careful setting it up, the BP can get on the tank cockeyed? I've been using the Pioneer built-in STA for a couple years now with no problems, myself.

Jimmie