First equipment purchase & BP/Wings ?

[NuttyGambler]

OK here is my story.

Most of my diving has been in the tropics on vacations. Using rental gear. I now want to dive the lakes of MN (only when it is warm) more and have my own gear for safety sake.

Like to learn all I can, so after finding this board, I've read and read, and believe that the back plate is the way to go. Only thing is I plan on only diving single tanks. The 27lb Pioneer sounds highly regarded. There does seem to be some debate about if the new one works well enough without a STA.

With the STA being almost as expensive as the BP itself, why isn't anyone making a Single tank BP? Seems like a no brainer or what am I missing?

I guess my questions are?
What other Wings are highly regarded for single tanks?
The Single Tank BP question.
Or should I just get a Zeagle Scout or other travel BC?



Thanks everyone

 

[JamesK]

Originally posted by NuttyGambler

What other Wings are highly regarded for single tanks?
The Single Tank BP question.
Or should I just get a Zeagle Scout or other travel BC?

1) None. Only the halcyon is good. However, Dive Rite does make some decent wings. hehe. (sorry I amopening up some worms) Actually, both Dive Rite and halcyon make some excellent wings that can be used for single tank diving. I simply prefer the Halcyon.

2) That, imo, would defeat the purpose of the versatility of the BP setup.

3) No. However, if you get a chance to try both setups, before you buy, and like the BC more, i would stick with it.

 

[NuttyGambler]

Thanks for the reply, guess I forgot this one quesiton.

4) Is the Pioneer wing good enough with single tands without the STA?

 

[Uncle Pug]

James... the idiom is opening up a can of worms

Nutty...

Yes... the Halcyon wing works fine without an STA using only the built in rods to stabilize the tank...

I use mine with a heavy PST LP104 with no problem whatsoever...
I used to use the plastic cam buckles but have gone to the new SS and they really and clamp down hard... however I find that I really don't have to have things super tight for the tank to stay in place.

 

[JamesK]

Originally posted by Uncle Pug
James... the idiom is opening up a can of worms

I thought the can was full of whoop a**. LOL.

 

[Northeastwrecks]

What type of tank are you using?

It is my understanding that the 27lb wing is recommended for use with Aluminum tanks only.

If you are using steels, I believe that the 36lb is recommended.

I invite correction if I'm wrong.

 

[NuttyGambler]

Well need to buy them too.

Most likely AL, as they are cheaper aren't they?

Only advantage to steel is it can be plused for the first 5 years correct?

 

[JamesK]

Originally posted by NuttyGambler
Well need to buy them too.

Most likely AL, as they are cheaper aren't they?

Only advantage to steel is it can be plused for the first 5 years correct?

AL is for stage bottles! I only dive steel. being able to remove weight from the belt, and the less dramatic change in bouyancy are two other benefits of steel.

 

[Wendy]

I love my Halcyon 27lb pioneer wing. Both my divebuddies have them as well. They have the ones with the built in STA, and so do I, but since I had a STA already, I use it with my wing. My friends say that it is fine without it and have had no problems with tank stability.

 

[NuttyGambler]

OK now thumbs down on AL.

Another thing to worry about. Aren't most tanks you use when you travel AL?

Wendy: What type of tanks are you using with your 27lb?