Halcyon 55# Explorer + STA

[Fetch]

Please, no flamage?

What problems (if any) can I expect diving a Halcyon 55lb. Explorer wing with a STA?

If the concerns are fairly minimal, that is what I'll be getting soon, and diving until I can afford doubles. If the concerns are major, I'll look more closely at the Pioneer.

Also, what kind of webbing is most often used for a crotch strap? I've seen pics of 1.5" stiff webbing (ow), but I've also seen pics which indicate a softer webbing might be more commonly used?

Thanks,
Jeff

 

[tombiowami]

For the wing issue, it is mainly preference, the 55s are going to give more drag on every singles dive you do, and goes against the principles of don't carry what you don't need.

I have the 27 wing, and just look at the price of the 55s as part of getting a set of doubles. (along with training for the advanced diving/deco, trimix, 2 regs, etc.)

IMO when you start trying to cut corners on life support equipment...

I would toss out, get the 27 and be on the lookout for a set of 55s used, they are rare, and tend to go for close to new prices if that tells you anything. You know you will dive singles, who knows, you may never get to doubles?

Scuba is very expensive

Tommy

 

[WreckWriter]

Originally posted by Fetch
What problems (if any) can I expect diving a Halcyon 55lb. Explorer wing with a STA?

The Explorer is so much larger than the pioneer that the wing will more or less wrap around your single tank (someone called it the "taco effect"). It's not going to work well as is.

I explored this same question with a board member. I actually thought I had come up with a new idea but he had obviously heard this before....

He suggested making a plastic plate, basically the width of a set of doubles, to keep the wing from curling around so much. I asked him about custom making one out of aluminum but he never got back to me on that.

My own solution to the issue is to just dive double 80s for all dives. I easily get 2 shallow dives out of them and no gear change-over between dives

Tom

 

[Fetch]

Ok, thanks (I didn't realize the size issue was that large with that size wing).

I'm going to be going ahead with the Pioneer, unless anyone has a suggestion on locating a yolk manifold? (ScubaPro apparently made them at one time).

Thanks again,
Jeff

Originally posted by WreckWriter


The Explorer is so much larger than the pioneer that the wing will more or less wrap around your single tank. it's not going to work well as is.

I explored this same question with Fred T., a board member who makes backplates and STAs. He suggested making a plastic plate, basically the width of a set of doubles, to keep the wing from curling around so much. I asked him about custom making one out of aluminum but he never got back to me on that. If you send me a PM I can send you the instructions he sent me on the homemade one.

My own solution to the issue is to just dive double 80s for all dives. I easily get 2 shallow dives out of them and no gear change-over between dives

Tom

 

[WreckWriter]

Originally posted by Fetch
unless anyone has a suggestion on locating a yolk manifold? (ScubaPro apparently made them at one time).

You mean a yoke crossover bar? To connect 2 yoke type K-valves? Terrible idea dude! Do yourself a favor, if you want to build a set of doubles, do it right. Divers Supply http://www.divers-supply.com sells the Sea Elite manifold in 300 bar DIN (same as Halcyon) for only about $160.00.

A crossover introduces multiple points of failure, is very delicate and just an all around bad idea. If you're going to dive doubles you must have a proper manifold (proper meaning DIN with isolation valve).

Tom

 

[Uncle Pug]

An Explorer wing for a single is very bad idea man...
Get yourself a proper Pioneer wing...
And don't even bother with one of those *fat and too wide other than Halcyon, you can use this for everything under the sun* wings...

Spreader plate is such a bad idea IMO (*** this line edited***)

The correct size wing wraps up around the tank(s) just the right amount and presents minimal drag. Having a double tank wing wrap up around a spreader plate presents all kinds of drag as well as trim instability problems...

I suppose that somewhere somebody has made a Corvette pickup truck too...

 

[omar]

I don't know about the pickup truck. But I have seen a corvette station wagon!

If you get the new pioneer wing you will not need a STA as well. The right sized wing makes alot of difference for trim, balance, and control.

omar

 

[The Chairman]

that the "spreader plate" referred to by Wreck Writer works rather well. I have an aluminum one, but the lexan one sounds like it would work fine and would be easier/cheaper to fabricate. My plate is stable, less costly than another set of wings, and introduces no extra failure points. While I concede that there is more drag, I am not in a race, so I take it slow anyway. If one is open to using a STA, then this simple piece poses no more complexity in my eyes. I espouse no philosophy other than that diving should be safe, fun and non-confrontational. If you would like the dimensions of my spreader plate, I would be more than happy to send it to you. I wonder if there are any other than myself who have actually tried it??? It would be good to hear the reactions of actual users (or former users) of a spreader plate.

 

[Uncle Pug]

Originally posted by NetDoc
While I concede that there is more drag, I am not in a race, so I take it slow anyway. If one is open to using a STA, then this simple piece poses no more complexity in my eyes.

The issue isn't necessarily complexity Pete... it is drag and roll control IMO. Since you are concerned about safety then you should also be concerned about CO2 build up cause by un-needed exertion. I exert minimal energy on my typical dive which does more that give me a lower SAC... it provides a peaceful state of mind as well... but when things start to go sideways whether from current or whatever, I don't want to be saddled with extra drag... if I do have to exert myself I don't want CO2 buildup with all the problems that brings. A proper single tank wing is such a small price to pay... and especially if one buys Halcyon you find that should you decide to sell it after several years you get most of your money back.

Oh, as for roll control... the Halcyon 27# ~ 45# singles wings are donut shaped and readily transfer air from one side to the other without trapping... I am not sure about the doubles wing you are using... is it horseshoe shaped like the Halcyon Explorer wings?

 

[WreckWriter]

Originally posted by Uncle Pug
Spreader plate is such a bogus idea

I decided not to do it because of the drag issue. in any case, why dive single tank anyway? I'm just as comfortable with double 80s and would still have to schlep 2 tanks on the boat anyway for most trips.

Tom