Halcyon ABC integrated weight system.

[GSmith]

From what I've seen and read, this product is inconsistent with the DIR philosophy, isn't it?

I thought only non-integrated weight sytems were in line with there criteria?

What is the best ditchable weight system to use with the Halcyon eclipse that maintains low drag?

I tried the DUI Weight & Trim II (not with the Eclipse) and found the adjustments and buckles to be limited and unreliable at holding there adjustment properly. I think the DUI Weight & Trim "Classic" has more adjustments with a better design. The down side of this is that it has allot of bulk

Can you really beat a weight belt with a good buckle?

 

[Uncle Pug]

I either use one of Heath's mesh belts or a SeaSoft shot filled neoprene belt.

www.idsewing.com for Heath

 

[doole]

If the question really is "can you beat a weight belt", my answer would be categorically yes, in many circumstances. If there's going to be a lot of weight, i.e. drysuit, you might want to spread it around a bit. This way, if you do need to drop some, (so maybe you're the suicidal type) you don't have to drop it all at once.

IMO for O/W rec diving, integrated is the way to go. I have the Halcyon ACB thing and it's the best I've tried. I like the utter lack of velcro.

 

[ColdH20diving]

I've tried weight belts, don't like em, seem to always end up sliding down my butt. DUI weight harness, got one, better than the weight belt, but just more shoulder straps to deal with certainly not streamlined. I now use the Halcyon ACB30, it's not perfect, but it's the best system I've tried so far.

 

[TTSkipper]

I just bought the ACB30 beofer my trip to Florida. For diving in the warm water with little weight it was overkill, but in NY where I wear a 5mil full suit with hood and booties and bout 20-24 lbs of weight, I think I will enjoy wearing the ACB system alot more than a weightbelt.

TTSkipper

 

[HammerNoMore]

GSmith once bubbled...
From what I've seen and read, this product is inconsistent with the DIR philosophy, isn't it?
I thought only non-integrated weight sytems were in line with there criteria?

The DIR philosophy is the brainchild of GI and other members of the WKPP. GUE is the certifiying agency that is pushing the DIR philosophy. Halcyon is a company started by JJ. Halcyon has two objectives: 1) to make DIR equipment availble and 2) to make money.

There are a few DIR mantra's that do not sit well with a lot of people and one of them is the weight belt issue. Halcyon would not sell near as many MC systems if they didin't offer an integrated weight system.

Just because Halcyon makes it doesn't mean it's DIR. If Halcyon were to come out with a computer somewhere down the road it would not surprise me in the least. Remember:

GUE is about pushing DIR.
Halcyon is about making $$$.

Sometimes those two goals do not overlap completely.

Can you really beat a weight belt with a good buckle?

Well speaking as someone who owns an ABC system and used it once (anyone want to buy it?) I can say it is horrible. I use a weight belt now, although I would still prefer to use integrated weights but I don't think there is a really good (and streamline) solution for a BP/Wing.

The weight belt brings its own set of problems (see threads about inside vs. outside the harness). Also, as embarased as I am to admit it, I once forgot my 3lb weight belt (I know, bad pre-dive check). Luckily we had weights hanging from the boat or I would have had real trouble making a safety stop.

Personally, I don't really belive that weight needs to be ditchable unless you are in a drysuit that can flood. If you are not diving dry and you always dive in the same condtions (i.e. your added weight does not change), I would recommed getting a channel weight poured for the weight you need.

I believe Fred-T can do that for you.

James

 

[doole]

Well said, james - but what makes you think the ACB is so horrible?

 

[buff]

A creative diver can get away - or almost get away - with NOT wearing a weight belt.

There are many arrangements that can negate the need for a weight belt. Most of these ideas involve placing more weight on a large, heavy backplate. This weight can be molded to fit any nook an crany in a backplate-that's how Fred T. does it.

Another option, that I'm looking into is small weight pockets placed on the harness almost next to the backplate itself(I hate those weight integrated BC that have all your weight flopping all over as you try to strap the belt on.) These pockets are only capable of holding 5 pounds a peice but they are ditchable.

http://www.xsscuba.com/weight_belts.php

The final option-which no one ever seems interested in is:

LOOSE WEIGHT!!

Since diving is not an aerobic activity it seems to attract a more "round crowd". As a nurse, I take care of almost just 3 types of patients:

1. smokers
2. the obese
3. obese smokers

As I have gained fat I need more and more weight to sink my fat butt(more like gut). I don't think it's a problem with the equipment design but my lack of watching my weight....and I admit it.

 

[HammerNoMore]

doole once bubbled...
Well said, james - but what makes you think the ACB is so horrible?

1. It is difficult to load/unload them
2. They have a piece of abs in them that may or may not properly conform to your body, i.e. they are uncomfortable.
3. They stick out way to much, i.e. they are not streamlined and you arm tends to hit them.
4. I only need weight when I'm in cold water. To add or remove them I have to remove my carefully placed buckle, remove the left waist D-Ring, bolt them on the backplate, etc. Big PITA.

I love Halcyon products but they bit the shark on this one. It's just not a good design. I was talking to SeeJay a while back and he has a friend designing something better. I never follow up on it but I really should...


SeeJay, if you're listening, whatever happened with that?

 

[HammerNoMore]

buff once bubbled...

The final option-which no one ever seems interested in is:

LOOSE WEIGHT!!

How incredibly short sighted. You assume that anyone who needs weight is overweight? Have you ever heard of exposure protection?

For my summer time local diving I need no weight. Throw me the the ocean with a shorty and I have to add a couple of pounds. Throw a 7mm in the mix and we're adding a good bit of weight, dry suit....

Clearly you are either trying to hijack this thread for your own personal agenda or you just really don't have a clue about weight and exposure protection.

Or are you so skinny that you are 30lbs negativly bouyant without an exposure suit?