Halcyon Backplate or Transpac II

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Northeastwrecks

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Hello.

I'm hoping that some of you might have an opinion regarding the choice of a Halcyon 35 lb. Pioneer (single tank) wing with stainless steel backplate and harness versus a Dive Rite Transpac II.

Most of my dives are in the Northeast. I dive dry throughout the year with a single steel 120 and, when necessary, an 46 cf. ascent bottle hung under my left arm like a stage.

I travel a few times each year to dive. I don't mind schlepping dive gear, so ease of travel is not an issue.

Thanks in advance for your help.
 
>>>> Go with the OMS Bungee Wing <<<<

But seriously, both systems are worth serious investigation. I would try to beg/borrow/dive both of them and see which suits your situation the best. By diving them, only then will you see which is to your taste.
 
yourself some cold hard cash, miseries and time.

Get the Halcyon wings and any backplate.

Do yourself a favor.

ID
 
Not wanting to sound like a DIR salesman, your best bet would be the Halcyon. The new design's versatility eliminates any need for a single tank adaptor so your configuration is basically the same when diving singles and doubles. Last I looked, the transpac II still required the use of an STA. You mentioned travelling. I can't think of anything less compact than a dismantled bp/harness and wing.
 
My vote is for a Back Plate and wing. Halcyon if you can't set it up yourself. FredT if you can. It isn't hard by the way, just a little tedious.

For singles go with a 27lb or 36lb Halcyon wing.

Duals a 55lb Halcyon.

They are very small to pack. I took mine to coz 2 months ago. I have the 27lb. If you're gonna travel with it you might get the Aluminum backplate. Less weight.....
 
OK. I haven't even tried a BP/ Harness setup so I defer to those who answered above, but I have the TP II and it is great. I don't need the extra padding up hear diving with a drysuit, but it's nice to have when diving in warm watter with just a skin.

I'm not sure what a BP/Harness/Wing set up will cost you but I was able to get the TP II, the Rec wing, a crotch strap and weight pockets for $400.

OK, that was just my $0.02... Nopw back to your regularly scheduled program.

Ty
 
I have both BP and Transpac II.
I dive the BP or the TP with doubles, depending on the dive objectives and my personal preference of the day.
I dive the Transpac with travel wing for singles.
The Transpac does not require any kind of STA.
Bottom line - if I were going to get only one, it'd be the Transpac II.
Rick
 
THe good news is that I think there is even a guy who sells Halcyon gear out in western MA. THe name of the operation is Immersion Supplies. I used to have a link to their web-site, but it seems to be out of order....it is still listed on the Halcyon site as being a dealer, however.

I just bought a FredT BP and Halcyon wing and took it diving this past weekend....but not enough experience with it yet to really comment.

Good luck.

http://www.halcyon.net/dealers/ma.shtml
 

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