Halcyon BC Info Wanted...

[tombiowami]

I currently have the Zeagle Ranger and like it quite a bit but my wife just go certified and I am considering letting her use that and getting a Halcyon BP rig. I have researched quite extensively but am looking for some real life experience, goods n bads. The main thing I like is the extreme lack of anything on the front of the diver. One of the things I love about diving is that "Superman" flying thing and the Halcyon seems like the trimmest thing out there. I also want to take probably the Cave1 course at GUE next year, and have read what they want someone to have in terms of gear. Here's my questions:

1.What real life experience using aluminum vs. steel bp?
I am new to the sport and will be using alum80s single for a while. DIR et al seem to recommend alum bp for this, is there a problem with using a ss bp. I usually dive temperate water in a 5mm neoprene. No dry diving for quite a while on a regular basis, though may need to rent one to try during the winter here.

2. I would probably go with the Pioneer 27 wing for now and then when (if) I go on to the more tech/cave get the 55# Exp wing for a doubles setup. Anyone recommend just getting the 55# and single tank adapter? It seems like more drag, and I will be doing easily a hundred dives over the next year or two with alum 80s.

3. The ACB weight system still befuddles me as it looks so un DIR. Do the weights sit really far back, against the bp? They seem like they would get in the way. This is one thing I do not like on the Ranger, is the weights and pockets are too far forward and take away from the trim front. I will not have a canister light for a good long while, but would probably have a pocket for stuff attached on the right. Do any of you who use this have input on the smaller one with no light clip or larger? Does the canister light (or my pocket) get in the way (or stick out too mucyh)when using the ACB. I read of someone using the dive rite clipper pockets. These look simpler and better right off. Any experience? Also the ACBs are $160 which seems over the top for weights. I usually will be diving with 14-18# of weight, (this includes the bp) and my 5mm neoprene wetsuit. I will probably have 6# on the tank as trim weight, the ss bp which is 6# and then 2-6 on the belt.

4. I would also be going to the long hose setup, anyone recommend against the 7' instead of the 5 or 6'?

5. EE lets you try the gear for a month so if I hate it I can send it back.

6. An intersting side note here I have run across recently on the online dive shop vs. local, a lot of the stuff I want is not in stock at the dive shops so they must special order it and don't look too kindly on it if I don't like it, where as I can always send stuff back online.

anyway, thanks for any help provided. Have a good day all...


Tommy

 

[Lost Yooper]

Let me see if I can briefly make a stab at this one.

1. The argument is for wet suits divers to have as much ditchable weight as possible, therefore an AL BP is recommended. A balanced rig is of utmost importance. I am not a wetsuit DIR diver, so perhaps others can help you here.

2. I use a 55lb wing for everything, but I don't use singles too often. I haven't been convinced to buy a 27lb wing yet. I don't have experience with the new Pioneer wings.

3. I would save some moola and just use a weight belt, but again I don't know much about wet suit diving.

4. When I went to DIR several years ago, I went directly to a 7' hose and never looked back. However, all I do is shipwrecks. If you have no ambitions to do overhead stuff, I'd say get the 5 footer, otherwise get the 7 footer and you'll be thoroughly use to it by the time you're ready for overhead stuff. The 7' hose is very nice and easy to wear.

5. Good idea. Make sure the harness isn't too tight. In fact, the shoulder straps should feel loose underwater -- about three fingers should fit between the straps and your suit. I mention this becuase many people make it too tight and can't get in and out of it -- thus won't like it. Properly weight yourself so you don't have to over inflate your wings on the surface.

6. I mail order a bunch of stuff as there are very few shop in my area and none of them offer the gear I want. Do as you have to, I guess.

Good Luck.

Mike

6.

 

[100days-a-year]

Tombo,I have the littlest Halcyon wing(18 or so)Very well made.All my diving is on a SS B/P.I only use long hose in situations where it is useful(deep,cave,deep wreck penetrations)The SS B/P is #6,The STA is #3.With a skin I need no weight.That is my shallow,warm,spearfishing configuration.For diving with rubber I wear #6 or more in dive-rite pouches on my belt between my knife or cutter and the waist d-rings.After a Ranger you will be stunned a how free and unencumbered you feel.

 

[divernva]

You can usually move the pouches along the waist band. People have suggested that the the weight pouches butt against the B/P... but then it probably depends on your physical makeup. If you're larger around the mid-section, this configuration may put the weight too far on your back, for a thinner person this may be a perfect spot. Also read (I think rec.scuba) that the ACB's shift when configured per the supplied directions. So however you can stabilize them [I use d-rings... can never have too many ] is a good thing. Be creative, but definitely know your setup inside and out.

If you're only going to use 1-3lbs per pouch the weight may slide around inside the pouch. Probably not the best thing. My previous BC had a plastic plate with 2" webbing weaved through to keep weights from moving around... might be an idea for you.

SS BP is a good thing for cold water diving to lessen the lead. For warm water, you may want to consider the AL with more lead.


I ordered a 36lb Pioneer since I'll generally be doing single tank dives. But I did pick up a 55lb, to inspire me to the next level... but the hardware for doubles is a little out of my budget at the moment.

Good luck with the research!

 

[detroit diver]

I dive mostly AL80 and own both the AL and SS backplate. I noticed that in warm salt water (ie nothing but a skin or shorty) the SS backplate and STA give me proper weighting without additional weights. Oh, I forgot- I use a keel weight with about 5-6 lbs in it also.

Some folks (including my DIR instructor) tell me that you should not ever need to ditch weight if you are properly weighted in the first place. You should be able to just swim up. I'm still not comfortable with this, so that's why I bought the AL backplate (from FredT).

I use a Pioneer 36 lb wing.

As I've mentioned in previous posts, the ACB system takes some getting used to-especially the release clip. I do like where they are attached, though. The pockets have velcro inside so that small weights don't slide around. At the back of the ACB pouch's strap, there is a hole that I thread the lower backplate bolt thru-no slipping at all.

I started with the 5 foot hose, and found it too short for me. The 7 foot seems to have enough hose to tuck into my belt, whereas the 5 footer just doesn't seem to fit anywhere. This will vary GREATLY with your height and size. I'm 6 ft tall, around 215.

You will love whichever BP you pick. You just glide thru the water without restriction.

Have fun!

 

[large_diver]

I vote 7 foot hose, but then I am a rather large human at 6'5" and 260lbs. I think it's something you have to try to get right. Also -- I am still using a jacket BC.

I was fortunate enough to try a 7 foot with a single tank in a pool (borrowed) before buying it, so I had a chance to try before buying. You may have the same issue with your bungeed back-up. Many DIR folks will recommend a 22" hose. I ordered one from 5th Dimension sight unseen and found it to be too short, mainly because I like my tank riding ride lower than most. I ended up with a 26" hose.

One other recommedation -- if you have a local shop that stocks these odd size hoses, see if they will set up a rig for you and then try it out on dry land in front of a big mirror. It really helps to see how the hose routing and whether things appear streamlined. One other choice would be to order a bunch of hoses at the same time, and then just send back what you don't want.