Question Halcyon Eclipse or Traveler Pro?

[Edwaty]

Hi,

I need a single tank wing to dive in moderately warm (18-25°C) salt water, mostly in drysuit, and also probably, while travelling, in tropical (25-30°C) waters (where I may not bring the drysuit... not sure yet). I already have a Halcyon Evolve wing, so I'll only use this one where I can't rent / bring doubles.

On this purpose, I'm not clear on which one would be the best between Halcyon Eclipse and Halcyon Traveler Pro.
What I understand from Halcyon website is that the only difference between them is that the Traveler Pro has four cam slots, making it compatible with the carbon fiber built-in STA. So considering that the price is the same for both wings, I can't see any reason not to choose the Traveler Pro, which seems to be the same but more flexible if at any moment in the future I want to buy a CF backplate and stop using an STA.

Regarding BP and STA, I currently own a SS Halcyon Backplate, so I'll start with this one and add an STA for the moment. I don't know the amount of weight I'll need so I'll experiment a little bit before adding an integrated weight to the STA or switch to a lighter BP.

Finally, I'm considering a 20lbs size. Would it be sufficient (I have a GUE-style gear)?
On doubles, I have a 40lbs wing and it seems to be definitely enough.

Any help?

Thanks

 

[Centrals]

What is the advantage of STA?
Would you not consider other wing/brand which does not require one?
20lbs is good enough for tropical warm water.
Wing with slots for cam bands is far more flexible than those require STA. Less dead weight to carry/pack.

 

[azgetaway]

What is the advantage of STA?
Would you not consider other wing/brand which does not require one?
20lbs is good enough for tropical warm water.
Wing with slots for cam bands is far more flexible than those require STA. Less dead weight to carry/pack.

Old thread I know, I am looking at purchasing a 20# Travel Pro, so I thought I'd re-ignite this thread. The main thing I see is removing the STA from the travel rig should be less weight and less parts to pack, and that's why I'm considering it. Advantages of the STA? I have a 40# Eclispe with a SS backplate for diving near home (cold temps) (drysuit, long hose, rec profiles) . When I change tanks (steel 100's) the STA provides a nice channel to slide the tanks on horizontal to the deck. My back plate and STA weighs 20lbs, you can slip it over the tank standing vertical but its a little much for me. The STA also provides a flat Al surface that sandwiches the wing between it and the backplate, that's just the design and I'm interested in how the no STA back plate achieves attaching the wing to the backplate, I haven't found a good explanation yet. For warm water travel I have an Al back plate, with the STA and weights I'm less than 15lbs in a shorty. So with the lighter backplate and STA I don't really need the STA to assist in changing tanks, slipping it on while the tank is vertical works well. Summary - the STA helps me changing tanks in cold water, for travel its extra weight and complexity I'd like to eliminate. Your feedback is welcome here.