Halcyon MC (Pioneer) + Novice

[UncleJT]

Would you recommend a Halcyon Pioneer BC to a novice scuba diver the way Halcyon does here?

http://www.halcyon.net/dir/faq_05.shtml

I find the whole setup intriguing but not if my dive instructure is going to castrate me if I show up with something like it for my OW.

I do know, that I ultimately plan on alot of tech diving as my scuba experience grows.

Thanks guys.

- JT

 

[metridium]

Bought my first backplate almost immediately after OW, and never really looked back....a few miserable rentals aside.

My first wasn't a halcyon, but my second is. The principle remains the same.

 

[Tavi]

If you decide to go that way............
there is a fellow board member looking to sell one check here

 

[UncleJT]

Originally posted by metridium
Bought my first backplate almost immediately after OW, and never really looked back....a few miserable rentals aside.

Thanks metridum, can you detail your gear setup for me please?

- JT

 

[Scuba446]

Yes,
I do have Halycon rig for sale, brand new. on this Message Boards Classified, AND on Ebay..but you can e-mail me a private message as well for details..

 

[metridium]

Originally posted by UncleJT

Thanks metridum, can you detail your gear setup for me please?

The Halcyon? I have a 6lb SS backplate, rigged with standard DIR webbing, a 36lb Pioneer wing, ACB+ pockets*, Storage Pack w/SMB, Scubapro G250 on a 5' hose and R190 on a bungee necklace.

* I wouldn't recommend these, because they don't allow the mounting of a canister light. The larger capacity 15lb ones do, and that's what I wish I had.

I normally dive this setup with steel tanks and a drysuit, but it works just as well with a 3mm and AL80.

Odds are you DON'T need a 45lb wing. In fact, the Halcyon rep I spoke with was very firm that they wouldn't even be offering it if the Canadian military hadn't insisted. He was emphatic that it's generally not for recreational divers, nor is it suitable for doubles later on.

 

[UncleJT]

Originally posted by metridium
Odds are you DON'T need a 45lb wing.

I already know I don't need a 45. I don't even know if I need a 36lb. I am looking at the 27lb the most. Most of my diving for the next year or so will be:

Lakes in Michigan and Indiana, nothing deeper than 50'.
Florida Keys + Gulf of Mexico, nothing very deep.. 60'-ish.
Pacific - Philippines, Fiji, Jakarta, Tonga, again.. nothing too deep.

Of course, this is all subject to change. I know I want to go deeper than this in the future along with alot of cave and wreck stuff but I am in no rush to get there.

- JT

 

[Scuba446]

Ahh, well someone may find the need for 45# wings for their diving...I see where mnay of OMS's wings are 45# and UP...

 

[metridium]

Originally posted by UncleJT

I already know I don't need a 45. I don't even know if I need a 36lb. I am looking at the 27lb the most. Most of my diving for the next year or so will be:

Lakes in Michigan and Indiana, nothing deeper than 50'.
Florida Keys + Gulf of Mexico, nothing very deep.. 60'-ish.
Pacific - Philippines, Fiji, Jakarta, Tonga, again.. nothing too deep.

Will you be using a drysuit in the lakes?

 

[UncleJT]

Originally posted by metridium
Will you be using a drysuit in the lakes?

I don't think it will be necessary. Not going to dive when it is that cold out. I grew up in Maine and NH and was always swimming in the North Atlantic when water temps were 40 to 50 degrees. I love the cold water.

Drysuit, maybe.. Wetsuit, probably.

- JT