Halcyon pioneer 36

[Jason B]

After much debate I finally decided on the pioneer 36 wing (going to purchase it tomorrow) then I found this today on some website...I bolded the part that caught me off gaurd. Can any pioneer users comment on this statement.

Halcyon Pioneer
36 & 45 lb. wing
For use while single tank diving with heavy wetsuits in cold water or with larger single cylinders. Ideally suited for full-length wetsuits of maximum thickness that cause significant buoyancy shifts at depth, or divers requiring more than twenty pounds of releasable ballast.

Tapered side panel increases lift at the waist, dramatically improving diver trim for those wearing heavy weightbelts. The larger wings also provide much higher freeboard buoyancy while on the surface.

Concurrent use of non-releasable tank-mounted counterweights are critical to achieving reliable surface positioning. Seek specific training in the use of Ballast Mediated Airway Protection (BMAP).

Thanks,
Jason

 

[jonnythan]

It's a fancy way of saying that the thing will float you face first at the surface. This will probably be the case if you have a very heavy weightbelt with most of the weight on the sides/front and inflate the wing all the way on the surface and try to stay perfectly upright. *whew*

When I wore a heavy weightbelt with my Pioneer 36, I did not have a problem with it. I have not seen anyone even say it was a big problem. Position your weights correctly for use underwater and you should be good above water.

Depending on what type of BC you're coming from, you'll probably be dropping several pounds off the weight belt anyway. With the SS plate, the Pioneer is 6-10 pounds more negative than most BCs.

 

[Jason B]

I'll be coming from a sea-quest balance and was wearing about 12 pounds (4 in back non-ditchable pockets and 8 in intergrated pockets).
Thanks as always,

Jason

 

[jonnythan]

Well now you'll have 6 pounds in the plate and harness hardware, so that's 6 pounds to toss on a belt.

Won't be an issue, especially since you're already coming from a back inflate. The weight belt will position the weights about the same place as the integrated pockets and the plate will act as your non-ditchable. That's how much I wear on my belt with a drysuit (and 14 lb plate).

 

[FreeFloat]

I have to comment here. I went from a Sherwood Silhouette BC to a Pioneer 36# wing with stainless steel backplate. At the time I had been wearing 18 lbs to go with the Silhouette BC. Knowing that the backplate was "worth" at least 6 pounds, I did my first dive in it while wearing 12 lbs. and was still too negative! On the advice of a local GUE instructor (not as part of any class of his though) I dropped that to 8 lbs, then to 6. So in total I dropped 12 lbs of lead just by moving to the backplate.

The reason for this is because of all the foam and padding used in the construction of most jacket BCs - even without a bit of air in them, they're surprisingly buoyant.

 

[CALI68]

I had a Zeagle Ranger LTD and went to a Halcyon Eclipse. I went from 24lbs to 16lbs. and at times I'm still too neg. The Pioneer is an awesome wing! I bought my Wife one and I always admire the cool blue racing stripe down the side!

 

[Nemrod]

Jason, no expert here and I have not owned the current generation of back wings and plates--BUT---I have been a long time user of back inflation units. They will not float you face up if unconcious unless they are ballasted to do so and then only when properly inflated. These units are for underwater swimming performance and the compromise is the "airway protection if unconcious". The surface positioning in my opinion is in all other aspects superior. I have as I said been diving back units forever just about and during the 80s actually had dive masters refuse me to use them or at least argue with me (good thing I carry my horsecollar). Now that tech diving has brought the wing/BP into common use I think it is the only way to go and I will be getting a unit like you describe very soon. N

 

[Jason B]

One more question...I'm getting ready to click on the order button at EE and wanted to make sure these halcyon wings come with an inflator hose ( I know the dive rites do). Thanks to all for all the help in this endeavor.

Jason

 

[CALI68]

One more question...I'm getting ready to click on the order button at EE and wanted to make sure these halcyon wings come with an inflator hose ( I know the dive rites do). Thanks to all for all the help in this endeavor.

Jason

They sure do and a cool one at that! You also get the incredibly cool SS inflator!

CLICK THAT BUTTON!

 

[Jason B]

It's been clicked! Thanks.

Jason