Halcyon Pioneer, adding weight w/o STA

[jagfish]

OK
If I decide to opt for the Pioneer and dive without an STA, what is another way of adding the 6 pounds that could have been on the STA (in cold water)?

V weight is only for doubles, right? Any other weight that could be added to the plate somehow?

Also, did I read correctly that the new Pioneers can also have an STA if desired?

JAG

 

[TTSkipper]

I am not 100% positive but the old Pioneers did not have the holes for the STA bolts to go through. You could probably take it to your LDS and have them put the holes in and put grommets so that you could use an STA. If it does have the holes then there is no reason not to use an STA if you want. One of the added benefits of using an STA is that if at some point you decide to go to doubles you will be able to quickly remove the STA and wing and bolt on a new wing and the doubles rather than having to thread and unthread the cam buckles from the plate.

Other options would be adding small weight pouches to one of the tank bands which can also be helpful for adjusting trim. You could pour a channel weight that you could make to any weight you want. THere are other weights that Halcyon sells that are essentially a tube filled with lead shot and grommets on either end that can bolt to the holes on your plate. Below is a link for one of the tank pouches look for part # WB101, you can do a search here for channel weight for info on how to make one.

http://www.xsscuba.com/weight_belts.php

TTSkipper

 

[bridgediver]

I have a pioneer wing 36# and it has the gromets for the STA. I use the STA because I feel the tank is secured more solidly than without. I believe it is the eclipse that does not have the holes for the STA.

An STA may get you a couple of #'s but I would also say a channel weight is probably better - or both

 

[MarcHall]

OK
If I decide to opt for the Pioneer and dive without an STA, what is another way of adding the 6 pounds that could have been on the STA (in cold water)?

V weight is only for doubles, right? Any other weight that could be added to the plate somehow?

Also, did I read correctly that the new Pioneers can also have an STA if desired?

JAG

There are a number of companies that sell velcro closure weight pouches designed to hold up to 5-6 lbs of lead and
mount on 2 inch strap. For non-disposable weight you can
mount these on the tank straps adjacent to the back plate.

For disposable weight these could be mounted to the waist
strap.

Xstreme Scuba is one manufactuer. Halcyon also has a version.


Enjoy

Marc Hall
www.enjoythedive.com

 

[bcsean]

Channel weight, or P weight I think it's called. It sits in the channel of backplate. This is better in my opinion. Closer to center of gravity and keeps tank as close to center of gravity as possible too. You could get a lot of lead in there if you want.

 

[Lane Zimmer]

I have a pioneer wing 36# and it has the gromets for the STA. I use the STA because I feel the tank is secured more solidly than without. I believe it is the eclipse that does not have the holes for the STA.

An STA may get you a couple of #'s but I would also say a channel weight is probably better - or both

All Eclipse wings come stock with the STA. In fact, all models of Halcyon wings have gromets with 11" spacing. The older Pioneers used a STA until they designed the newer STA-less wing.

 

[WaterDawg]

Bridgediver,

The Eclipse ONLY takes STA's.
If a BP didnt have holes (I think they ALL do) I woulndt buy it cause you cant use it for doubles.

AS everyone mentioned the small pouches (like XSscubas) on the cam bands or a small 2lbs weight (soft) in the channel (inside)of the BP held by the camband. ALso scout lights will take 2lbs off.

 

[Hop Devil]

Northeast Scuba sells a 12lb plate. That would do the job!

 

[ocpaul]

Just curious about other's experience with tank weights (weights mounted on tank straps).

Do you have most success mounting weights on top or bottom tank strap? My intuition says bottom, but wondering what others have found through their experimentation.

Thanks!

 

[bcsean]

depends on your trim. People mount tank weights quite often to get properly trimmed. It's up to you to guess and test until you're dialed in.