Halcyon Pioneer vs. OMS IQ BC/W

[ScubaMan2025]

Hello ,

Being new to the aspect of purchasing gear I have a couple, probobly generic, questions to ask. Well, I am in a bind between two different types of BC/W to purchase, those being the: Halcyon Eclipse, and the OMS IQ

Halcyon:
http://www.halcyon.net/mc/eclipse.shtml
OMS IQ: http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/Item...Context_948/Sort_Stock/DescSort_0/PCKD35.html

Another thing is the fact that I will be diving in both 34ish degree water and Tropical water 70's. So, I was wondering if there is a weight that could work both for the cold and warm water, such as 35#? 40#? I know they are easily interchangeable wings, but would it be worth it (money wise)?. So, Other thing is the OMS IQ i cannot find lower than 32#.

Well, big thing is i guess your guys' opionion on this, as well as, if you have any other suggestions for perhaps, better gear, more reliable, etc. Thank you very much!

-ScubaMan2025-

 

[Xizang]

You posted Halcyon Pioneer in your title but the link goes to the Eclipse. Note that the Pioneer and Eclipse are slightly different in construction.

I dive a 30 eclipse and happy with it. I used to dive a horseshoe OMS 32 single tank wing also and quite frankly I didn't notice any difference big between the two.

 

[realdiver7]

The smallest OMS wing that I'm aware of is the 32 lb., and the new one is doughnut shaped, instead of the older horseshoe shape. I have used both of them, and liked both.

The OMS IQ is one of the most comfortable setups I've ever used, BUT it has a lot of inherent buoyancy, which means you need more weight, and it is very heavy when it gets soaked and you are out of the water. I no longer use it because I decided to go with a simple BP/Harness/Wing combination of OMS and DSS. The IQ is a compromise between a BCD and a BP/Harness setup. It just depends on how much padding and extra material you want or need. In the long run, I would not recommend it if you want to simplify and streamline.

For single tank diving I would recommend a BP (brand of your choice) with either the OMS Comfort Harness or a one-piece DIR type harness (brand of your choice), depending on your personal diving needs and safety. There are many people on this board that can give you good advice about the size wing, depending on your weight requirements, etc. For single tank diving I have recently used the OMS 32 lb. doughnut and the DSS LCD30 lb. horseshoe. I dive in a skin, shorty wet suit, 3MM wet suit, 7MM wet suit, and dry suit.

Bottom line...you don't have to buy any manufacturer's package deal to put together a good BP/Harness/Wing setup. Buy the smallest wing you can get away with to reduce bulk, drag, energy spent, etc. and to maintain good trim.

 

[ScubaMan2025]

Aye, i realize that mistake, ya. i meant Eclipse. Sorry bout that.

-ScubaMan2025

 

[kjundvr]

I use an OMS 45 with the comfort harness. I went with the larger wing due to the cold water diving and the added weight that is required. It is by far the most comfortable rig I have used. It worked great in both cold and warm water and dont even nottice any drag. Since most of my diving is in cold water I opted for a stanless steel backplate, so that I could remove some weight off my hips. Also not to bad for warm as the backplate makes up most of my required weight. I did have the OMS IQ and hated it far to heavy and bulky for my taste so I dumped it, and went simple. If you split your diving fairly equal I would use aluminum to make it a very light rig. Plus once you get it all fitted out there is no adjustment needed.