Halcyon vs Dive Rite BP/wing for open water diving

[gr8ful divr]

If you had to choose a set up made by either of these companies for open water diving which would it be and exactly what would the set up be? Would I need a Single Tank Adapter? What about adding weight?

 

[MSilvia]

I wouldn't necessarily care which backplate I got... so long as it's well made (and those both should be) it won't make much difference. If you want to dive without a STA for single tanks, make sure the plate is slotted for cam bands. It won't be as stable as an STA though, so I recommend getting one of those.

I've used a DiveRite Rec wing in the past, and I didn't particularly care for the size or shape of it. Right now, I'm using a Halcyon Pioneer wing, and I like it quite a bit, although the inner bladder isn't easily replacable as far as I can tell.

I'd definately go with a Hogarthian harness (single piece of webbing) as opposed to a "comfort" harness like the DiveRite TransPlate system.

What about adding weight to what? I don't understand the question.

 

[Humuhumunukunukuapua'a]

DSS single tank rig.

www.deepseasupply.com

Don't rule out the new guys (Oxycheq, DSS, Golem, etc...) You may find they have features the big two don't. Cheers

Edit - oh, and no you don't need an STA with the DSS rig and it has optional weight plates to bring the total BP weight up to about 13 pounds. It's a very cool design, a great place to put weights, and a basically perfect single tank rig all the way around. Saves you some money over H too.

 

[Derek S]

Hi gr8ful!

Well, without giving you a Touch of Gray (sorry, had to ), I'd say that it is pretty much a personal choice based on the types of diving you will do.

I have dove both wings, and they are nice, but in the end, I chose Halcyon over all else.

I'm going to make a few assumptions here since you didn't state them:

1 - You'll be diving in temperate to tropical waters (based on your GA location and proximity to FL)

2 - You will be diving wet, using somewhere between a 3mm and a 5mm suit

3 - You will need about an extra 12-18lbs on top of the 5lbs for the stainless steel backplate, especially if diving in salt water

That being said, I would suggest a SS BP, with a 30lb lift wing (you choose the manufacturer - I dive a Halcyon) . I would suggest a weighted STA (6lbs) and you can choose how to distribute the remaining 6-12lbs, whether it be a weight belt, or cam band pockets, ect. The more weight you put over the center of your body (BP), the better it will be for your trim/buoyancy (speaking from experience, let me tell you ). Just keep in mind that the more you place there, the less you'll have in ditchable weight, and your goal should be to dive as balanced a rig as possible.

 

[DiveGolfSki]

If you had to choose a set up made by either of these companies for open water diving which would it be and exactly what would the set up be? Would I need a Single Tank Adapter? What about adding weight?

I don't think it matters which manufacturer you use. I dive the Halcyon Pioneer 27 with a SS bp (also halcyon). The pioneer doesn't require the use of a STA but I'm not sure about the DR wing.

Regarding the weight issue, that depends on your particular bouyancy requirements/diving parameters (e.g., warm water vs cold, steel vs AL tanks, etc.). For warm water dives using a 3mm suit, all I need is 7-8 lbs of additional weight. I have a trip pocket on the cam band (right side) where I store 5lbs of weight and another on the left waist belt with 3 lbs (this I can dump). I'd imagine you could get a weighted STA and do away with the trim pocket.

Hope this helps.

 

[Mambo Dave]

For open water, my choice was the DR based on quality and price. For a quality wing, alone, perhaps the H wins out (if they got those inflator problems figured out).

I don't particulary like that the DR's come with such an long inflator hose, either, and i find it strange as DR is supposed to be geared toward tech diving.

I dive the Rec Wing. It works for me, but I think I'd rather have a donut shaped wing for air dispersion - it just makes sense, and I haven't got to the point of looking past having to shift around to get air to dump. Some people just get very used to it, but I think about the design every time I feel I've got to shift to dump.

The wing itself seems very tough and well made though. And in the end I may be very glad I bought it as I plan on doubling my two AL80's once I buy one more steel tank. That should give me enough air... and I believe the Rec should be able to handle two AL80's.

ATM, with the Rec and a DR SS plate, I do not need a STA. I thought I did for a while, but tightening up the crotch strap really pulled the tank valve and first stage comfortably away. The STA may align up a tank automatically, but I find that with my two steel-buckle straps it just takes an initial alignment of the tank, and locking it down, to keep it straight for the dive.

My weights are in two Dive Rite waist-strap velcro pouches. I need weight for an AL80, I really don't for my PST HP 100; I put a 2 lb. weight in the right pouch anyway to act as a 'catch' for the long-hose to route under.

 

[scubadobadoo]

I agree with the rest. Don't rule out the others but if it has to be the two, it doesn't really matter. Both good so choose on price. That makes your decision easy. Dive rite from North East Scuba Supply for way under $400 shipped. Have fun with whatever you buy!

 

[adurso]

If you had to choose a set up made by either of these companies for open water diving which would it be and exactly what would the set up be? Would I need a Single Tank Adapter? What about adding weight?

Neither www.golemgear.com35# wing combo, no need for STA

 

[dbg40]

I looked at a lot of them, and bought the Halcyon. Im glad I did.

 

[artek]

Neither- #9FredT




ok, too late