Halcyons ACB pockets 20 or 30?

[jagfish]

Nearly at the end of my BP/W research...

Now down to the ancillary equipment.

With my weight requirements, the ACB 20 should serve my needs well in cold water diving (single tank), when coupled with the SS BP and heavy STA.

However, I was considering the 30 because it has the canister attachment. Don't have one now, but never know. I was wondering if the extra 10 pounds of unused ACB capacity will be a hassle worth dealing with to have the potential convenience of the canister attachment (cost issue aside).

I hear the pockets cinch down pretty good, so maybe the extra size would not be so bad.

Thougths and experience?

JAG

 

[Scubaroo]

You can attach a NiMH canister to the ACB20 using bungee. Did it and it works well. The ACB30 looks ridiculously bulky.

I'm about to try some XS Scuba 5lb weight pockets, having sold my rig with the ACB20s. Been using a weightbelt in the interim, and despite weightbelts being DIR & me diving mostly DIR configuration, I still hate 'em. The XS Scuba pockets look a lot smaller & out of the way - I'm hoping to put one between my left D-ring & the backplate, & the canister light & the backplate on the right, using a belt buckle on the harness to secure the canister.

 

[jagfish]

I was hoping someone had expereince with a DIR fix for the canister light. I have not seen the pockets so I could only imagine it would be possible. If you ever get a chance to post a picture of your bungee routing, I'd be intersted...

Thanks also about the Xpockets. They certainly are less expensive, and worth a look.

JAG

 

[Scubaroo]

Yeah - $5.95 ea @ LeisurePro! Silly me paid full retail of $9.95 elsewhere.

Pic of canister on ACB+... this ain't DIR, but it worked.

http://www.giddins.net/scuba/canister_light/canister_acb.htm

 

[reubencahn]

You can attach a NiMH canister to the ACB20 using bungee. Did it and it works well. The ACB30 looks ridiculously bulky.

I'm about to try some XS Scuba 5lb weight pockets, having sold my rig with the ACB20s. Been using a weightbelt in the interim, and despite weightbelts being DIR & me diving mostly DIR configuration, I still hate 'em. The XS Scuba pockets look a lot smaller & out of the way - I'm hoping to put one between my left D-ring & the backplate, & the canister light & the backplate on the right, using a belt buckle on the harness to secure the canister.

They'll work. I have them on my wife's rig and I have some in reserve for me. They are small enough to fit behind the d-ring and the cannister. They're just big enough to fit a 4 or 5 lb solid weight or a 2lb shot weight.

 

[jagfish]

Think I'm going to go with the ACB 20

JAG

 

[Mo2vation]

Think I'm going to go with the ACB 20

JAG

I've been using 'roo's light attachment bungee ("the bungeeroo") method for way over a year now wif my ACB 20 and it works great - never a prob.

My issue is that I'm down to diving with 8 pounds, and the ACB 20 to are too big. Even though the insert pocket has been thoughtfully designed with an internal variable velcro strip (effectively offering compression) a 4# plate or a 4# bag is still just swimming in the things...

Halcyon, to the rescue. They're released an ACB 12. I just saw it at the So Cal Scuba Show last weekend. I am so all over this. Much smaller, just what I'm looking for.

I think.

I mean, with a Drysuit, do I even need ditchable weight - especially if its only 8#? Grab a Fred T niner, and a weighted STA and I can chuck the ACB altogether.

I dunno.

I'll probably get the ACB 12 unless someone convinces me that 8# of ditchable weight isn't really a difference maker. But I digress... this isn't about me, its about you.

And the ACB is a fine hassle-free alternative. I've loved mine.

I don't recommend the 30's... they're huge.

K

 

[jagfish]

Mo2
Thanks for the input. You make a point for the smaller pocket. I was thinking about getting a heavier plate for cold water...

JAG