Help! Newbie needs new BC

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scubafool

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I am a relatively new diver & am diving the same BC that I certified with, which is an old Sherwood that has definitely seen better days. I am looking in the future to take a cavern class & from there to consider going further into cave diving (or not), definitely want to do some wreck diving, probably some trimix diving. I have looked at & been warned awy from Transpacs, have glanced at some Halcyon gear, have looked at the Sherwood Outback, Genesis Recon, & the AquaLung Patriot I have not seen much in the way of opinions on either of the last three here & am wondering why. Are they totally unsuited to my anticipated style of diving? Are there divers using them who just haven't expressed their opinion? What about DiveRite? Whatever I end up with I am going to have to save for, so cost is not an issue. Better to wait another month or two and get reliable gear that does what I need it to. Thanks in advance for any & all help
 
scubafool once bubbled...
I am a relatively new diver & am diving the same BC that I certified with, which is an old Sherwood that has definitely seen better days. I am looking in the future to take a cavern class & from there to consider going further into cave diving (or not), definitely want to do some wreck diving, probably some trimix diving. I have looked at & been warned awy from Transpacs, have glanced at some Halcyon gear, have looked at the Sherwood Outback, Genesis Recon, & the AquaLung Patriot I have not seen much in the way of opinions on either of the last three here & am wondering why. Are they totally unsuited to my anticipated style of diving? Are there divers using them who just haven't expressed their opinion? What about DiveRite? Whatever I end up with I am going to have to save for, so cost is not an issue. Better to wait another month or two and get reliable gear that does what I need it to. Thanks in advance for any & all help

If I were you, I'd call up Scott Koplin and just say "Hey man. Hook me up." Apparently his new singles wing is pretty darn hot, and he makes a hella nice plate to boot.

I have an all-Halcyon setup, and I love it.
 
Appreciate the steer, do you have a website for the guy? Also, what's your opinion on the posts on the Halcyon wing's possible problems? "I'd rather drown in to much knowledge than two hundred feet of water" Oops, mispelled your name.
 
scubafool once bubbled...
Appreciate the steer, do you have a website for the guy?

Also, what's your opinion on the posts on the Halcyon wing's possible problems ?

"I'd rather drown in to much knowledge than two hundred feet of water"
http://www.selchie.com/

Pinholes and minor seam leaks are generally just irritations since they are slow leaks.
 
Covci prices actually includes shipping, as least for the wing. I bought one 30# from him.
 
Thanks for the help, guys. Can you tell me, would I need a single tank adaptor (yes/no), or is this a personal choice issue? If it is a personal choice thing, what would be the signs while diving BP/wings that might prompt me to consider one?
 
scubafool once bubbled...
Thanks for the help, guys. Can you tell me, would I need a single tank adaptor (yes/no), or is this a personal choice issue? If it is a personal choice thing, what would be the signs while diving BP/wings that might prompt me to consider one?

With the Koplin/Oxycheq wing, you *need* an STA. It wouldn't work otherwise.

With the Halcyon wing, you don't need an STA. Some people say that the tank is more stable with a separate STA, but I dive the Pioneer with the built in STA and find it's rock solid.
 
Are most BPs compatible with other manufacturer's wings? Meaning if I were to buy one BP/wing setup for diving with singles, could I buy another manufacturer's double wing & still use the same BP? I like the idea of using one BP & harness at all times that has all my gear attached to it in the same place to minimize confusion. Also, why would I need a single tank adaptor with one BP/wings setup but not with another?:confused: jonnythan, I really appreciate your input.:)
 
They are all compatible as long as the wing and the backplate has the standard 11" holes. The majority of the wing do not have a "build in" STA, so they will need a STA. An exception is the newer Halcyon Poineer wing. THe STA is build in to the wing itself. Another exception is the backplate made by Abysmal (Abyss Backplate). The "STA" is sort of bent into the backplate itself.

An STA, other than stabilizing the tank, is also serve to lighten weights from the weight belt. A STA are available from 2 lb to about 6lb, and they are available in either a single piece or 2 piece.

Check out some of the thread and most of your answer will be there.


Michael
 

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