Hi. I was wondering if there is anybody out there that can give me info on these BC's. I thought that I had narrowed my choice down to the Rnager LTD from the SQ Black Diamond but now I hear things about this Halcyon BC. I'm fairly new to this sport and want to know whats up with these to types of BC's and which will be better overall. Thanks
Input on Halcyon and Ranger BC's
- Thread starter RMassa187
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Go with the Bp/wing setup. The Halcyon is one of the Bp/w setup. There are many other choice, for Backplates: FredT, Koplin, S&W Metal Works, Dive Rite, OMS, Abysmal, Zeagle and a few others; Wings: Oxycheq, OMS, Dive Rite, Deep OUtdoors, and many others. Do a search.
I owned a Ranger before and now switch to a S&W (SS 6lb)/ Oxycheq setup and I do not need any extra lead diving in warm water in a 2mm shorty.
Happy reading
I owned a Ranger before and now switch to a S&W (SS 6lb)/ Oxycheq setup and I do not need any extra lead diving in warm water in a 2mm shorty.
Happy reading
And I had the BP Wings.. and now dive a Zeagle... So before you make this purchase - I'd suggest you try both and see for yourself which you find the most comfortable and which fits the type of diving you'll do.
I have a Ranger and have dove the BP as well. My suggestion is to decide what your diving style is, dive both and then make up your mind. If you intend to get into tech diving or doubles, the the BP is your best choice. If your diving is mainly sinlge tank, warm water then the choice is a lot harder. If found the BP to be a pain in the rear to adjust and somewhat uncomfortable above water, underwater it was on par with a properly trimed BC. If your diving is widely varied, the abillity to change bladders is nice but due to their cost, it's not a lot more expensive to just buy a second lightweight BC. I do have some dislikes with the Ranger as well. First, it's just built too heavy for it's own good. It weights a lot (around 8 lbs dry) and it has about 4 lbs of positive bouyancy. Not a big problem if all your diving is local but the Ranger takes a lot of room in your suitcase. Another issue I have with the Ranger is it's lift, for a lot of us, 45lbs is excessive. Take a look at the Zeagle Escape. It's basically a scaled down Ranger and a lot better choice of you travel by air. I now dive a Zeagle Scout, it's more suited to my taste and diving needs.
I dive in cold water with a drysuit. For years dove with a Zeagle Ranger and thought it was great. Then I tried a Halcyon bp/wing/harness set up and bought it on the spot.
Not only did allow me to take the 6# that the SS plate weighs off of my belt and spread that across my back but I was able to take off even more because of the Ranger's inherent buoyancy.
The biggest difference however was how comfortable both in the water and out using a heavy steel tank. The Ranger by comparison was floppy while diving and sagged while standing. With a properly adjust Halcyon bp/wing/harness set up I could do jumping jacks in the parking lot and it seemed to slip through the water with hardly any drag compared to the Ranger and no flop!
Not only did allow me to take the 6# that the SS plate weighs off of my belt and spread that across my back but I was able to take off even more because of the Ranger's inherent buoyancy.
The biggest difference however was how comfortable both in the water and out using a heavy steel tank. The Ranger by comparison was floppy while diving and sagged while standing. With a properly adjust Halcyon bp/wing/harness set up I could do jumping jacks in the parking lot and it seemed to slip through the water with hardly any drag compared to the Ranger and no flop!
I dive a zeagle frequently, but I picked up a BP/W and I do like it better, It was also cheaper than the ranger.
You should decide based on your preference, they are quite different from each other.
You should see if you can rent or borrow them to try.
Note that BP/W setups are not built for single tanks, If you dive singles you will need an adapter or at least extra straps depending on the plate. If you plan on diving doubles, I think the BP/W is the way to go.
TT
You should decide based on your preference, they are quite different from each other.
You should see if you can rent or borrow them to try.
Note that BP/W setups are not built for single tanks, If you dive singles you will need an adapter or at least extra straps depending on the plate. If you plan on diving doubles, I think the BP/W is the way to go.
TT
Actually the Halcyon single tank wings of the last few years do not need a single tank adapter. They use cam-band staps and the newest generation have SS cam buckles that will not break. I use this set up with a single lp steel 104 (large heavy tank) and the lock up is solid with no flop.
However some folks like the single tank adapters because they add more weight that can then be taken off the belt. Some even use single tank adapters that are weighted with lead.
However some folks like the single tank adapters because they add more weight that can then be taken off the belt. Some even use single tank adapters that are weighted with lead.
Uncle Pug:
UP - I think you mean the Pioneer with integrated STA, right. However, the newer Eclipse wing needs an STA because it does not have the holes for cam bands...
Correct... the Pioneer wing.
I had a Ranger and went to an Oxycheq BPW. I'll never go back to the Ranger. IMHO there is no comparison between the two. Sort of like comparing an old beat up VW Beatle to a new Carrera. Both will do the job, but only one performs magnificently.
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