Is Halcyon the Gold Standard & Options?

[wtrdoc52]

Hello, just joined this great scuba board. I have read the other threads on this subject and found the replies extremely helpful. However, they also left me with additional questions, which is a good thing! I'm a 6'4", 275# lapsed diver and am gearing up to begin diving again in the Spring. My diving will be in Lake Champlain and the New England Coast. Expect to wear 7 MM wetsuit. The last BC owned was a NE Diver horse collar that served me faithfully. I have used rental jacket style BC's a few times. The local dive shop is recommending I purchase a Halcyon 40# Eclipse Wing w/ Secure Harness backplate system and a ACB30 weight system. Price tag is $700.00. I'm told this system will last me forever, is extremely comfortable and simple to use.

However, in reading the other threads on this subject, I notice people mentioning other types of wings and backplates? Also notice people listing prices for these items much lower than what I was quoted by dive shop? Assume this is a case of getting what you pay for upfront? Is Halcyon considered the industry standard? I take it that people who mix and match wings, harnesses and backplates are experienced in using this type of BC system? Is it better for someone new to these systems to buy a Halcyon setup?

Any and all commments and advice are appreciated!

 

[DennisS]

Check out Oxycheq as a less expensive high quality alternative

http://oxycheq.com/

 

[archman]

Dive Rite isn't so bad either.
http://www.diverite.com/products/bcd/transplate.htm

 

[OE2X]

The Halcyon is an excellent BP&W. There are certainly other products out there that are equally good. The Oxycheq - my personal preference is very good as well. Going with the Halcyon setup is the easiest way to start off, but to be truthful there really isn't anything that complicated about a BP&W, once you are familiar with them. There are differences between the manufactures and some perform better than others. It really comes down to personal choice. My advice to you if you are not completely convinced about buying the Halcyon is to spend as much time as you can trying to figure out what your needs are.

When I bought my wing it came down to Halcyon and Oxycheq. What made me decide to go with the Oxycheq was that I could get a 10# BP with a 6# STA. I dive with 24# total, so it was nice to get as much weight evenly distributed over my back. I couldn't get the same effect with the Halcyon. This was just a personal preference. Most of my buddies dive the Pioneer wing and love it.

 

[DennisS]

Here's a link to the history of the backplate

http://www.dive-rite.com/products/history/backplate.htm

 

[The Chairman]

I like www.DeepSeaSupply.com backplates the best. They have the BEST workmanship of the entire lot and are more comfortable to boot!

 

[detroit diver]

Pick a wing that you like (my favorite is Halcyon). Most of the BP's are pretty much the same. I've got both Halcyon and FredT BP's. Both are excellent. FredT has very competetive pricing. Webbing is pretty much all the same if you're looking for a continuous loop.

 

[Quarrior]

I like www.DeepSeaSupply.com backplates the best. They have the BEST workmanship of the entire lot and are more comfortable to boot!

I got the chance to dive one of the DSS plates last week. Have to say, it's a great design. I really like the rubber lining on the wholes to prevent the harness wear you get with all other plates I've seen.

As for my preference of wing, I dive the Oxcheq 45 for singles diving.

 

[The Chairman]

The wings at www.DeepSeaSupply.com are excellent quality too! Tobin has put so much into the design... every facet of the process is scrutinized. These guys are GREAT!

 

[Dryglove]

Hey pete, you wouldnt be spamming your own board would you now. After all you mentioned the same link twice in the same thread

In all seriousness i have owned a FredT plate and a halcyon plates and both are great. The one thing i do admire about the halcyon plate is that it seems to have a shallower channel for single tanks. I may have to break down down and buy me a DSS plate one day as they look really nice.

I have also owned a halcyon pioneer wing previously and currently dive a 40lb halcyon eclipse wing and really like it.