Need help Dive-Rite or Halcyon Pioneer?

[mstudley]

saw a site selling Halcyon Pioneer 36 for $399

Was that for the whole setup (backplate, harness, wing) or just the wing? If it was for the whole setup, would you mind posting a link to the website?

That being said, I have the 36# Pioneer and I like it. The SS inflator is pretty impressive.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

2 If they were the same price,which one would you buy? DiveRite(w/ Transplate) or Halcyon Pioneer (w/ 27 lb or 36lb)?

Personally, for the same money I'd go with Halcyon.

But the answer for you depends on what you want out of the system ... they are very different rigs.

The TransPlate system uses a non-standard harness, which is more like a BCD harness than the standard webbing harness used with the Halcyon. If you're looking for a rig that uses quick-release buckles, cinches on the shoulder straps, a sternum strap, and a quick-release crotch-strap, this is the system for you. Personally, I like the fact that you can cinch this system down really tight on your body ... and that the sternum strap allows you to pull the shoulder harness in close to your body.

You don't get that with a standard harness. What you get instead is a sturdier, simpler, more versatile system that allows you to put your D-rings where you want them, rather than where the manufacturer wants them to go. You get a system that is more robust, simpler, and cheaper ... but that requires a bit more effort getting into and out of. Personally, even though I like the fit and comfort of the TransPlate, the standard harness that comes with the Halcyon system offers advantages to the frequent diver ... not least of which is that it costs about one-fifth as much to replace the harness. And if you dive a lot, that's a consideration because eventually you WILL have to replace the harness.

Backplates? I'll take the Halcyon over the DR ... mainly because the DR is slightly longer and less rounded on the corners, which for certain body types just doesn't fit as comfortably.

Wings ... for singles the DR Venture wing is great. But it only comes in one size ... 30 lb lift. If that fits you, it's a great wing. If you need something larger, the DR Trek and Rec wings are OK, but not as optimal for singles diving as the Halcyon wings. That's because they were built to accommodate either singles or doubles, and that means compromises in the design to accommodate two different tasks ... but neither of them optimally. Halcyon, on the other hand, designs more than one wing specifically for singles, and doesn't attempt to compromise the design to accommodate both singles and doubles. Personally, I'd prefer two wings ... one for singles and one for doubles. The difference in performance is worth the extra cost.

My thoughts on the subject ... others may (and probably will) differ ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[Buccaneer]

If price is an issue, this is by far the best deal I have found.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=16053&item=7110929074&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

I ordered this set-up myself, but am having him send a DIR compliant harness with it instead. Normally, that would be slightly cheaper, but even at the same price it is still a good deal. I also added the crotch strap and some cam bands to final price.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

If price is an issue, this is by far the best deal I have found.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=16053&item=7110929074&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

I ordered this set-up myself, but am having him send a DIR compliant harness with it instead. Normally, that would be slightly cheaper, but even at the same price it is still a good deal. I also added the crotch strap and some cam bands to final price.

Ah yes ... cam bands.

To my concern, DR's stainless steel buckles are more robust than their Halcyon counterpart ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[The Kraken]

I have the Dive-Rite buckles, and, yes, they are ROBUST!!!!
You need never worry about breaking those babies, plus they add a bit of weight if you need it.

 

[ae3753]

Are you sure? Dive Rite makes a three different styles of harness ... "Standard", "Deluxe", and "TransPlate".

Yep, it's the TransPlate. Some SB members have purchased this special in the past. Here's a link: Narrowed my choice to 2 BP&Wing, halcyon or DR?

Should I get a SS or alumium?

Here's a recent thread on this: Would a SS BP be the best for me? and
SS backplate for Caribbean....

 

[scubadobadoo]

No matter who you buy a Dive Rite kit from, you will have to assemble it before you can dive.

This will mean ...

- putting the harness on the backplate
- bolting on the wing and single-tank adapter
- putting the cam straps on the plate or single-tank adapter

None of this is difficult, and it comes with instructions. But they will not put it together for you. Nor should they ... it requires the wearer to make adjustments to make sure everything fits properly.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

If you buy the transplate version then North East Scuba Supply will put it together for you and then send it already attached and ready to dive. Because the Transplate system is more like a standard BC, as NWgratefuldiver has pointed out, even a new diver can adjust this transplate system without help. Moreover, North East Scuba Supply will give you the choice as to what type of harness/wing etc... you want to get with your package.

I do not work for NESS but I did buy the complete Dive Rite Transplate package with the Venture wing et al from them for about $400 and was very happy with the service over the phone. Cheapest I have found yet anywhere from an authorized dealer that gives "authorized" service to it's customers. However, if you buy a standard hogarthian style harness you will need help adjusting it as Bob has also pointed out. So, transplate equals easy to adjust and standard hogarthian webbing equals harder to adjust the first time you use it. I just wanted to add some personal experience on NESS. They were great. I hope I didn't confuse.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

Just finished putting a TransPlate system together for a friend (about 1/2 hour ago) ... it just arrived via UPS today. Some interesting new developments in the system ... most notably in the weight pockets. Completely redesigned, with an angled mount, top-release system as opposed to their old bottom-release pockets. Nice improvement.

I also like the new 2-piece waist strap, although it's slightly more work to install than the older 1-piece waist strap ... this design will improve the longevity of the harness. But they could be more generous in terms of the amount of webbing they provide. There's not enough to properly offset the waist strap buckle to the right side, so the crotch strap tends to be a bit lopsided. Another 10-12" of webbing would've been about perfect.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[Buccaneer]

Just finished putting a TransPlate system together for a friend (about 1/2 hour ago) ... it just arrived via UPS today. Some interesting new developments in the system ... most notably in the weight pockets. Completely redesigned, with an angled mount, top-release system as opposed to their old bottom-release pockets. Nice improvement.

I also like the new 2-piece waist strap, although it's slightly more work to install than the older 1-piece waist strap ... this design will improve the longevity of the harness. But they could be more generous in terms of the amount of webbing they provide. There's not enough to properly offset the waist strap buckle to the right side, so the crotch strap tends to be a bit lopsided. Another 10-12" of webbing would've been about perfect.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

Hi Bob,
Just wanted to say thanks for your time, and I look forward to doing some diving in the future. When I finally get my set up, I'll let you know how it's going and what i think.

 

[ccd79]

Thanks for all the information, they are really valuable to us (the beginners)

I am wondering, if I need 9 lbs to achieve neutral Buoyancy in the ocean, if I go for the Halcyon set up, I sohuld get the 27 lbs lifts right? what is the draw black to get the 36 lbs wing? Is the wing a lot bigger(and don't look nice on me) and too much lift? Is it simply the wrong size for me?

I am trying to look for the link for the $399 deal. Recently I have bookmarked too many links... need to organize(find) them