new with Pioneer/SS backplate

[Hank49]

So, is it OK to just go straight to 65 meters with my new Pioneer 27, SSbackplate and a single AL80, or should I try it out in a pool first?

But seriously, I've never even seen one of these things and I bought one sight unseen based on all the good things I've read on SB and from PM advice from some generous members. (you know who you are, thanks) Plus my old poodle jacket (oh brother, I actually said it) gave out on me.... So since I'll be assembling this using info from websites that I've seen etc etc...is there like, one stupid thing that everyone does the first time they rig one of these? I've saved this site and it looks pretty thorough.
http://dir-diver.com/en/equipment/backplate_adjustment.html (thanks Johhnythan)

Any other tips for someone doing this in the middle of nowhere for the first time? I think I'll be the first in Placencia to have one. After everyone sees this totally trimmed, streamlined dude cruising the reef walls, Halcyon will probably be flooded with new orders. Thanks, Hank

 

[H2Andy]

i couldn't figure out which way the "bump" on the backplate went, but Uncle Pug
helped me out

just in case: the "bump" goes out, towards the tank, so that the "hollow" part
faces you and keeps the butterfly nuts from biting into your back

 

[Vie]

I've saved this site and it looks pretty thorough.
http://dir-diver.com/en/equipment/backplate_adjustment.html

I found that site quite useful but the Halcyon Multifunctional Compensator Owner’s Manual actually contains a more detailed and better illustrated (IMHO) instruction on how to set up your bp harness.

Be careful and don’t be too rough with your Pioneer 27. The Pioneer is quite prone to punctures and my instructor’s Pioneer 27 was punctured during a trip a few years back. The Eclipse was Halcyon’s response to the puncture problem.

 

[mstudley]

I found that site quite useful but the Halcyon Multifunctional Compensator Owner’s Manual actually contains a more detailed and better illustrated (IMHO) instruction on how to set up your bp harness.

Be careful and don’t be too rough with your Pioneer 27. The Pioneer is quite prone to punctures and my instructor’s Pioneer 27 was punctured during a trip a few years back. The Eclipse was Halcyon’s response to the puncture problem.

The owner's manual is pretty detailed and should be enough to get yourself setup. I had no trouble assembling mine.

You're right about the puncture prone wing though. I haven't had any issues with mine but it does seem like a very easy thing to do. I wish they did the same for the Pioneer as they did for the Eclipse (the outer shell... I think the Explorer has it as well).

 

[radinator]

It should be tight.

I thought I had mine set up correctly (even had 20 or so dives on it) and then took my DIR-F class where I actually learned to adjust the thing, and we took another 3-4 inches off the shoulder loops. Now when I first put it on out of the water it almost feels like it is restricting circulation in my arms, but at depth when the wetsuit compresses, I don't even notice it. And my tank is help in place SOLID, no looseness at all.

 

[jonnythan]

It should not feel uncomfortably tight on the surface. It should be snug, and you should be able to touch the top of the plate by reaching behind your neck.

 

[H2Andy]

(the outer shell... I think the Explorer has it as well).

it sure does...

i have heard about the Pioneer being puncture-prone, but so far (knock wood)
mine has held up well

 

[PerroneFord]

Stuff like this is why I like this place. Thanks for the info everyone.

 

[Hank49]

The material covering the Pioneer 27 is thick compared to my old SeaQuest Spectum 2 and I never had leaks in that until after 8 years or so. Why are they easy to puncture? Is it a junk bladder? Can someone give examples of how they punctured theirs? Like with a knife or just bumping into a staghorn? Falling out of your trunk on the way to the dive dite? Doing boat entries like Mo2vation's avatar? Help. Hank

 

[jonnythan]

The material covering the Pioneer 27 is thick compared to my old SeaQuest Spectum 2 and I never had leaks in that until after 8 years or so. Why are they easy to puncture? Is it a junk bladder? Can someone give examples of how they punctured theirs? Like with a knife or just bumping into a staghorn? Falling out of your trunk on the way to the dive dite? Doing boat entries like Mo2vation's avatar? Help. Hank

I found mine with a knife hole through it one day.

Especially strange since I don't have any pointy knives.