Raider vs. Tech vs. S-Tek and BP/Wings???

[noshow]

Great input guys thanks....

The Halcyon sounds and looks like a wicked setup. I am going to see if any of the local shops have more info on it and hope to be able to demo it!

Now I'm going to throw this contentious question out there and look forward to the replies (if I get any) :beheaded:

Which of the these BC's do you feel is the best one ... [1. The Seaquest Raider 2. The Zeagle Tech 3. The ScubaPro S-Tek] :boom:

No Show
:anon:

 

[GeekDiver]

My Vote would be for the Raider. Be aware that it may take some getting used to If you go with a back inflate BC or a wing setup. I don't have any problems swiming on my back, but at rest on the surface it will tend to want to float you face down. I did shift the weight pouch to the rear and put some weight on the tank which did help a bit.

 

[noshow]

Geek and others...

Thanks for all the input. I have swung back and forth so many times it embarrasses me. That said I think I will go with a Raider over the BP/Wings set up. I have only 20 dives under my belt and with that little experience I think that the traditional comforable bc will do for now. If I get into tech in the future I can always use this untill it just won't accomodate (if that even happens).

Geek, how many dives do you have on the Raider and do you still recommend above all others?

No Show

:bonk:

 

[metridium]

Originally posted by noshow
That said I think I will go with a Raider over the BP/Wings set up. I have only 20 dives under my belt and with that little experience I think that the traditional comforable bc will do for now.

I had less than 20 dives in a miserable regular BC when I bought my first backplate. There is really nothing difficult about using them, and I was profoundly grateful I switched.

After 100 or so backplate dives, I found myself in a destination where I couldn't bring it with me. I had to rent a series of BCs for 30+ dives, and I hated it, though the diving itself was fantastic. I was so happy to have my BP back on my next series of dives back here in the US. I'm not kidding when I say it makes a big difference to me. YMMV.....someone's always does, I guess.

Then last year I bought the Halcyon, and have put almost 50 dives on it so far (only wish I were able to dive every day, like UP). I'd really recommend you try one out before buying any BC.

Whatever you choose, best of luck to you.

Disclaimer: I have no financial or personal stake of any sort in Halcyon or any dive shop. With a couple of minor exceptions (check the archives), I'm just a very satisfied user.

 

[GeekDiver]

Noshow

I too am new to diving and have around the same level of dives. I have been luckey to have mentors that have been diving for a long time. I have the time to lurk this board and the internet all day due to the nature of my job. So I have received alot of good sound advice from lots of sources.

I chose the Raider because I liked the fit, comfort and the adjustments. I liked it better than the Zeagles because it has similer features but was more comfortable, felt more stable and by the time you upgrade the zeagles with options such as tank weight, lumbar pad etc, etc,.. the price dif is not that much. I have reposition the weight pockets to the rear so they tuck in just in front of the wing air cell which helps me to keep upright while resting at the surface and has a cleaner more streamline appearance. During my OW both the DM (DM was all ScubaPro MK25/S600 and s/tech BC) and and Inst commented that it looked to easy for me to remove and reinstall my weight under water compaired to the others that had weight belts.

I've had several positive coments from Inst/DM and dive buddys on my BC. My bro-inlaw has been diving since '72 and is an Instructor/DM and was impressed with the Raider but dives with a backplate/horseshoe collar bc because that what he learned with and prefers. My bro-inlaws Dive buddy who is a LDS Mgr/Inst also likes the Raider but dives with a Blackdiamond because it has a plate and is more Ridged and is easer on his back when he is getting in/out of the water.

So far the Raider has lived up to all my needs and expectations and I like it alot no remorse over my purchase, some people will swear by this product or another, with that said my best adv is to try them all on if possible get into a pool/dive with as many as you can, then decided what works best for you and your needs.

Regards,
GD

 

[Brules]

Can anyone tell me if the Raider has removeable weight pockets? I can't find any pics on the net that show a good close up of the raider. Any info is appreciated.

Justin

 

[noshow]

Thanks to all for answers and insights...

I have to say that I found out that the two local dive shops (LDS) that I am shopping at carry BP's and wings. (Halcyon, Diverite and OMS between the two). They are both softly steering me away from the BP/Wings set up as my sole rig and say that as exclusive rec diving it it not practical (still leaving the end decision up to me). This is considering that in Canadian prices (retail) it is pretty much the same cost as a Raider or S-Tek setup. WHAT'S the deal?!? :bonk:

Second, I am feeling that I don't want to be the only one diving a BP and wings as I build on my 20 dive experience with everyone else having the tech BCD's. It may take away from my learning being the only one with a BP style on a 50ft recreational sunday morning dive. All the guys are super nice and seem to have my best interest in hand....

Ahhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!

 

[Uncle Pug]

Originally posted by noshow
Second, I am feeling that I don't want to be the only one diving a BP and wings as I build on my 20 dive experience with everyone else having the tech BCD's. It may take away from my learning being the only one with a BP style on a 50ft recreational sunday morning dive. All the guys are super nice and seem to have my best interest in hand....

Ahhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!

If you buy the Halcyon set up and start diving with it you will be waaaaay ahead of the guys who are pushing all that usless nylon baggage around. You may be the first but you won't be the last... just don't brag... they will come around... and when they mock just smile... you will have the last laugh.

I could dive any rig I want... and when I dive the 50 ft recreational dive I use a backplate and wing because it is so much more comfortable and efficient.

 

[GeekDiver]

Brules

Yes. The Raider does have weight pouches. You load the weight in the pouches then the pouches slide in under the area of the bc pockets. You can adjust the position for the pocket and weight pouchs. They are bolted into the side and can move to front, mid or rear positions.

Hope that helps.

 

[noshow]

Well it was April 4th when I started this thread with a few BCD's in mind looking for input. As a last addition to that intial post, I asked... "SECONDLY, what are these BP/Wings the board is so enthused about. I am not familiar. Should I purchase these as my first BCD to be used with a dry suit?"

Thanks goodness I did! As of this evening, I am the proud owner of a new bouncing baby Halcyon Pioneer 36# MC System. After my demo last weekend, I picked one up from a LDS a few hours ago and I am one happy diver.

Can't wait until the weekend... Cheers!