US Divers Alcyone - worth picking up?
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I didn't find many reviews of the alcyone but what I found are from the mid 90s that imply it was one of the first weight integrated BCs that had more than one release for the weights. Pictures on ebay show it to be a decent looking and reasonably well built (if pictures can show that) BC that should be just as functional as other jacket style BCs. I don't see any dump valves on it so unless it has a shoulder dump integrated into the inflator hose, that might be something to consider. It also appears that it's a horseshoe shaped back inflate system so that's something else to consider, especially without dump valves.
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Definitely worth picking up. I still use mine, and it's holding up well after all these years. To address the concerns about dump valves, it does have them. They're located near the ends of the horseshoe bladder and work well when you're horizontal, upside down, or in any position other than head-up. The integrated weight system isn't huge, but if you use soft weights, you can get about 8-10 lbs. in each pouch.
The one I bought new in '94 didn't last a month. The bladder stitching came undone. I'm glad FFigawi had better luck, but my mis-adventure might give you an idea of something to check/ask if you plan to go forward with the purchase. I'd also ask about service history. If it hasn't been serviced in a while, that might indicate parts are getting "rare."
FFigawi, how has your experience been with parts/service?
FFigawi, how has your experience been with parts/service?
I've had one since '95-96 and it's still use it regularly after 100's of dives (it's my only BC). All I've had to do to it is patch a hole in the bladder (not the BCD's fault as I got pushed into a nail or something on a pier piling by a wave) and replace the power inflator (poor maintenance on my behalf and it finally failed after about 12 years). I had a hard time finding the original inflator, and the local AL dealer here in Chile was all but useless in helping me. In the end I noticed that a new PI hose off one of the newer Aqua-lung/Seaquest BCD's lined right up no problem and I've been using that since.
The Alcyone had 2 or 3 dump valves depending on the year. All have one incorporated into where the PI connects to the top left side of the bladder. The older ones (like up to '96 or so) only had one dump valve on the lower part of the bladder (operated by the diver's right hand) and the "newer" ones (after about '97) had one on each side. I remember this because shortly after I bought my "older" one the "newer" one appeared in the LDS and the only change to it was the addition of the 2nd dump valve on the bottom.
Keep in mind it is weight integrated, but it's only supposed hold like 5 lbs on each side (the seal is velcro). Great for taking lead off your waist, but depending on the conditions and the rest of your setup, you'll likely still need some lead on a belt. With 4kg in the pouches (about 9lbs) I still have 6-8lbs on a belt with my 2 piece 7mm suit.
I've seen them for about $50 on ebay and have seriously thought about picking up another. I guess my opinion would be that yes, it'd be worth picking up depending on the price/condition and if that's the type of BCD you're looking for.
The Alcyone had 2 or 3 dump valves depending on the year. All have one incorporated into where the PI connects to the top left side of the bladder. The older ones (like up to '96 or so) only had one dump valve on the lower part of the bladder (operated by the diver's right hand) and the "newer" ones (after about '97) had one on each side. I remember this because shortly after I bought my "older" one the "newer" one appeared in the LDS and the only change to it was the addition of the 2nd dump valve on the bottom.
Keep in mind it is weight integrated, but it's only supposed hold like 5 lbs on each side (the seal is velcro). Great for taking lead off your waist, but depending on the conditions and the rest of your setup, you'll likely still need some lead on a belt. With 4kg in the pouches (about 9lbs) I still have 6-8lbs on a belt with my 2 piece 7mm suit.
I've seen them for about $50 on ebay and have seriously thought about picking up another. I guess my opinion would be that yes, it'd be worth picking up depending on the price/condition and if that's the type of BCD you're looking for.
I haven't had any real problems with parts or service yet. The shop here in Doha hasn't been able to get anything to service it, but that's not too surprising. Every shop I brought it to in the States has been able to service it just fine as recently as last year. I'd buy another one if I ever get the chance.
John
John
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