DiverAnderson
Guest
Hi Lairdb,
I've been thinking about exactly the same stuff you have lately. Stephen Ash imbedded a link to our conversation and I hope you read over it. There are a couple things I'd like to add as well.
1) I just dove a Halcyon SS BP and 36# wings and the ACB 30 system today in Carmel (pretty much Monterey). My thoughts were that the ACB system was too bulky and difficult to load. I wore 9lbs in a pocket rated for 15lbs and even with help the pockets didn't slide all the way in. You'd have to load it and then don the equipment which I find annoying, especially for such an expensive system.
2) Leisurepro sells a deluxe Diverite harness for peanuts. It is probably comfortable and has a chest strap and padded sholder straps. I'm not buying it. Why? Not only is the standard harness completely comfortable and sufficient, I like it because it is simple. A new dive buddy can look at me and immediately tell what is going on. Is a strap twisted? How is my light attached? He knows quicker with a simpler system.
3) I have used a Zeagle Ranger for about four years now. It has too much unnecessary lift, the tank wobbles around and air gets trapped in the large air bladder. I thought about going to a Scubapro Knighthawk which is a freaking awesome BC (the best, IMHO) but when I dove it, it wasn't noticeably different from my Ranger. The Halcyon was. It was lighter out of the water, the tank was stable against my back, the air didn't slosh around and the setup was simple and clean.
I still have a lot of questions, many of which center around weighting issues. Like you, I want a system that works in two distinct climates. I wear either a 2mm shortie or 7mm with vest and hood so my bouyance varies considerably. I found a Halcyon 27# to be a good compromise, enough for cold water aluminum 80s. I don't feel I need ditchable weight in tropical climates so I think a 9# BP would be enough there and when I go cold I will add a p-weight or possibly a weighted STA, I haven't decided. I will retain ditchable weight because cold water can get hairy and keeping your bouyancy options open is a great idea.
Fred T makes custom p-weights bit maybe Scott Koplin does too, The are both great guys and I will probably buy a plate, weights and harness from one of them. Fred T sent me some great literature too, message me with your email address and I'll forward it along.
I've been thinking about exactly the same stuff you have lately. Stephen Ash imbedded a link to our conversation and I hope you read over it. There are a couple things I'd like to add as well.
1) I just dove a Halcyon SS BP and 36# wings and the ACB 30 system today in Carmel (pretty much Monterey). My thoughts were that the ACB system was too bulky and difficult to load. I wore 9lbs in a pocket rated for 15lbs and even with help the pockets didn't slide all the way in. You'd have to load it and then don the equipment which I find annoying, especially for such an expensive system.
2) Leisurepro sells a deluxe Diverite harness for peanuts. It is probably comfortable and has a chest strap and padded sholder straps. I'm not buying it. Why? Not only is the standard harness completely comfortable and sufficient, I like it because it is simple. A new dive buddy can look at me and immediately tell what is going on. Is a strap twisted? How is my light attached? He knows quicker with a simpler system.
3) I have used a Zeagle Ranger for about four years now. It has too much unnecessary lift, the tank wobbles around and air gets trapped in the large air bladder. I thought about going to a Scubapro Knighthawk which is a freaking awesome BC (the best, IMHO) but when I dove it, it wasn't noticeably different from my Ranger. The Halcyon was. It was lighter out of the water, the tank was stable against my back, the air didn't slosh around and the setup was simple and clean.
I still have a lot of questions, many of which center around weighting issues. Like you, I want a system that works in two distinct climates. I wear either a 2mm shortie or 7mm with vest and hood so my bouyance varies considerably. I found a Halcyon 27# to be a good compromise, enough for cold water aluminum 80s. I don't feel I need ditchable weight in tropical climates so I think a 9# BP would be enough there and when I go cold I will add a p-weight or possibly a weighted STA, I haven't decided. I will retain ditchable weight because cold water can get hairy and keeping your bouyancy options open is a great idea.
Fred T makes custom p-weights bit maybe Scott Koplin does too, The are both great guys and I will probably buy a plate, weights and harness from one of them. Fred T sent me some great literature too, message me with your email address and I'll forward it along.