Just wanted to dispell this notion as well. As posted above, they are back-logged due to demand. Which in itself implies that people have done research and found their equipment to be top notch.
Hold out for the Halcyon gear, you won't be disappointed.
-Ken
For what it's worth this is a recent reply to the equipment backlog from another list:
I fully appreciate your frustration, and the dive shop's sense of urgency. We do not deny problems supplying enough of our product to keep up with the demand, but we are rounding the corner on this issue and your patience is greatly appreciated. I would ask those of you that are frustrated about any delays to try to understand the cause of such issues. Many SCUBA "Manufacturers" do not actually make the dive equipment they sell. Most of these companies merely ship equipment made, and often designed by, a third party manufacturer. If Halcyon were to have some other entity manufacture for us, then we could easily solve the supply problem. Of course we would also lose quality control, product uniqueness, and direction over our product line.
The belief in the DIR philosophy has grown tremendously throughout the world because of the unwavering support of many of the people who are members of this list. The increasing popularity of DIR has helped to foster the growth we find ourselves faced with at Halcyon. Consequently, Halcyon is at a place that many manufacturers and training agencies have found themselves in the past. We feel that each of these entities decided that the quality which may or may not have been an integral part of their initial direction could be compromised in favor of economic factors. Halcyon and, in fact, DIR represent a difference in the industry because they do not accept that compromise. As a manufacturer, Halcyon feels that quality stands above all other requirements, and that it is not an acceptable compromise to meet demand by lessening our control over our products. Imagine for a second that any of you were in our place. What would you do when faced with an inability to meet high demand for your unique product, and a range of "me too" companies flocking to DIR that were initially heartily resistant and do not understand its true meaning?
Meanwhile, you had the ability to produce plenty of products at a substantial reduction in price, but with a considerable loss of control over the quality of the product. Most people either choose to raise their prices dramatically (i.e. Harley Davidson), or to lose control over quality and push the product to the market.
Halcyon does not feel that either of these choices represent our role in the industry, and that they betray the faith placed in us by our customers. In the end, we have a final measure of quality control and still whole-heartily believe in our purpose as a company. We WILL satisfy demand, but we will do it responsibly. In the last year we have more than doubled our production ability, and are well on our way to a much greater capacity. I recognize that to some of you these issues mean very little. Yet, I feel for those that are truly interested in DIR, and in Halcyon, these issues stand at the forefront of your support.
We will continue to do all we can to meet demand responsibly, while insisting that in the end the consumer receives the quality that we feel they deserve.
Sincerely,
Jarrod Jablonski
