ElectricZombie once bubbled...
$300.00 is too much. I was under the impression that Oxycheq would be selling them for a lot less.
Personally, I would rather just pay the extra $40.00 and get a Halcyon that I know will work properly.
It occurs to me that the introduction of another quality singles wing is going to lead to some changes in a lot of discussions on forums (fora?) like this.
The main thing is that now the anti-DIR crowd should have a viable alternative for singles diving. I'm sure there are folks out there so death against DIR and anything ressembling it that they will tape down their monstro doubles wing to dive singles before they would 'fess up to diving a Halcyon. Now they too can enjoy the benefits of using a purpose built wing when they are diving the sunny southern waters, while still using the plate and harness they already have.
This could put an end to the accusations that GUE is in business to promote Halcyon through DIRF and DIR demo events. I wonder if Oxycheq did the same as Halcyon and offered loaners at those events if the instructors would accept. It would be smart business all the way around. It's a chance for GUE to back up their claims of non-partisanship with Halcyon, which have had some credibility in the past. Who else had a wing as well-suited to singles diving as Halcyon's? It's an opp for Oxycheq to promote their single wing product (at least). And it even benefits Halcyon through broadening the customer base for recreational bp/wing use.
It should help to lower the resistance on the part of some rec divers to adopt the bp/wing setup that many of us have found to be so functional and adaptable. In this sense the introduction of another true singles wing is likely a boon to Halcyon. The more brand names there are in a given market, the more credibility or acceptance the product is going to get.
As for the cost differential. What price did you expect on a new wing comparable in style, quality and utility to Halcyon's? Materials, d&d, production, marketing and distribution costs still apply, and the dealers are entitled to something for their efforts in retailing the wings. Should we look at this another way and acknowledge that perhaps Halcyons aren't all that expensive after all. One thing is for certain. Now that there's a head-to-head matchup going on, the prices are going to be affected by the competition. Therefore this product's introduction should be gleefully welcomed by even the hardcore Halcyon fans.
I'm looking forward to getting my hands on the new wing, just because I'm a gearpig, and also because another poster here won't give back my Halcyon 27 pounder.
Respectfully
JohnF