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I've read so much about this my eyes hurt, but I still can't decide. What do ya think? Halcyon Eclipse #40 or Oxycheq Signature Signature #45? Which is better on its own merit?
I don't know about the Halcyon wing as I don't have one, nor have I seen or used one. But I did buy the Oxycheq SS 45# wing and I love it! It has an inner bladder with a nylon protective cover. I've matched it with an OMS SS backplate and an STA and I've got it trimmed properly. I do a lot of photography and I find it a lot better than anything else I've tried.
I use the Eclipse 40# wing. I've never used another wing, so I don't have a basis of comparison, and I'm a rookie diver, so take this for what it's worth.
I really like the wing. I feel like it does the job very well, and cleans up nicely. The outer shell is good and tough, while the inner liner cleans up nicely. I feel very confident in it's durability.
There was a recall on the stainless steel inflators. I took mine today to the local mudhole, and the new inflator worked flawlessly. You can tell a post-recall regulator by the indented ring around the base of the inflator where it screws into the hose. If it's not obvious, you have an old model one that needs replacement.
I've read so much about this my eyes hurt, but I still can't decide. What do ya think? Halcyon Eclipse #40 or Oxycheq Signature Signature #45? Which is better on its own merit?
The Oxycheq is shaped like an oblong donut. Perfect for a single tank which is what it is made for. No wing hanging out or tacoing your tank. I love mine.
"A veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard, or reserve - is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to The 'United States of America', for an amount of 'up to and including my life.'" (Author unknown)
The Oxycheq SS45 is a tough little wing. Much more durable than the Eclipse wing. The inner bladder of the SS45 is also more amenable to quick repairs with aquaseal, whereas the eclipse is not. The outer shell of the SS45 is heavier and tougher than the eclipse - no question. The SS45 has multiple grommet holes and large slots for cam bands, making this wing more compatible with other systems. The Eclipse has one set of grommets and no slots for cam bands so you must use a backplate with STA - I don't use an STA unless I have to (i.e., with the Eclipse).
If you want the most durable singles wing because you punish your equipment - or the environment punishes you - then the SS45 is the one to get - absolutely no question that the SS45 is much tougher than the Eclipse40.
However, the SS45 is heavier and provides a bit more drag than the Eclipse40. I dive dry so the difference doesn't mean too much to me since my drysuit provides plenty of drag. If you want the most streamlined singles wing in this lift range go with the Pioneer 36 - it is light and wraps around the tank very nicely. As far as I can tell, none of these wings trap air. I haven't used the Eclipse much because I don't use an STA (custom plate) so the Pioneer and SS45 get the most use.
I'm going to try and get pictures of all three of these wings as they swim deflated to get an idea of how much drag each wing presents - but don't hold your breath, it might be a while.