Halcyon Explorer Buoyancy Compensators

Halcyon offers the Explorer wing for double tank diving . The Explorer wings are available in two lift capacities to satisfy various buoyancy requirements, and are able to accommodate a wide range of tank sizes, exposure protection, and equipment requirements. Halcyon explorer wings are available in 40 lbs. (18kg), and 55 lbs. (25kg) lift capacities. We also offer a special version of the Explorer wing modified for use with closed circuit rebreathers.

Explorer wings have been slightly modified over the years for even greater streamlining and efficiency. The Explorer wing is slightly narrower and longer, with a reduced buoyancy tube behind the neck to minimize heads-up trim. In addition, the inflator elbow is located in the back center of the wing to eliminate hitting the tank neck during full inflation.

Halcyon's Explorer wing is still made from the most rugged materials available for a buoyancy compensator. The 400 denier nylon bladder has a tighter weave and is therefore more puncture resistant than a broad weave. The Explorer's 1680 ballistic nylon outer shell is designed for maximum abrasion resistance. The two materials used together offer the best protection from damage in any wing design.

   •Heavy-duty zipper has a three-inch wide strip of Cordura to prevent zipper chaff on the inner bladder

•Two-inch webbing-reinforced backbone construction

•"Trap-door" drainage system allows water to drain rapidly from the outer cover to minimize excess weight and diver effort reboarding the dive boat

•Inflator elbow strain relief constructed from two-inch nylon webbing minimizes wear on this connection

•Narrower, elongated construction improves streamlining and trim

•Relocated corrugated hose eliminates stress from impact with tanks

•All Explorer wings are CE-certified for sale in the European Community

 

The Explorer wings can be mated with either the Halcyon hard-coated aluminum or six pound stainless steel backplate, providing divers with a variety of weighting solutions. The 40 lbs. Explorer wings provide a minimalist approach to buoyancy where double aluminum 80s and a wetsuit are the rig of choice. The widely popular 55 lbs. Explorer wings are ideally suited for use with situations requiring additional lift such as with heavy double steel tanks.

Single tank set up with an Explorer or Evolve wing?

Halcyon actively discourages divers from using Explorer or Evolve wings for single tank diving. Unfortunately, the idea that a doubles wing is somehow compatible with a single tank configuration is a common idea, promoted by several industry manufacturers and, consequently, some diving retailers. To our dismay, we see divers laboring in vain to dive an obviously over-sized wing with their single-tank configuration. Proper trim and buoyancy control becomes nearly impossible to attain– or maintain, for that matter. Such a large air cell, designed to support the width of double tanks, allows gas in the wing to shift dramatically, leaving the diver struggling to regain stability instead of relaxing to enjoy the dive.

Ultimately, Halcyon suggests that divers consider the modularity of the Halcyon MC system and avail themselves of the ability to use the Eclipse wing most appropriate to the diving they will be doing. Using the right tool for the job allows a diver to enjoy their time below the surface. As the comfort level increases and the stress of struggling with awkward equipment lessens, the diver will discover that their gear should “disappear” during the dive, leaving them to better enjoy their time in the water– and hopefully to dive more often. In the event that a diver does pursue double tank

diving, an Explorer or Evolve wing of appropriate size can easily be added to their existing back plate and harness. In the end, the diver will save time, money, and effort if they use the right gear for the specific dive. The beauty of the DIR approach to diving is that no matter what the diving environment– single tank, double tank, warm or cold water, cave, ice, or tech– the diver harness, inflator and dump valve positions are exactly the same regardless of the Halcyon wing you use. No matter what the environment or level of dive, you will be completely at home in your equipment.