Frequently Asked Questions
Buoyancy Systems
- Can I balance “non-releasable “and “releasable“ weighting on my Halcyon BC System?
- Is the Halcyon BC system appropriate for recreational open-water diving?
- I want to use my double-tank wing on a single tank. Can I use my double- and single-tank BCs interchangeably?
Drysuit Accessories
- How do I attach my Halcyon pocket to my wet or dry suit?
- How do I select my size of Halcyon Gaiters?
Liftbags & SMBs
Buoyancy Systems
Can I balance “non-releasable “and “releasable“ weighting on my Halcyon BC System?
Halcyon diving systems allow convenient distribution of a diver’s weight in a way that supports diving safety and enhanced diving comfort. Divers can easily mix ditchable and non-ditchable ballast to allow easy removal of a portion of a diver’s weight. For example, this weight might be placed in Halcyon’s patented ACB pockets; these weights can be removed during an emergency or as a means to easily egress from the water.
Is the Halcyon BC system appropriate for recreational open-water diving?
Halcyon is one of the world’s most established technical diving brands. However, it is a little-known fact that the majority of Halcyon owners are recreational divers. The Halcyon BC is less cluttered and less restrictive than jacket-style BCs while providing a perfectly tailored fit. This system also creates far less drag in the water and is more stable than conventional jacket-style BCs. These factors reduce diving effort while increasing efficiency and diving fun.
I want to use my double-tank wing on a single tank. Can I use my double- and single-tank BCs interchangeably?
Halcyon BCs are carefully designed to minimize drag and maximize in-water stability. This superior function depends partly upon diving the appropriate-sized BC. For example, diving an Evolve double-tank BC on a single tank will be inefficient, reducing stability and increasing drag. This is because the BC is not sized for this application and will not fit the scuba unit properly. Unfortunately, the one-size-fits-all idea is common in the industry, leading divers to devalue a proper fit. BC systems that are oversized are significantly inferior in function to those that are sized properly.
BC sizing relates to using the appropriate BC (single or double tank) and also to using the proper amount of lift required. Single-tank divers requiring very little lift (such as those diving warm water) do not require large BCs with high lift capacity. A large air cell causes gas in the wing to shift dramatically, leaving the diver struggling to regain stability instead of relaxing to enjoy the dive. Using the right tool for the job allows divers to enjoy their time below the surface. As one’s comfort level increases and the stress of struggling with awkward equipment is reduced, you will find properly fitted dive gear should “disappear,” leaving you to enjoy your time in the water.
Drysuit Accessories
How do I attach my Halcyon pocket to my wet or dry suit?
- Don suit and hold pocket in desired location. (Recommended placement is on outerthigh to keep the pockets out of the flow.)
- Use chalk to outline the desired location for pocket.
- Remove suit and place on a hard, flat surface.
- Apply first coat of Seal Cement around outer one-inch strip on both the suit and the pocket.
- Allow the adhesive to get tacky for about ten minutes and then apply a second coat.
- Allow the second coat to dry until tacky, again for about ten minutes, and then apply a third coat.
- Again allow the adhesive to dry until tacky, about ten minutes.
- Place the pocket on the suit in the exact location desired. (Make sure it’s correct since it will not move easily at this point.)
- Use the roller to roll the pocket on the suit.
- Allow the suit and pocket to dry for at least 24 hours before diving.
How do I select my size of Halcyon Gaiters?
To size your gaiters, measure the largest diameter of the calf while wearing your undergarments and dry suit, then select which size will fit best. Gaiters stretch to accommodate most divers, so you can select a snugger or looser fit.
Small: 12inch
Medium: 14inch
Large: 16inch
Liftbags & Marker Buoys
What is the best way to stow a Halcyon lift device?
Many divers appreciate the unique Halcyon innovation that allows them to store a range of lift devices in the BC Storage Pocket affixed to their backplate. Stowing lift devices in this pocket provides streamlining, without compromising the ability for rapid deployment.