DIR Information Network >> Buoyancy FAQ 1

Why don't Halcyon MC Buoyancy Systems have big front pockets, like on jacket-style BCs?

Pockets mounted to a BC are generally in the wrong spot for at least two primary reasons.

1. Front and side mounted pockets act like sea anchors when you swim, disrupting the laminar flow of water across what we call the HULL of the diver, the frontal area. Imagine the diver as a boat moving through the water. You will agree that the more efficient boats place as few items as possible on the surface with the most forceful resistance contact. Out of shear ease of production and design, BC's grew into the compromised designs that dominate the market today.

2. Pockets on the front of a jacket are not optimal for accessing and viewing stored items. With the pockets so close to the pivot point of the arm and shoulder, you are place in a series of awkward positions as you try to fish out the contents of a jacket pocket.

The DIR Alternative: Pockets on the dive suit are far more natural to access and view. Our original reason for relocation of the pockets to the outer thigh area was specific to traveling faster in the deep cave and ocean projects on Gavin Scooters. The positive results where compounded by the fact we where able to access the items in these pockets and continue underway at 150-200 feet per minute.

The Halcyon Explorer pocket is a custom zippered Cordura bellows pocket with a 2 inch SS d-ring sewn inside as an attachment point and Mylar outer wall reinforcement. The Explorer allows for single hand operation of the number 10 Delrin zipper. The Halcyon Notes Pocket is a flat Cordura pocket with a Velcro flap. The Notes Pocket is perfect for your survey compass, wet notes and deco tables. Thigh mounted pocket are far more accessible than BC-mounted pockets and out of the entanglement and slipstream zone.

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