Halcyon: Multifunction Compensator Overview

Halcyon Multifunction Compensators

Eclipse Wing

Regardless of whether you are diving at 30 feet on a coral reef, 130 feet in a wreck or at 300 feet in a cave, the key elements to diving are the same. Having an enjoyable dive remains the goal while good buoyancy, proper trim, suitable weighting, efficient propulsion and integrated life support are the fundamental skills that support safe and enjoyable diving. Halcyon's Multifunction Compensator, the heart of this unique diving system, is specifically designed to give divers a distinct advantage in these critical areas.

Buoyancy: Pioneer MC

The Halcyon MC System adjusts to every type of diving with the selection of the proper buoyancy and weighting system. Eclipse buoyancy compensation systems are specifically designed to maximize single tank efficiency while the Evolve and Explorer wings offer a range of lift choices and trim characteristics for double tank streamlining.

Weighting:
The MC System incorporates the use of detachable and non-detachable weight, adjusted specifically for each diver. The stainless backplate provides six pounds of non-detachable weight evenly disbursed across the diver's back. Alternatively, divers may choose the aluminum backplate when additional weight is not necessary.

The Halcyon ACB Weighting System now comes in sizes ranging from 12 pounds (six per side) to 30 pounds of detachable weight while V-Weights and Keel Weights are available for additional weight customization.

Trim:
The Halcyon MC System controls trim through the combination of weight distribution and stability offered by the 5-point Secure Harness. Removing weight from the waist not only prevents a sore lower back, but also shifts the center of gravity up to the central torso and facilitates a streamlined horizontal profile in the water. Proper trim is essential to reducing swimming effort and gas consumption, making dives easier and more enjoyable.

Propulsion: MC/RB80 System
The Halcyon MC System is designed to significantly reduce the effort required to move through the water not only by establishing proper trim, but also by reducing drag on the diver.

Merely doubling the surface area of one's BC results in a resistance that is four times as great and requires nearly sixteen times more energy to move through the water. The Halcyon MC System reduces drag by minimizing the diver's frontal area, resulting in greater efficiency and ease of diving.

Life Support:
MC Storage Pak The MC System provides divers with an integrated life support solution that accommodates a variety of emergency and utility lift devices. Signaling, lifting, and surface flotation can be stored "transparently" within the MC System Storage Pak.

The Halcyon Secure Harness allows for infinite adjustability, providing a perfect fit for all divers and diving systems. Men or women diving wet or dry will find the Secure Harness is without question the most stable and well-fitted design in the industry.

Five point system insures snug fit and eliminates tank roll and drift
MC Storage Pak provides "transparent" storage for alternate lift and signaling devices
Bent D-rings facilitate one-handed storage of accessories like Scout lights or stage bottles
Complete adjustability of D-rings eliminates inappropriate attachment points

We always welcome comments about our gear from our customers. Here's what Grant W., a Great Lakes diver from Canada has to say about the Halcyon DIR dive system:
I had to write to tell you how great the new gear is. I got it wet for the first time today, on a wreck in the St. Lawrence that we do frequently. She is a drilling barge that was anchored by an island to wait out a storm, when lightening hit it and all the dynamite on board exploded. Needless to say, she is spread out. Max depth is 151, she starts in 100.

Today, I had a single steel cylinder with the Stainless Steel backplate and the 27lb Pioneer wing. I had your Explorer Pro canister light, and a 30 cu ft pony of 50%. I leave the pony on a line we've put in and use it for deco only. With that gear, I had 4 lbs in my weight belt, which was perfect. I wear a full 7 mil suit and hood. I'm giving you all this information to show you the nature of my diving and why your gear is perfect for it.

The first thing I noticed underwater was how effortless swimming into the current was compared to the Transpac. I didn't need to add much air to the wing, but obviously I had to counteract the compression of the suit. I really liked the length of the inflator hose and the small bungee that holds it where I can at it easily. I'm used to a crotch strap, but not one this wide. It was not noticeable at all during the dive, and I was inverted for much of it, since it's the only way to get through the "tunnels" in the wreckage. The small profile of the wing made it easy to get through holes that I had caught on with the rec wing on my Transpac. Having air down low really makes it easy to keep good trim. When we were at our 10 foot stop, the wing was fully deflated. On shore, I saw that there was no trapped air at all. I couldn't get that on the rec wing. (I removed the bungees/bondage from the rec when I bought it a few years ago, but I know they wouldn't get all the air out either.)

I've rambled, but I felt it was important to pass this along. I'm sure you hear this kind of story a lot, so this may not mean much to you. But, I've tried Scubapro jackets, Zeagle and two models of Transpac, but none has compared to the comfort and functionality of this rig. Next Spring, I hope to get one of your Explorer wings to use with my twin tanks. I don't use them much, but now that I have the back plate, I may use them more than I have in the past. I can't see buying any other wing now.