Which XDeep BCD should I get? Help me with my analysis paralysis

[Pearlman]

Are your fins really 2kg negative?

That’s good point! Leave those fins behind for tropical destinations jams get something like the GoSport Gorilla at 3.3lb. And you won’t be diving steel tanks in tropical destinations like Maldives/Thailand/Indonesia/Philippines for sure. They will almost all be AL80s so you could redo your calculations.

 

[LeggoDiveyDivey]

That’s good point! Leave those fins behind for tropical destinations jams get something like the GoSport Gorilla at 3.3lb. And you won’t be diving steel tanks in tropical destinations like Maldives/Thailand/Indonesia/Philippines for sure. They will almost all be AL80s so you could redo your calculations.

Yeah I was being really conservative here. As for the fins I was basing them off the Mares Avanti Quattro+

Are your fins really 2kg negative?

Either way, I think you'll just have to give it a try and see what you're comfortable with. I maintain the Zeos 28 will do everything you need and is the better platform all-round and long-term. XDeep is good stuff, though you're paying a not-insignificant markup for branding. Plenty of less-expensive equivalents abound, e.g. DGX DGX Custom - DGX Gears Singles Harness / Backplate / Wing Package

I think so too! I think with the XDeep I'd get a choice of more colors, the padding is great for comfort too. I'd also get the Deluxe with the clips just for convenience and since I doubt I'd go technical ever.

As for price I think the difference in the EU is lesser, the DGX seems really cheap while XDeep seems to sit slightly under Hollis and Apex?

 

[boqurant]

If you're going down the BPW route, whether recreational or technical (and the difference w.r.t. BC systems is minimal), I'd heartily recommend a small investment in this book before you spend any more money Doing It Right: The Fundamentals of Better Diving - PDF | GUE Chapters 5 and 6

First thing of note w.r.t the BC would be: unless you're hiking the tank for substantial distances to shore diving, you dont need any padding; and unless you have serious shoulder issues you dont need clips (straps are supposed to be loose enough to shrug off). The most simple / basic webbing / backplate / small wing will do the job perfectly well, and actually better, since there's less bulk, fewer moving parts, more replaceability etc.

 

[Trailboss123]

I have had the X Deep Ghost Deluxe size Large for over 8 years and over 1,200 dives all over the world. I am 6' 2" tall and a bit over 200 lbs. I have used it with a drysuit in cold water with 26 lbs of lead and a 120 CF steel tank and it has plenty of lift. I have used with 7mm wetsuits, 5mm wetsuits, 3 mm wetsuits and no wetsuit. 80 CF aluminum, 100 CF Aluminum and steel and as mentioned, even a 120 CF Steel. It has been flawless and I love how light weight and compact it is for travel. I would love to get a new one in a cool colored wing, but simply cannot justify the expense when mine still functions and looks like new.

Did it take a little getting used to the left side, kidney located dump valve? Yes, but after a few dives, it became 2nd nature and functions just fine. I have never been concerned with or even thought about it snagging on something.

 

[happy-diver]

Wow!

Fifty bucks for a plate!

Aluminium Scuba Dive Backplate Technische Diving BCD Plate Back Harness Hardware für Lift Bag - AliExpress 18

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

www.aliexpress.com

And with heaps of money left for diving and a professional engraver to emboss it with Xmarketing all over

 

[LeggoDiveyDivey]

I have had the X Deep Ghost Deluxe size Large for over 8 years and over 1,200 dives all over the world. I am 6' 2" tall and a bit over 200 lbs. I have used it with a drysuit in cold water with 26 lbs of lead and a 120 CF steel tank and it has plenty of lift. I have used with 7mm wetsuits, 5mm wetsuits, 3 mm wetsuits and no wetsuit. 80 CF aluminum, 100 CF Aluminum and steel and as mentioned, even a 120 CF Steel. It has been flawless and I love how light weight and compact it is for travel. I would love to get a new one in a cool colored wing, but simply cannot justify the expense when mine still functions and looks like new.

Did it take a little getting used to the left side, kidney located dump valve? Yes, but after a few dives, it became 2nd nature and functions just fine. I have never been concerned with or even thought about it snagging on something.

That is reassuring to hear! I have been to 2 dive shops and talked to a few divers, all have recommended the Zeos or Zen for the double layered wing. Although to me the single layer is totally fine since its the same as other BCDs on the market which function perfectly fine. Worth noting that the Ghost has a 17kg lift which is equivalent to a Zeos 38 and just under the Zen. Kind of makes me lean towards the Zen.

Have you thought about changing the backplate? The Ghost has the lightest of them all which some love for its size, while others prefer something more robust.

 

[Trailboss123]

That is reassuring to hear! I have been to 2 dive shops and talked to a few divers, all have recommended the Zeos or Zen for the double layered wing. Although to me the single layer is totally fine since its the same as other BCDs on the market which function perfectly fine.

Have you thought about changing the backplate? The Ghost has the lightest of them all which some love for its size, while others prefer something more robust.

Never considered it. I love the weight, feel and look of the Ghost backplate.

 

[LeggoDiveyDivey]

If you're going down the BPW route, whether recreational or technical (and the difference w.r.t. BC systems is minimal), I'd heartily recommend a small investment in this book before you spend any more money Doing It Right: The Fundamentals of Better Diving - PDF | GUE Chapters 5 and 6

First thing of note w.r.t the BC would be: unless you're hiking the tank for substantial distances to shore diving, you dont need any padding; and unless you have serious shoulder issues you dont need clips (straps are supposed to be loose enough to shrug off). The most simple / basic webbing / backplate / small wing will do the job perfectly well, and actually better, since there's less bulk, fewer moving parts, more replaceability etc.

Good call! I had a look and just based off the suggestions there, the Zeos 28 standard is the choice. Although to be honest, I probably won't get it. I hope the author releases a new edition though since scuba equipment has grown so much in the 25 years since it was first published!

 

[dflaher]

My diving is a lot like yours, Leggo, and I bought the Ghost based on Trailboss' recommendations. I don t have nearly the number of dives on it that he has, but I really like it. I bought the deluxe, but after a year I removed the buckles for the same reasons stated above. Looks more like a true BPW now.

 

[boqurant]

I hope the author releases a new edition though since scuba equipment has grown so much in the 25 years since it was first published!

Indeed, there's an updated version here The Fundamentals Of Better Diving (2021) | English | 10001.ENG (hardcopy only and a bit more expensive, which is why I suggested the PDF to start with)