Side Mounting Mods on my Zeagle Express Tech...

Please register or login

Welcome to ScubaBoard, the world's largest scuba diving community. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions.

Benefits of registering include

  • Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions.
  • A Free photo gallery to share your dive photos with the world.
  • You can make this box go away

Joining is quick and easy. Log in or Register now!

I've been diving singles w/pony tank for the past several years. Recently started TDI Decompression Procedures in which I've done 4 backmounted doubles dives to this point; did the valve drills etc.... I've decided to switch to sidemount based on that expirience and for the reasons already stated so astutely in this thread by Colliam7.
 
Two questions,

1.) NetDoc: are you using the standard express tech and what type of weights do you use?
2.) Can you use the express tech for Tech diving?

I am seriouisly considering picking up this rig. Lastly, I am debating in getting the standard air bladder or upgrade to the 44LBS one. What the price difference? (i haven't seen a online site that allows it as upgrade option)
 
1) Yes, but with the bigger bladder.
2) Yes, I will be trying it with back mounted doubles soon.
 
I've been diving singles w/pony tank for the past several years. Recently started TDI Decompression Procedures in which I've done 4 backmounted doubles dives to this point; did the valve drills etc.... I've decided to switch to sidemount based on that expirience and for the reasons already stated so astutely in this thread by Colliam7.


You should also check ou the new Hollis SMS100 and the Oxycheq Recon. Both are 360 degree wings and specifically made for sidemount. Can also be used with singles and doubles (Hollis for sure, not sure about the Oxycheq). Will be diving my SMS100 this week on vacation...can't wait! This was the best way for me since I moved into Tec in January, and had to get gear anyway. Was just easier than trying to modify another product (I'm not opposed to that though, whatever works best).

Happy diving!
 
NetDoc,

Thanks for the photos n info bout the system but I mostly dive in warm waters n most of the wrecks here have pretty strong currents. Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't see sm as a viable alternative for such conditions.

Also for boat dives, it would be quite problematic to get back on without first removing n handling over the tank/tanks?

Thanks,

SangP
 
Both are 360 degree wings and specifically made for sidemount.!

It is interesting to see how the wing has been made to "work". The prevaling history/evolution to sidemounting is the wing was adopted,because all the manufacturers have wings,and it is easy to marry the two. When you talk to the "innovators" of the American sidemount gear,they will tell you a jacket BC is a better choice because it moves the inflation around the torso.
 
It is interesting to see how the wing has been made to "work". The prevaling history/evolution to sidemounting is the wing was adopted,because all the manufacturers have wings,and it is easy to marry the two. When you talk to the "innovators" of the American sidemount gear,they will tell you a jacket BC is a better choice because it moves the inflation around the torso.

I've been reading this and similar threads with interest, and I was wondering where the jacket BC fits into these recent conversations. My old edition of the NSS Cave Diving Manual shows how a jacket BC readily can be adapted for SM. And I seem to recall my cavern and basic cave instructor one afternoon demonstrating SM using his old and worn Scubapro Stab Jacket. This man seemed to sleep in his BP/W (using manifolded 104's), yet he preferred and recommended a jacket BC for SM. But that was c. 1988 ...
 
Last edited:
NetDoc,

Thanks for the photos n info bout the system but I mostly dive in warm waters n most of the wrecks here have pretty strong currents. Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't see sm as a viable alternative for such conditions.

Also for boat dives, it would be quite problematic to get back on without first removing n handling over the tank/tanks?

Thanks,

SangP
Sure? Why not? Lots of people side mount off of a boat. I often splash and climb out of the springs with my tanks on. It's not a fragile system.
 
Hey NetDoc,
I got an express tech last year after getting certified as my first bc and it is great. I worked out on Catalina Island at a summer camp and got to dive it many times while working on my advanced and rescue, and got an internship for next summer as a divemaster at the camp. we do a lot of fun dive experiments out there and some of the instructors sidemount when they're not teaching a class. I was wondering if you could post some pics of you in the full express tech sm setup and maybe a few tips on how i should rig mine up for it.
 
https://www.shearwater.com/products/swift/

Back
Top Bottom