Zeagle's Express Tech: The first and last BC most will ever need (or want)

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racerx_ Yes, the quick release makes the crotch strap much more functional. The standard Zeagle crotch strap has it and the webbing on the crotch strap is soft and comfortable. When I put my Express on I step through the closed quick release, pull up the shoulders and then tighten the waist strap (works well for me) and I don't have to change the tension on the crotch strap. Now, when I remove the BCD I always open the crotch strap quick release first. I absolutely love my Zeagle Express. I did change to the 35lb bladder, but the 24 worked ok for diving I just wanted more lift on the surface.
 
This BCD has been on my radar for at least a couple of years now, and I've been following this thread for most of that time. I'm so convinced that it's THE answer for the diving I do now that I sold my previous bells-and-whistles BCD and am just waiting to have the money for a "basic" Tech Express Deluxe—no integrated weight system, at MOST a trim weight arrangement—which I think will be next month.

The reason I don't want integrated weight is simplicity. I free dive frequently, and have a weight belt set up for that already. With proper trim weight, switching from free diving to scuba is just a matter of adding BCD and tank. And since my dive vehicle—my ONLY vehicle—is a motorcycle, the TE's compactness is an added bonus.


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Oberon,

I think the ET might fit your needs. I did add the 2" Zeagle crotch strap to mine after reading all the messages here.
 
I have an older Zeagle Escape with ripcord (most of the time I use a weight belt though) that I've been using for a few years. I love the thing, beats any other BCD system I've ever used included a BP/W I tried out. I've put roughly 120-140 dives on the Escape and its still working great but I'm thinking about getting the Express tech as a backup/spare to leave at my vacation home. The escape is a 2XL. I'm 6'7" and 275#. Anyone as tall as myself ever used the express tech? did you think the fit was ok?

I'm going to possibly get an chance to try one out next week but trying to get some feedback ahead of time.
 
I have an older Zeagle Escape with ripcord (most of the time I use a weight belt though) that I've been using for a few years. I love the thing, beats any other BCD system I've ever used included a BP/W I tried out. I've put roughly 120-140 dives on the Escape and its still working great but I'm thinking about getting the Express tech as a backup/spare to leave at my vacation home. The escape is a 2XL. I'm 6'7" and 275#. Anyone as tall as myself ever used the express tech? did you think the fit was ok?

I'm going to possibly get an chance to try one out next week but trying to get some feedback ahead of time.

I am not as tall as you nor weigh as much. The Express Tech simple harness comes with a lot of webbing. It should be able to fit anyone.
 
I have an older Zeagle Escape with ripcord (most of the time I use a weight belt though) that I've been using for a few years. I love the thing, beats any other BCD system I've ever used included a BP/W I tried out. I've put roughly 120-140 dives on the Escape and its still working great but I'm thinking about getting the Express tech as a backup/spare to leave at my vacation home. The escape is a 2XL. I'm 6'7" and 275#. Anyone as tall as myself ever used the express tech? did you think the fit was ok?


I'm going to possibly get an chance to try one out next week but trying to get some feedback ahead of time.
The Express Tech really is "one-size-fits-all." It comes with some assembly required and you just size it to fit.
 
The Express Tech really is "one-size-fits-all." It comes with some assembly required and you just size it to fit.

It is possible the waist location on the express tech will not be in the ideal location for someone 6' 7"

What makes it one size fits all, is it has no pockets, no D-rings, no weight integration. The shoulder and waist straps are the same piece of webbing without any stoppers. So when you pull on the waist, it tightens both the waist and shoulder. It's basically a wing, a softplate, some webbing, a plastic waist buckle and tank band.

There are other manufacturers than have something very similar, but not at the same price. Primescuba is selling the Zeagle Express Tech for $269. A great price. I paid more for just my DSS wing. I have the Oxycheq version of the softplate.
 
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It is possible the waist location on the express tech will not be in the ideal location for someone 6' 7"

This is a good point. It is best to try it before purchasing.

What makes it one size fits all, is it has no pockets, no D-rings, no weight integration. The shoulder and waist straps are the same piece of webbing without any stoppers. So when you pull on the waist, it tightens both the waist and shoulder. It's basically a wing, a softplate, some webbing, a plastic waist buckle and tank band.

The deluxe version has a quick-release harness which includes d-rings and stoppers. On the basic version you can add d-rings, pockets, and such to the webbing.

There are other manufacturers than have something very similar, but not at the same price. Primescuba is selling the Zeagle Express Tech for $269. A great price. I paid more for just my DSS wing. I have the Oxycheq version of the softplate.

The DSS rig is about $200 more. However, that $200 buys a steel or composite blackplate that comes in different sizes and a more robust wing with an inner bladder. You also have the quick disconnect feature that the Zeagle lacks.
 

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