Advice on Zeagle ET harness and weight systems
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GrumpyOldGuy
Contributor
The picture on the right is the triglide. You can actually do it slightly different and lock the strap in place like a BP. I prefer this method as I can loosen the shoulder strap to easy don / doff since I solo most of the time and am not as limber as some of the younger folks. I added the picture on the left of a simple crotch strap. I merely recycles an old piece of webbing and with 2 spare triglides fixed it in place (yes, the are plastic which I don't like as much as metal, but when recycling one makes do).
I don't think anyone was was saying you need a extra weight, only that you have the capacity to use a bit more more if needed. This rig does not have padding or anything to add extra buoyancy.
I don't know anything about the ZIP TOUCH system, only that is is not a ZIP CORD system. I think Zeagle used a similar name since their Zip Cord system has such a good reputation that wanted to ride that horse a bit more. It uses velcro as a retainer. In the past velcro was considered bad because it loses grip with wear. Since their design has a separate access pocket (not velcro) for adding and removing the weight, they should not have the same wear issues.
I do much prefer the Ripcord system over anything I have seen used elsewhere.
It is easy to train to use, highly visable, single point release system that is flawless in it's function.
Someone here once dinged it because the system drops all weights when the release handle is pulled. It is designed to do just that.
If you just want to remove some weight you may do so through the top zipper. You obviously have time to do so or you will go for the handle.
If you are in a blow and go OOA ascent pull the Ripcord. Use either hand. It's in the same exact spot every time and your dive buddy knows where it is as well, if a buddy check was conducted.
The first time you re-rig the systenm it may take 3 minutes and the 2nd time half that. It is hardly an intimidating task. No tools required.
On an Express Tech, the 519-WS120 Ripcord weight system carries more weight and farther forward over the hip than does the 519-WS120 Ztp Touch.
If you are diving an Aluminum tank the weight system hanging over the curve of the hip adds stability while horizonal and stops the feeling of tank "lift Off" at lower tank pressure.
What's not to like?
It is easy to train to use, highly visable, single point release system that is flawless in it's function.
Someone here once dinged it because the system drops all weights when the release handle is pulled. It is designed to do just that.
If you just want to remove some weight you may do so through the top zipper. You obviously have time to do so or you will go for the handle.
If you are in a blow and go OOA ascent pull the Ripcord. Use either hand. It's in the same exact spot every time and your dive buddy knows where it is as well, if a buddy check was conducted.
The first time you re-rig the systenm it may take 3 minutes and the 2nd time half that. It is hardly an intimidating task. No tools required.
On an Express Tech, the 519-WS120 Ripcord weight system carries more weight and farther forward over the hip than does the 519-WS120 Ztp Touch.
If you are diving an Aluminum tank the weight system hanging over the curve of the hip adds stability while horizonal and stops the feeling of tank "lift Off" at lower tank pressure.
What's not to like?
claymore
Contributor
Another weighting option is to use a couple of the XS Scuba Quick Release weight pouches, 5# each, on the waist belt webbing. That will give you 10# or 4.5 kg weight capacity. These pouches can only be emptied by pulling the Velcro release tabs that dump the weights out the bottom. They also do not work well 4# and 5# soft weights because of the volume of the soft weight pouches.
You can also add a couple of the XS Scuba Quick Attach weight pockets to the chest straps or on a tank band for trim weights.
You can also add a couple of the XS Scuba Quick Attach weight pockets to the chest straps or on a tank band for trim weights.
Simon
No I require less weight with the Zeagle.
Normally on my first 2 dives on a dive holiday I add 2 or 3 lbs just to be sure I go down.
On my last trip they had 1Kg weights so I started off with 3 weights in each pocket so 13lbs too heavy.
Second day I removed 2 weights, so 4Kg = 8.8 lbs and I dived with this for the rest of the week. I would have liked to remove 2 more pounds but no 1/2 Kh weights and I won't remove 1 weight as I don't want to dive unbalanced, boyancy is tough enough with a camera.
Two advantages of a weight belt. 1. Everybody knows how to release it. 2. You can position the weights exactly where you want them around your body.
Beware weight belt and crutch strap, can your buddy or a DM drop your weights.
I don't understand but why but if I had dived another week I could have comfortably removed 2 Kg's I always seem to be able to use less weight the longer I dive.
No I require less weight with the Zeagle.
Normally on my first 2 dives on a dive holiday I add 2 or 3 lbs just to be sure I go down.
On my last trip they had 1Kg weights so I started off with 3 weights in each pocket so 13lbs too heavy.
Second day I removed 2 weights, so 4Kg = 8.8 lbs and I dived with this for the rest of the week. I would have liked to remove 2 more pounds but no 1/2 Kh weights and I won't remove 1 weight as I don't want to dive unbalanced, boyancy is tough enough with a camera.
Two advantages of a weight belt. 1. Everybody knows how to release it. 2. You can position the weights exactly where you want them around your body.
Beware weight belt and crutch strap, can your buddy or a DM drop your weights.
I don't understand but why but if I had dived another week I could have comfortably removed 2 Kg's I always seem to be able to use less weight the longer I dive.
Interesting, so this might imply that the "average" BCD actually has more buoyancy in it's extra material that offsets the extra weight (again this is with all other things equal).
Or might it be that the minimal Zeagle encourages a similar attitude to the weight - that wasn't needed anyway!
Whatever it is I would be very pleased if I can shed even more weight.
As at photographe,r victor, how do you find it for getting upside down or on your back?
Do you feel it wants to roll you back over?
---------- Post Merged at 10:38 AM ---------- Previous Post was at 10:11 AM ----------
I understand the benefits here. However I don't want horizontal stability at the expense of getting into other positions for that award winning shot (I wish)! If the setup has a tendency to return the diver to horizontal then it is not for me - what's your thoughts Gene? Also I often only use 2kg (with a jacket BCD) on a dive so roomy weight pockets are not required and I don't want them flapping about as I roll over. I suspect getting the weight tucked up nearer my back will be of benefit to me but this is just a guess.
GrumpyOldGuy
Contributor
Now you understand some key concepts not taught to most new divers.
1) The extra comfort padding added to many BCD systems is in fact flotation that hast to be offset with extra lead
2) By using the smallest reasonable air bladder, the lift stays in one position and it is easier to find the perfect point of balance. When you use an oversize bladder, the air bubble shifts as you change positions, making it s more difficult to keep yourself positioned how you want to be. It gets even harder when you want to hover in position and can't use forward movement to correct yourself.
3) Using tank mounted trim weights you should be able to move the center of gravity to nearly the same point as the center of lift (somewhere between your lungs an the bladder on the wing). That one is difficult as it changes a bit over the course of the dive.
Simon
The camera encourages me to minimize my weight. This struck me some years ago when I had too much weight so had to add a significant amount of air to my BC. Every time I got close to the reef the air bubble would move and throw me all over the place.
So my mantra now is
No Neoprene, I wear a dive skin for protection against stingers in the water
Minimum weight, No need to add but a token squirt of air at the start of a dive
Buoyancy, Practise controlling my vertical position with my lungs not the inflator.
If I got this right I would only have the weight to offset the air I use in the tank and maybe even less than that.
No issues underwater, again I think it's the position of the air bubble versus the lead that provides the torque which tries to turn you around underwater. This is very evident if you drive a dry suit. Let the air bubble get into your feet and you will be doing a handstand a second later.
No air in the bladder, minimum lead, once you have your trim set you can hang anyway up. Often I find myself head down in the reef or rolling on my back to photograph upwards. Biggest issue is my reg breathes wet and heavy when I am on my back. Must look for a replacement at some time.
Now on the surface if you fully inflate the blader, it is behind you so tries to push you onto your front. You can push back and lie on top of it or only put as much air as you need to get comfortable.
I would recomend this system to anyone, if you are diving in warm water, buy the smallest bladder, don't buy padding, comfort bits, deluxe harness, etc. you won't regret it
Definitly yes
The camera encourages me to minimize my weight. This struck me some years ago when I had too much weight so had to add a significant amount of air to my BC. Every time I got close to the reef the air bubble would move and throw me all over the place.
So my mantra now is
No Neoprene, I wear a dive skin for protection against stingers in the water
Minimum weight, No need to add but a token squirt of air at the start of a dive
Buoyancy, Practise controlling my vertical position with my lungs not the inflator.
If I got this right I would only have the weight to offset the air I use in the tank and maybe even less than that.
No issues underwater, again I think it's the position of the air bubble versus the lead that provides the torque which tries to turn you around underwater. This is very evident if you drive a dry suit. Let the air bubble get into your feet and you will be doing a handstand a second later.
No air in the bladder, minimum lead, once you have your trim set you can hang anyway up. Often I find myself head down in the reef or rolling on my back to photograph upwards. Biggest issue is my reg breathes wet and heavy when I am on my back. Must look for a replacement at some time.
Now on the surface if you fully inflate the blader, it is behind you so tries to push you onto your front. You can push back and lie on top of it or only put as much air as you need to get comfortable.
I would recomend this system to anyone, if you are diving in warm water, buy the smallest bladder, don't buy padding, comfort bits, deluxe harness, etc. you won't regret it
If your tank and your weights are behind your hip you might find the tank rolls more than if the weights are down over the curve of the hip.
I would not say either weight system will hold you artifically horizonal.
The weight pockets are not overly large just slightly longer on the Ripcord than on the Zip Touch. Neither are floppy and neither will slide on the waist strap as an aftermarket add on might do.
I would not say either weight system will hold you artifically horizonal.
The weight pockets are not overly large just slightly longer on the Ripcord than on the Zip Touch. Neither are floppy and neither will slide on the waist strap as an aftermarket add on might do.
The UK dealer - Aberdeen Watersports - they have the ET in stock and but the weight systems are a special order. Hence it is tricky for me to try out any of these without committing to a purchase. I suppose it is fair enough as far as the shop are concerned but its a pity that the UK dealer doesn't carry samples of all Zeagle bits. Doesn't help that I am in London and dealer is in Aberdeen.
Anyhow here's some guesstimation on my part. Given that I have always tried to reduce my weight (I generally find the belt uncomfortable) then I won't have a lot to shed. However it is possible that I might get down to 1kg with my 3mm full and none with just a rash guard. At most dive destinations 1kg is the smallest weight they have. If this is the case I am not sure where to put it. Perhaps tank mount but then what about ditching it - or with 1kg do you not worry since the ET is over 1kg lighter than most BCD anyway??
Anyhow here's some guesstimation on my part. Given that I have always tried to reduce my weight (I generally find the belt uncomfortable) then I won't have a lot to shed. However it is possible that I might get down to 1kg with my 3mm full and none with just a rash guard. At most dive destinations 1kg is the smallest weight they have. If this is the case I am not sure where to put it. Perhaps tank mount but then what about ditching it - or with 1kg do you not worry since the ET is over 1kg lighter than most BCD anyway??
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