Help!-Riptide Zone BC doesn't hold tank stable

[Artimas]

I have been using rented BC, but a friend recently gave me a Riptide Zone BC to use. It is apparently a well regarded back inflate BC, but I used it in the pool today and found that it allows the tank to slide around, and is very unstable. The BC itself is snug on my back, but the tank is unstable.

The tank bands are not attached to the BC, but simply slide through slots in the BC, and with a 130, this arrangement allows the tank to slip and "flop around". This didn't happen with the rented jacket style BC's that I have rented.

Am I doing something wrong?

 

[bronk]

I have the same BC and alternate between a 130 and a 80, as well as carrying a al40 pony I find mine to be very stable.

It sounds like you do not have the tank straps. tight enough or the rubber pads are missing. the is a rubber pad that fits on the inside of each strap facing the tank. If the pads are missing I could see how the bands might slip if you have not cinched them super tight. The other thing is that if the pads are on, you have to make sure they are positioned to not interfere with the closing of the cam clamps. Again this would cause them to not be tight and slip or loosen during the dive.

Once you are sure the tank is tight , make sure you have the straps all properly tightened there is a LOT of adjustability in the shoulder straps, chest strap and cummerbund / belly strap. I end up cinching mine a fair bit tighter on all of these when switching from my 7mm to my 3mm. It is also best to do a bit on each adjustment one ofter the other than trying to pull just one tight.
I wear an size XL BC and am 5'11 235.

 

[CoralSeaMan]

I used it in the pool today and found that it allows the tank to slide around, and is very unstable. The BC itself is snug on my back, but the tank is unstable.

The tank bands are not attached to the BC, but simply slide through slots in the BC, and with a 130, this arrangement allows the tank to slip and "flop around".

I do not really understand what you mean "flop around." If you mean the tank is slipping out of the straps and out of the BC then the tank straps are not tight enough. If you mean the tank seems to shift while you are swimming horizontally then the shoulder straps or chest straps may not be tight enough. I find I need to wear the chest strap with this BC.

 

[dk2943]

I have a Zone II. I really like the fact that it has two straps to hold the tank. I have never had the tank slip, so there is something missing here. My suggestion is to call Omega Aquatics and ask for Dave. Dave is the designer. He worked for (owned?) Riptide when they sold the Zone II. When Omega Aquatics bought the rights to the Zone II, Dave went with them. I have spoken to him before about the BC. He is always friendly and helpful.

 

[dk2943]

hate to double post, but I realize that I have Dave's contact info:

Dave Pollock / Vice President Omega Aquatics
Colorado Office
Phone 303-635-8181
Cell 720-989-3188
dave@omegaaquatics.com

 

[Artimas]

Thanks for the replies.

To clarify a bit-

The cam straps are tight against the tank, and the rubber pads are there, and not interfering with the cams. I have the shoulder straps, chest strap and cummerbund pretty tight. They don't move much, but the fabric of the BC doesn't seem "rigid" enough to stabilize the whole affair.

What is happening is the weight of the tank is pulling on the BC. Since there is no hard plate to hold the tank stable, the tank seems to wrinkle or stretch the fabric of the BC so the tank and cam straps are moving around relative to the BC.

If there were a plate, that would stabilize the whole thing. The BC looks like you can add a plate for doubles, but there is no way to lock a plate in for singles, it just fits in a pocket.

Not sure that description helped, but I tried!

Perhaps a phone call to Omega would help.

Thanks to all.

 

[Damselfish]

how old is the BC? I had a Dacor BC that sounded similar, not much of a hard plate just a little plastic. 2 camstraps with rubber pads which held the tank firmly. Cummerbund and all sorts of adjustable straps that held the BC firmly on me. The fabric and construction of the BC itself was really the support. It worked great when it was newer, but as it aged the whole thing just got kind of worn and sloppy and the tank wasn't as stable anymore. There wasn't any one thing I could point to as really wrong, it just got sloppy.

 

[EastcoastdiverLLC]

I have been using rented BC, but a friend recently gave me a Riptide Zone BC to use. It is apparently a well regarded back inflate BC, but I used it in the pool today and found that it allows the tank to slide around, and is very unstable. The BC itself is snug on my back, but the tank is unstable.

The tank bands are not attached to the BC, but simply slide through slots in the BC, and with a 130, this arrangement allows the tank to slip and "flop around". This didn't happen with the rented jacket style BC's that I have rented.

Am I doing something wrong?

I own both an Evolution and a Zone II from Omega and sell the line. I would agree that the bands don't support a large steel cylinder well. The BC should really be fitted with a backplate.

I use my Evolution on warmer water trips when I am using AL80s and use my Zone when diving my steel 120s with or without my 30 cu pony bottle.

I fitted the Zone with an Oxycheq steel backplate and STAs. Works great and is VERY STABLE!

In addition, on both my Evolution and Zone II, I replaced the light weight original waist belt, with a much sturdier law enforcement/military duty belt. This stabilizes the weight pockets and makes for a much nicer platform. I can send you pictures if you like.

Gary

PS:

hate to double post, but I realize that I have Dave's contact info:

Dave Pollock / Vice President Omega Aquatics
Colorado Office
Phone 303-635-8181
Cell 720-989-3188
dave@omegaaquatics.com

Dave doesn't work with Omega anymore and you will notice the BCs have been removed from Omega's website. I believe Dave went to DUI, not sure...

The BCDs are actually quite nice and give just about anything out there a run for their money.

 

[Artimas]

Gary-

Thanks for that great reply. I really don't need pix, as I can easily envision what you are describing. I think That I'll need a backplate/STA for the BC, and I also think that will help my weighting also. I was considering a BP/W, but perhaps I should try this first.

Do you find the Zone has a lot of inherent buoyancy?