Beyond a doubt... The Zeagle Express Tech is the best out there. I love mine!
lightweight BCD for travelling
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Crush
Contributor
It has been stated that the integrated weight pouches don't add much weight. No comment was made as to bulk, so let's assume that they are as bulky as most integrated weight systems (i.e., pretty darn bulky). Not heavy + bulky = buoyant = you need to carry more weight to submerge your BC.
Not wanting to start a flame war, but if you buy a Zeagle Express Tech, why not just go with an AL BP/w where you will have similar weight but will be able to do doubles if you choose to do so later?
Why is the Express Tech hose so long and why, why don't they sell it with a SS buckle?
The two tiny pockets that comprise the integrated weight system for a Zeagle Express Tech are hardly noticed and weigh very little.
FWIW, I have heard of people diving doubles on an Express Tech. I dive mine in Sidemount configuration, so why not?
The hose is not too long if you reverse the bladder and have it on the right shoulder.
If I am going to travel, I am taking my Express Tech, though I own sever configurations of wings and plates. Heck, I am probably going to use it even if I am diving local.
FWIW, I have heard of people diving doubles on an Express Tech. I dive mine in Sidemount configuration, so why not?
The hose is not too long if you reverse the bladder and have it on the right shoulder.
If I am going to travel, I am taking my Express Tech, though I own sever configurations of wings and plates. Heck, I am probably going to use it even if I am diving local.
I'm currently looking at a couple of bcds for my gf as well as she isn't comfortable with her bp/w.
So far the contenders are:
1. Scubapro Geo
2. Aqualung Libra
3. Aqualung Wave (she used this during the recent trip and was pretty happy with it)
4. Zeagle Express Tech
SangP
So far the contenders are:
1. Scubapro Geo
2. Aqualung Libra
3. Aqualung Wave (she used this during the recent trip and was pretty happy with it)
4. Zeagle Express Tech
SangP
DevonDiver
N/A
My ideal lightweight travel rig would be Oxcheq Mach V 20lb wing, with aluminium backplate and 'bare' webbing (remove un-needed d-rings).
Wings can be broken apart for packing...dive really well...and do everything you would ever need. Modular, lightweight and durable.
Lightweight Aluminium backplate and 20lb wing
Backplate options could be:
Lightweight travel plate
Nylon Travel soft-plate
20lb Wing
If your weighting and configuration is correct, in tropical waters (3-5mm wetsuit or less), then you won't need more than 2-3kg of weight.
With a 3mm full suit, I wear 1kg of weight. It's too little to worry about dumping, so I just place it in 2 weight pouches on my upper tank cam band. Cheap, easy, SMALL and LIGHT.
Weight pouches fitted onto cam band
Wings can be broken apart for packing...dive really well...and do everything you would ever need. Modular, lightweight and durable.
Lightweight Aluminium backplate and 20lb wing
Backplate options could be:
Lightweight travel plate
Nylon Travel soft-plate
20lb Wing
If your weighting and configuration is correct, in tropical waters (3-5mm wetsuit or less), then you won't need more than 2-3kg of weight.
With a 3mm full suit, I wear 1kg of weight. It's too little to worry about dumping, so I just place it in 2 weight pouches on my upper tank cam band. Cheap, easy, SMALL and LIGHT.
Weight pouches fitted onto cam band
Another vote for the Zeagle Tech Express. I picked one of these up recently and prefer it over numerous backplates and wings I have a round. Great for travelling and the price at less than 300 dollars is great. Having dived this, I don't think I would bother with a backplate for a single cylinder again.
Dave
Dave
DevonDiver
N/A
I've never seen much Zeagle stuff available in SE Asia, where the OP is situated. Zeagle seems to be predominantly popular in the US home market?
I do like the look of the Tech Express though. Sub-5lbs in weight and it can take double cylinders (only 25lb bladder though).
It's a nice option for someone who doesn't want the trouble of putting their own modular BP&W system together.
I do like the look of the Tech Express though. Sub-5lbs in weight and it can take double cylinders (only 25lb bladder though).
It's a nice option for someone who doesn't want the trouble of putting their own modular BP&W system together.
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The lightest and smallest packing BCD I've ever seen is the Aqua Lung Zuma. Hands down the easiest to travel with.
DevonDiver
N/A
The Zuma certainly looks tiny and lightweight...
It rolls very small and weighs less than 4.4lbs (2kg).
My only concern with this BCD would be durability. It might be fine for an occasional holiday diver (-20 diver per year), but would it cope with the demands of a regular use diver?
I've googled to see if I can find any details of the fabric used in construction, but they are keeping that low-key. No info found. Just from looking at the photos (above) it looks like it would rip to shreds if dragged along a concrete jetty, kicked across a wooden boat deck or brushed accidentally against coral.
They could probably make it lighter if they cut out some of the clutter - like the adjustable chest strap...
For that reason (I need a more durable BCD for heavy use whilst travelling) I would still personally chose a BP&W travel set-up.
Compared that to the 'indestructable' Oxycheq Mach V Extreme, whose amazing fabric is three times more abrasion and puncture resistant than Kevlar. I know which one would last longer! The Wing (without backplate or straps, weights only 3.7lbs).
Add that to the Oxycheq Ultralight Travel backplate (0.56lbs) and you have a sub-4.5lb set-up, that is virtually bullet-proof and modular to adjust to your requirements.
It rolls very small and weighs less than 4.4lbs (2kg).
My only concern with this BCD would be durability. It might be fine for an occasional holiday diver (-20 diver per year), but would it cope with the demands of a regular use diver?
I've googled to see if I can find any details of the fabric used in construction, but they are keeping that low-key. No info found. Just from looking at the photos (above) it looks like it would rip to shreds if dragged along a concrete jetty, kicked across a wooden boat deck or brushed accidentally against coral.
They could probably make it lighter if they cut out some of the clutter - like the adjustable chest strap...
For that reason (I need a more durable BCD for heavy use whilst travelling) I would still personally chose a BP&W travel set-up.
Compared that to the 'indestructable' Oxycheq Mach V Extreme, whose amazing fabric is three times more abrasion and puncture resistant than Kevlar. I know which one would last longer! The Wing (without backplate or straps, weights only 3.7lbs).
Add that to the Oxycheq Ultralight Travel backplate (0.56lbs) and you have a sub-4.5lb set-up, that is virtually bullet-proof and modular to adjust to your requirements.
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I haven't tried the Zuma... I have tried the Express Tech. Very versatile, very light and very packable. I know that they have dealers in Asia as well as being available online.
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