Lightweight compact "travel BC"

[JRO]

Hi all,

I have been diving a Zeagle Escape for around six or so years now. Although I love the BC, it is more than I need for the type of diving I do. Yes, I am a warm water wussy. If I can't dive it in a t-shirt and shorts than I probably won't do it. Thankfully I maintain a nice thick organic layer that lets me remain comfortable in water 70 degrees F and up =).

With that said I am trying to compress my gear and travel "stuff" into one bag which has to include my video rig.

Most of the diving I do in recent years is from liveaboards so I have been able to eliminate carrying a bunch of clothes (anyone know of any nude liveaboards?), but I still need two bags and I find my trusty Zeagle takes up the better part of one bag and my video stuff takes up the other half.

Basic requirements would be; integrated weights, a couple of clip points, at least two pockets, small and most importantly reliable =0

Thanks in advance for your time,

Jeff

 

[micklock]

Get one of these Oxycheq Ultralite Travel Backplate [ROWB:-01-04UL] - $44.00 : Cave Adventurers!, We will NOT be undersold!!! with a 18lb wing and harness then add any d-rings and pockets that you want.

 

[dkktsunami]

Don't know about the video equipment but I am able to fit Golem 35# wing, stainless steel 5# plate, 3 mil wet suit, OMS Slipstreams, regs, booties, mask, gloves, computer, etc in carry-on. Wing lays flat, or folds, with minimum bulk.

 

[deco_martini]

Zeagle express tech is pretty hard to beat for compact. I had looked at the Oxycheq and DSS tropical rigs but settled on the Zeagle myself.

 

[herman]

Zeagle express tech is pretty hard to beat for compact. I had looked at the Oxycheq and DSS tropical rigs but settled on the Zeagle myself.

I have been fondling the express myself...My little wing will fit on it and I can remove the wing all together if I don't need it....I may go get one tomorrow.

 

[JCR]

I am in a similar position -- I just discovered my older Zeagle Concept has a leak in the bladder and some tearing in the fabric around where the inflator attaches to the bladder. I leave on a trip in a couple of weeks and the LDS was not confident they could repair it before I leave, so I am shopping for a warm water only, lightweight travel BC. What I like about my older Zeagle is it is relatively lightweight, relatively compact, and it is not too bulky. So, I am looking for something like that.

I checked out the Diverite Transpac and it seems like a good option: pretty compact, light, easy to pack, and comfortable.

The Oxycheqs BPW options noted earlier in this thread look interesting, but as far as I know, there isn't a dealer nearby.

DSS may also be an option and I will give them a call Monday to see what exists there.

The Zeagle Zeus looks attractive, even though I am skeptical about the zipper front that seems as if it could be awkard to zip up. A Zeagle Scout may be an alternative.

Travel weight and bulk are high items on my priority list since I only dive warm water and that means getting on a airplane and flying somewhere. BPW or a back inflate bc are what seem like the best options. Any other ideas to consider?

Thanks
JR

 

[diversteve]

I once stuffed(operative word) an XL Zeagle Stiletto into my airline legal roller carry-on. Could've gotten a mask, regs and a few clothes etc in there also but I couldn't find any short fins I liked that would fit.

I've just seen a new Scuba travel bag that claims to be able to meet the airline carry-on limits using a full set of gear, including wetsuit. Everything rolls up together. http://www.divecaddy.net/

 

[Joe21]

Maybe a seaquest malibu they're pretty compact.

 

[Centexbear]

Deep Sea Supply (DSS) Tropical Travel Wing:

https://www.deepseasupply.com/index.php?product=120

17 lbs Tropical Travel Wing (TTW-17)

The DSS Tropical Travel Wing is produced using Single Bladder Construction. Single bladder construction uses a single layer of cordura and urethane laminate. This differs from all other DSS wings which use a sewn outer shell and pure urethane inner bladder.

Single Bladder Construction offers the advantages of lighter weight, lower bulk, faster drying and some what lower cost compared to wings with sewn outer shells and separate inner bladders. The disadvantage of single bladder construction is less durablity and greater difficulty in repair.

Very Narrow Design. Introduced in 2004, the DSS LCD Wings first used the extremely narrow, 3 inch wide center panel design. This contrasts with other wings available at the time that have ~8 inch wide center panels, about the width of the tank. DSS LCD wings use both the Back Plate and the tank to control the shape of the wing. This permits a wing with a very narrow overall profile. The Single Tank Torus Wings continue this concept.

Quick Mount center windows and built in Wobble Stopper. Using the same custom molded, sewn in elastomeric components found on the popular LCD wings, the new Single Tank Torus permit quick and easy mounting and demounting. Secure tank attachment without requiring the extra parts and cost of a Single Tank Adapter (STA) is a key feature.

One OPV or Rear Dump. Mounted on the diver’s left, on the divers side of the wing. Equipped with a knotted pull cord.

Simple Elbow. No rapid exhaust, or pull Dump on the 14 inch Inflator Hose, Lp Hose and lp hose release are included with every wing.

Generic Power Inflator widely used in the industry, making parts and service easily available.