question for Zeagle BC guru's

[Glenn08]

I bought a used Zeagle BC a while ago and recently took it to a dive shop to get a price on a replacement bladder. Supposedly this BC is 30 years old. Does someone know when Zeagle started making BC's ? Or how to find out how old it is ?

 

[RonFrank]

My Zeagle has a tag with a date on it. I am not clear when Zeagle started making BC's but they have been around for 30 years, actually since the 80's. It started out as a parachute company. I think it highly unlikely its 30 years old but it is not impossible. BC's generally outlast the diver as many quit before they get started! Zeagle is vague about when they started making BC's but likely in the mid 80's.

How does the place you took it too know the age? They must have a reason for dating it, and a way, so ask them.

 

[DiveMaven]

Zeagle celebrated 30 years either last year or the year before. Send ScottZeagle a PM with a picture and he can probably help you ID it and let you know what can be done.

 

[Capt.Gene]

The first model was the Alpha. Many were red in color and had a rainbow swath of color sewn on the right shoulder which were narrow by current design standards. The bladder cover was elastic and had a sonic welded plastic 90 for an airway elbo coming up through a stainles steel ringed opening. The weight pockets would have looped nylon handles for releasing and the twin tank band would have a high quality SS buckle that cams a smaller diameter strap sewn to the 2" webbing. There are a lot of these still being used around here locally.
There could be a problem with the airway pulling apart from the bladder on your BC unless it has been replaced at some time by previous owner. I think 1981 or 1982.

 

[Glenn08]

This BC is blue and black. I can't find a model or serial number on it. The weight pockets have bottom flaps and a velcro flap closure. The inflation 90 does go through a stainless ring. The 90 has separated from the bladder. I liked the design because it has 2 straps to secure a tank vs. many have only one strap. My biggest problem has been the superior attitude of the local dive shops. It seems anything more than 2 years old, or anything not purchased at that shop is considered junk. I remember the Scubapro stabilizer jacket, from I think the mid 1980's, but i don't remember Zeagle at that time. I intend to keep my Fenzy for snorkeling, but I am looking to move up to a jacket style for scuba. I was quoted $200.00 for a bladder, and I need to compare that to possibly a used / rental BC.

 

[Capt.Gene]

If you want a jacket BC you will save money if you just throw away the old Zeagle, but it breaks my heart to say it.

 

[pafindr]

If you post a picture of your Zeagle it would be much easier to tell what year it was made.

Mine is 20 years old and still going strong.

 

[The Chairman]

Moved to the Zeagle forum for a definitive answer...

 

[ScottZeagle]

Zeagle started making BCs in 1979.

If you post a few pictures, we might be able to help you.

Thanks,

Scott

 

[diversteve]

Most (all?) Zeagle models have two tank straps. Before you pay $200 (+service charge?) you could get a new Express Tech for $261. It's a streamlined travel bc but will even mount doubles. You can add either weight system - Zip-touch or Ripcord to it also.
http://www.zeagle.com/showproduct/1079/Express-Tech/
Zeagle Express Tech BC scuba diving gear at Zeagle Express