Riptide Zone BC

[eclipse785]

So I just received a gently used Riptide Zone BC off of Ebay, but I have a strange question. I noticed that the BC doesn't have much of a structural support to it by itself, although I know it's designed so that you can add/change backplates to it. Should there be any kind of plate in the BC already, or am I supposed to mount my tank to it just like it is, without any support?

I'm confused.

 

[Matt P]

eclipse -

I've read Scuba Lab review of that BC and have been curious about it for some time now. I don't know anyone that's ever used one & I don't know any shops that carry them. I don't want to hijack your thread but, would you mind posting a little info about the BC once you've used it a few times? I'm curious to hear any feedback about it. Likes / dislikes?

Thanks!

 

[eclipse785]

Sure. I haven't had the chance to use it yet, but I'm anxious to. So far it seems like it's a solidly constructed BC with plenty of D-rings (total of 10) and generous padding at the lower back. If you are a fan of pockets though, you should consider something else. The Zone only has a small zippered pocket on the front of the cumberbund. The only other 'pockets' are actually for the diver-releasable weights,.. so I don't think you want to store anything in there. That does bring up something that I like about the Zone as opposed to some other weight integrated BC's:

On some weight integrated BC's the means of ditching your weight is by pulling a handle and droping the entire weight pocket. Obviously this means that in an emergency, you will not only loose the weight, but also the weight pocket insert as well. Because the weight pocket is two peices, it also is something you can misplace and loose. (My buddy lost one of his on his Zeagle and had to replace it for something like $50). Anyways,.. on the Zone, the weight pocket is all one peice and when you pull on the handle you release a large patch of velcro and basically the bottom drops out of the pocket. This way you can drop the weights, but keep the pocket intact.

I'm not sure I like the idea of straping the tank directly to the BC without some type of structural integrety though. I'm not sure if you've seen it, but I guess the Zone is considered a 'Soft Pack BC' where the backplate is optional and not included. Without it, the BC is not as rigid as I think I want it. Also without the backplate, the tank is secured by straps that are held on by the reinforced fabric on the back of the BC. While the fabric seems sturdy, I wonder about it holding a tank while I'm walking around. Chances are I'll get a backplate soon to add to the rig.

Anyways,.. I've ranted on long enough about the Zone (and I haven't even dove it yet!). As soon as I do, I'll post more.

 

[SangP]

eclipse785,

Is this the bc you got?
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Riptide-ZON...6271051QQihZ010QQcategoryZ16053QQcmdZViewItem
&
http://www.diveutc.com/RiptideTestersChoice.html

If it is, it looks like a real nice bc. It's a bit more of a bcd that what I would choose but it looks good. The lack of rigidity is really nothing as the oxycheq o pac isn't a hard support bcd neither is a diverite transpac. You've got a decent bcd at a decent price.

Dive first then figure the what and whatnots later.

SangP

 

[eclipse785]

eclipse785,

Is this the bc you got?
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Riptide-ZON...6271051QQihZ010QQcategoryZ16053QQcmdZViewItem
&
http://www.diveutc.com/RiptideTestersChoice.html

If it is, it looks like a real nice bc. It's a bit more of a bcd that what I would choose but it looks good. The lack of rigidity is really nothing as the oxycheq o pac isn't a hard support bcd neither is a diverite transpac. You've got a decent bcd at a decent price.

Dive first then figure the what and whatnots later.

SangP

Yeah, that's the one I got. It probably is more BC than what I need, but I figure it gives me something to grow into. Besides, I started out with a very basic Dacor jacket style BC and now I've outgrown it (physically and experience-wise) . I know it's a good BC, but I guess I'm just not used to the concept. And trust me, for the price I got it for, I don't have any regrets.

 

[SangP]

Thank god you didn't get the orange version LOL!

Well when you do outgrow this one there is always a bp/w

SangP

 

[Makai]

Eclipse/Matt,

I've been diving a Riptide Zone II for about a year now. I think you'll be very happy with it. I haven't put a back plate in it yet because I've been traveling with it, though it is a little bulky for that sort of thing. I've never had a comfort problem because of the lack of tank pad or back plate. As for the lack of pockets, if you can get an extra set of trim pockets, they make excellent gear pockets for smaller items and you can attach them to the waist belt it two seconds flat. Riptide also makes an accessory pocket that’s big enough for a spare mask. It clips to a D-ring or attaches to the waist belt. There are also two types of crotch straps available.

Likes:
(1) It’s tough enough to stop a bullet.
(2) Very adjustable and very comfortable to wear.
(3) As Eclipse pointed out, the integrated weight system is well designed, heavy duty, and bone-head simple. You can easily load and unload weights while wearing the BC.
(4) It has both a tank locator strap and a separate carrying handle, in addition to the dual tank bands.
(5) The inner inflation bladder can be replaced, if necessary.
(6) It has a built in sleeve that will take most back plates.
(7) It can accommodate dual tanks.

Dislikes:
(1) With 60 lbs. of lift, it’s way too much BC for me and the kind of diving I do.
(2) As I said earlier, it’s a little bulky, both in the water and when you pack it. It does roll up into a pretty tight little bundle. I’m just to chicken to carry it like that on a long flight.

If either of you have any questions, drop me a line. Eclipse, I’m curious to hear your impressions of the Zone II.

Makai