Soft or hard back BC

[misdmnr]

Just purchased a Zeagle Concept BC (not Concept II). I really like how it fits. Buoyancy is 24# (is this enough...5'4" 140 3/2mm suit). My question is this BC has a soft back where the tank attaches. Is a hard plastic attachment or the soft back like the one I purchased better. I have yet to dive in mine and am asking so if this was a poor purchase I can still return it for a full refund. I plan to do predominantly warm water diving (going for Nitrox and AOW this month) and maybe wreck diving in the Great Lakes (water is cold). Will this be enough BC for me? Does the tank flop around with a soft back? Anyone use this BC and like/dislike it? Thanks ahead of time.

 

[tk trekers]

First off I have no experience with this BCD but Zeagle is highly regarded for their quality gear. I would say that from what you have listed and your future aspirations that you may regret this purchase down the road. The Great Lakes wreck diving will probably push the limits of this and you may want to make the jump to a BP/W setup instead of something you are already questioning. That will give you the versatility to do any type of diving and adapt and customize (are doubles in your future?) to your diving conditions more so than a standard BCD. I'm sure other will chime in with their expertise and you should probably further examine what you want your BCD to do for you.

 

[misdmnr]

I do not have any plans for double tanks at this time. Could someone explain the backplate and wings set up pros/cons? Thanks. I'm looking to vacation dive 1 week a year (warm water) and some local diving maybe rent a dry suit and try the Great Lakes.

 

[BettyRubble]

I have the Zeagle Zena, and it doesn't 'flop' around but you do feel some slight movement. As long as my tank straps are tight it is fine. Like any dive gear, I've learned how to use it to my advantage by shifting certain ways in the water to maneuver.

Honestly, you should dive it before you decide. I tried 5-6 different bc's before I settled on my Zena.

 

[tk trekers]

I do not have any plans for double tanks at this time. I'm not too good with abreviations what is BP/W? Thanks.

A BP/W is a back plate and wing. The back plate is made of stainless steel, aluminum or Kydex (you choose which material based on your weighting needs) and uses a harness system which is very adjustable (almost a one size fits all) to which a wing is attached. The wing is the buoyancy bladder and they are available in different lifts for different gear configurations, single tank or double tank diving. Some systems require other attachments to secure the tank/s and some do not depending on the manufacturer.

There are quite a few different manufacturers of them and here is a link so you can see what one looks like: HERE

If you are happy with the fit of your Concept, then dive it and have fun! As far as your question about 24 pounds of lift, I would think you are OK if you are properly weighted.

 

[diver 85]

Just purchased a Zeagle Concept BC (not Concept II). I really like how it fits. Buoyancy is 24# (is this enough...5'4" 140 3/2mm suit). My question is this BC has a soft back where the tank attaches. Is a hard plastic attachment or the soft back like the one I purchased better. I have yet to dive in mine and am asking so if this was a poor purchase I can still return it for a full refund. I plan to do predominantly warm water diving (going for Nitrox and AOW this month) and maybe wreck diving in the Great Lakes (water is cold). Will this be enough BC for me? Does the tank flop around with a soft back? Anyone use this BC and like/dislike it? Thanks ahead of time.

I use a Scout Zeagle(24 # bladder) with a 120 hp steel tank & a 2mm shortie with a 2 mm hooded vest often.......I'm 5'10"--200 lbs, no problems.....

 

[misdmnr]

oops!

 

[misdmnr]

tk trekers: Thanks for the link

Diver 85: thanks

I use a Scout Zeagle(24 # bladder) with a 120 hp steel tank & a 2mm shortie with a 2 mm hooded vest often.......I'm 5'10"--200 lbs, no problems.....

Does the tank roll side-to-side with this bc for you? Also if I decide to try cold water (great lakes wreck dives AOW and nitrox) and need at least a 7mm suit will 24# be enough lift for me?

 

[diver 85]

tk trekers: Thanks for the link

Diver 85: thanks



Does the tank roll side-to-side with this bc for you? Also if I decide to try cold water (great lakes wreck dives AOW and nitrox) and need at least a 7mm suit will 24# be enough lift for me?

Never noticed a rolling problem---& can't help you on the 7 mil thing---have dived(locally in La. in our cold weather) a 5mm with an 80 Al with it---no problem......

 

[soamelt]

I dive a Zeagle Brigade which also has a soft back and two tank bands. The tank never moves for me. Sometimes the BCD itself shifts for me, but that's different issue and thread for me.