Which XDeep BCD should I get? Help me with my analysis paralysis

[LeggoDiveyDivey]

My diving is a lot like yours, Leggo, and I bought the Ghost based on Trailboss' recommendations. I don t have nearly the number of dives on it that he has, but I really like it. I bought the deluxe, but after a year I removed the buckles for the same reasons stated above. Looks more like a true BPW now.

The Ghost was my initial choice before I started leaning towards the Zen too. Were you also considering the Zen at the time since they are both travel sized and light weight when compared to other BCDs on the market?

Could you share more about removing the buckles? Was it to change to a DIR setup?

Does that also mean buying a new harness? Because the Ghost has a V-shaped crotch strap too.
Also, did you notice a change in comfort level?

Separately, it turns out XDeep does produce a smaller version of the Zen , the Zen 28 and Zen 28 Ultralight! It has a smaller wing, NX/Ultralight plate, and V-shaped crotch strap. But its only available in Asia and costs at least 20-30% more than the normal sized Zen in the EU, about 800GBP or 1070USD.

 

[kdlv]

I understand the initial attraction to XDeep, their products are cool and different than the others already on the market. For single tank travel fun dives, I find them a bit too rough. Stiff webbing, odd shape exc the Zeos, which is a standard wing more or less, but you cannot get rid of the tank adapter. Do you really need an adapter for travel?

You might want to check the travel version of Tecline - the 13kg.
Later you can change the backplate to a dogbone or carbon, they sell them.

XDeep use proprietary bits to large extend and you can barely mix and match components.
Mares also have some very light and travel friendly wings that are pretty well made for a similar price and they are much more streamlined than the others and don't "taco".
i.e. XR-Rec (and XR-Rec Trim), or the current special edition Tactical BPW, which is also brilliant. All of them around 3kg for travel.

Scubapro have a Navigator Lite (BP/W like BCD) at 2.7kg, and you can shave another 100gram if you change the pockets and metal cinch to a plastic one.

For single tank recreational travel diving, I personally don't believe you would ever need more than 20lb lift, but that requires precise weighting.

And these calculations from the first page seem like massive overweight in freshwater. I would believe 1 or 2kg max to counter the buoyancy of the alu tank when empty. And it is not wrong... if you look at it again. adding 8kg of weights results in total 8.3 negative, which means that you would be able to sink in freshwater even without weights.

 

[LeggoDiveyDivey]

Indeed, there's an updated version here The Fundamentals Of Better Diving (2021) | English | 10001.ENG (hardcopy only and a bit more expensive, which is why I suggested the PDF to start with)

I understand the initial attraction to XDeep, their products are cool and different than the others already on the market. For single tank travel fun dives, I find them a bit too rough. Stiff webbing, odd shape exc the Zeos, which is a standard wing more or less, but you cannot get rid of the tank adapter. Do you really need an adapter for travel?

You might want to check the travel version of Tecline - the 13kg.
Later you can change the backplate to a dogbone or carbon, they sell them.

XDeep use proprietary bits to large extend and you can barely mix and match components.
Mares also have some very light and travel friendly wings that are pretty well made for a similar price and they are much more streamlined than the others and don't "taco".
i.e. XR-Rec (and XR-Rec Trim), or the current special edition Tactical BPW, which is also brilliant. All of them around 3kg for travel.

Scubapro have a Navigator Lite (BP/W like BCD) at 2.7kg, and you can shave another 100gram if you change the pockets and metal cinch to a plastic one.

For single tank recreational travel diving, I personally don't believe you would ever need more than 20lb lift, but that requires precise weighting.

And these calculations from the first page seem like massive overweight in freshwater. I would believe 1 or 2kg max to counter the buoyancy of the alu tank when empty. And it is not wrong... if you look at it again. adding 8kg of weights results in total 8.3 negative, which means that you would be able to sink in freshwater even without weights.

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Thank you and I do agree that im paying more for the logo and convenience of XDeep. It does come prepackaged and there are more dealers across the world, also, the style factor. I also dont plan on swapping out parts for years so customization isn't a big factor, the Zeos does offer customization down the road though.

Regarding Scubapro, I did consider the Hydros but went against it because XDeep is much lighter (Pro's 5kg vs Zen's 3kg). And I thought that if I did go for a hybrid, I might as well go for a BPW directly. Anecdotally, I met divers and dive shop instructors/sales reps that did own Scubapro hybrids and are planning to go XDeep Zens.

Calculations and weighting wise, I really appreciate your input! I knew I was being overly conservative as I based it off the most weight ive worn in salt water, but changed it to fresh water. Then threw in other bits like a heavier reg etc. My takeaway from your statement is that the Zeos 28, Ghost, and Zen all offer excess lift. (Still cheesed the XDeep Zen 28 isn't in Europe)

 

[kdlv]

Scubapro... not the Hydros, it's (great and) heavy, I was referring to Navigator Lite, which is the lightest of the bunch, yet still offering BPW experience. Just look at it, it only misses crotch strap, which you can still add later if needed. More lift than you would ever need and it folds very compact. Plus it's cheap in Europe (hard to say for many other SP products)

Thinking how my custom wing setup has reached the same price I start questioning my gear choices sometimes. But I like to experiment

Zen... I've seen it live, it is not small. The backplate is also quite big which has it's toll on your luggage. Good thing is that the wing sits pretty low against the backplate, which is good for trim, the vent hose in the middle is interesting although I am not a fan personally, but hey... if you like it, go with it. The main thing I don't like is the lack of cam band cutouts that mandate the use of an adapter.