Zeagle 911 or Tech BCD?

[92630Diver]

Is anyone familiar with the Zeagle 911 BC?

I'm new to diving (just finished the PADI OWC course) and am shopping around for a BCD. I like the Zeagle Tech (I prefer the two waist buckles of the Tech over the single buckle and velcro cumberbund design of the Ranger) but notice that the 911 has some additional features that make it appealing. At a higher cost of course (but I've found it on-line for about $300 less than the local dive shop).

If anyone uses the Zeagle Tech or Zeagle 911 can you let me know what you think of them?

Much appreciated!

 

[roakey]

Is this to be used as a strictly recreational diving BC or do you think you're heading in a technical direction?

Roak

 

[92630Diver]

I'm about as new to Scuba Diving as one can get... having just completed the OWC course this past weekend. There is much to diving that I don't know and am not in a position to try as of yet, but in regard to purchasing my gear I don't want to limit my options.

I'd rather pay for high end gear up front and have the flexibility to use it for tech diving. I am very interested in doing some wreck diving as boats to San Diego's Wreck Alley are within an hour's drive of my home.

I begin the Advanced OWC course next week. If you were to ask my wife why I would be interested in a tech BC she'd likely explain that it's because I'm a gadget geek and having all those stainless stell d-rings to clip things to is more than I can resist.

 

[TexasMike]

Being a very pleased Ranger owner for the past year, I would say that if you have any leanings toward technical diving to go ahead and make the leap to a backplate and wings system. (Tech diving being consistently deeper than 130 feet, shipwrecks, cave/cavern, using double tanks, and other non-recreational dives).

I've been very happy with my Ranger, but as I became more experienced, I discovered why BP/Wings are the better way to go for the really serious diver:

• Increased comfort of fit. Most BP users report that it feels like the tanks are bolted to their backs. Plus the strap routing often is better and more comfortable.
  
• Increased versatility and ability to handle ALL dive profiles. Backplate systems can be torn down and "rebuilt" to suit the profile. In other words, you can change out the wing (air bladder) when you need more or less lift, you can use a single tank or doubles, and their are plenty of attachment points to for every bit of gear that you need to have with you while underwater.
  
• Increased Value: You probably won't ever need to replace the system. BP/Wings are considered "the top of the heap" in BC's. Many divers are like me and find later that they want a better BC system after they have already purchased a BC and dive in it for a while. So when it's all said and done, I spent more for my BC system than you will.
  
• Increased satisfaction: Since BP/Wings can handle EVERYthing you will ever demand of it, you will never be lacking for the dive.

As far as brands/models, there are quite a few systems to choose from including Halcyon, OMS, Dive-Rite and many others. There have been several good dicsussions on all of these and I would encourge you to look back through the BC forum and use the search feature to research them.

In closing, I think the Tech and the 911 BC's are good BC's, but based on my experience, you will be a happier diver in the longer run with the BP/Wings system that is right for you.

 

[TexasMike]

Originally posted by 92630Diver
I begin the Advanced OWC course next week.

If I may, I'd like to suggest you delay your AOW course until you have 10-15 dives logged. (perhaps 3-4 weeks? depending on how often you dive)

While I applaud your desire to continue your scuba education, you've just loaded up on a whole lot that now qualifies you to explore the underwater world. I would suggest that you do a few dives to increase your experience level and get comfortable with key skills like bouyancy, air management, buddy skills, and others covered in your OW class. The experience gained by new divers in the first 10-15 dives is very noticable and will help you have a better perspective on the topics covered in AOW.

My experience was AOW within 4 dives of OW. And while I learned a lot and enjoyed myself, nothing really "clicked" until dives 15-20 when I went over many of the AOW things with other instructors and experienced divers at a later time. I also had a better idea of what I was doing (both right and wrong) and how to ask the right questions.

As with many things, your mileage (and experience) may vary, but don't be in too much hurry for the next class. The ocean will always be there. And we're always here to help ya.

Safe Diving!

--TM

 

[92630Diver]

Thank you for the advice Mike. I'm struggling with whether to take the AOW course right away as it is. The course has been offered at a good rate ($100 less than usual and rental fees are waived) because I just obtained the OW cert from the same establishment. My more frugal side is arguing that if I don't take the course I can put the $200 I save into my budget for a better BC ($100 for the course, $40 for the AOW book, and $65 - $90 for the boat fees).

I have been looking into an OMS BP/Wing configuration as well as the Zeagle BCD's. Based on what I have read on this message board prior to my joining, I understand that many experienced divers eventually migrate to that type of BC solution. So common sense says that purchasing such a configuration to begin with would save money down the road.

The reason that I am interested in the Zeagle Tech and 911 BCD is that both have an excellent weight integration system, can be nearly custom fitted, and are capable of accepting twin cylinders.

Price is a big issue as well... I have found good prices on the Zeagle Tech and 911 BCD on-line, apparently because of their relative availability for the recreational divers. Whereas the OMS & Halcyon BP/Wing configuration has a more specialized market focus and prices appear to be somewhat fixed.

My budget here is about $400 tops, for that I'm trying to get the best BC that I can. This seems to be below the optimal BP/Wing configuration price point. Given that I suspect 99% of my diving to be of a recreational nature and the remaining 1% to be a possible wreck dive... any opinions from others are much appreciated.

If the consensus is to fork out more money and go with a BP/Wing configuration I may just have to skip the AOW course and use the money to increase my budget to $600. Choices Choices

 

[Ari]

www.leisurepro.com and search under Dive-Rite. You will find that a combo of Transpac II and Rec wings will go for around 400$. Backplate combos are also available.

Hope it will make your choice easier.

Ari

 

[Arduous]

Hi 92630Diver:

The 911 and the tech are basically the same BC. The 911 has some reflective striping and a built in pocket. You can and pockets to the Tech, but it dos not come with any.
I own and use the Zeagle Tech. I too choose this BC do the buckle configuration.
You can also add a second buckle setup to the upper chest area of the BC so you can have two at the waist and two at the chest. My three main dive buddies all have 911’s and they are very happy with them. It’s your choice, but whatever you pick you can’t go wrong with a Zeagle.

Dive Safe ………………………Arduous

 

[tombiowami]

I will echo Mike's words and throw in a Halcyon recommendation. Extreme Exposure will let you use the gear for a month and send it back no questions asked. You are just in it for the shipping. Great deal!

Do not make the mistake a lot of us have made of thinking the bp/wings are not good for 30' warm water reef dives. It is great for any dive and much,much more versatile than a standard BC.

Mike and me have Ranger BCs that within months went to bp/wings. The bp LOOKS very uncomfortable, but in REALITY is the most comfy bc I have ever worn. Many things in scuba are counter intuitive.

You may want to ask how many bp/wing users started with a bc-( I would guess 99%)

And also ask how many bp users went back to standard bcs- (again, I bet virtually none)

To me it feels like the tank/bc/bp/etc. are not even there which increase diving ability and comfort. 2 really good things.

The class issue to me is a toss up. More dives under the watchful eye (hopefully) of an instructor, but after some dives on your own you would get more out of the class.

Just make sure you do not think you are an "advanced" diver because XXX organization says so.

Slow and Easy.



Tommy

 

[Lost Yooper]

I've already PMed ya, but since the discussion has broadened to BP's and wings, I'll jump in here. As I said, diving, especially technical diving, is the last place for "gadgets", gizmos, and doo dadds. I think you can get into a BP/harness for real close to $400, if you do it yourself:

Fred T AL plate: $50ish
Webbing/hardware package: $30ish
Halcyon 36lb Wing: $270ish
AL STA: $40ish

All of that, coupled with a couple hours of work, will get you an awesome BC that is extrodinarily streamlined, efficient, and 100% adaptable.

EE's deal of try it and send it back is really slick too, but you can expect to pay a lot more than doing it yourself.

Good luck.

Mike