Zeagle 911 or Tech BCD?

[roakey]

Originally posted by 92630Diver
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.

Sorry I've taken so long to respond to this...

From one gadget geek to another:

For technical diving, you have to let your geekery go...

I started down the gadget technical route, and spent a lot of money on stuff that either I returned or ended up on eBay.

Good technical diving requires reliable equipment. The best reliability comes from simplicity. Simplicity goes against our geeky nature, but you have to learn to live with it.

I’ll be the first to admit that things like the HUB, integrated computers or, heaven forbid, hoseless integrated computers have a high geek factor and the technology is really neat and fascinating...

...and they all belong no where near technical diving.

Someone earlier mentioned that their S-Tec had 11-D rings, which was plenty. That’s an understatement, its way, way too much. In an emergency you don’t want to be playing “Where did I clip off my regulator THIS time?” My harness (the standard Halcyon harness as shipped) ignoring the crotch strap for the moment, has three D rings, one on each shoulder and one on the left hip. All three are infinitely adjustable, unlike the S-Tec (if memory serves) so they can be placed *exactly* where they need to be. And if you need something that’s clipped to them, it’s going to be exactly where you reach. You won’t be hunting among several D-rings for your backup light, for instance.

And I think you’ll find EVEN IF YOU NEVER GO TECHNICAL buying the simple, robust equipment used by technical divers will save you money in the long run. If you do go technical, you absolutely will save money in the long run.

Roak

 

[92630Diver]

$623.00 (+ tax, shipping, & handling) for the Halcyon 27lb. Pioneer wing with Secure Harness, SS BP, storage pack, and Active Control Ballast.

This is the configuration that I'd order as of right now if I were ready to purchase from EE. OUCH!

I read the recommendation that I make my own for about $400, but remember we're talking to a guy who just got his c-card two weeks ago. What do I know about making my own BP/Wing configuration? I'd prefer to purchase a system like that from Halcyon, Dive Rite, or OMS. Or just go with a Zeagle or other BCD. At least that way I know what I'm getting.

This is also the guy who, on his second of two sky diving jumps (both from 13,500 feet through an accelerated freefall course - no piggy back jumping for me), was told by the jump master to pack his own parachute. I replied that I'd prefer to trust in the individual who knows what they are doing. The jump master insisted. And guess who's chute didn't open when he pulled the rip cord? Mine! Well it did open, but only after I'd fallen just over 1,000 feet more and was about to pull the secondary. The fact that the canopy was twisted in the lines for the next 500 feet just made for an even more memorable experience (and "YES" I'd do it again in a heartbeat!).

So, thanks for the recommendation that I save some cash and make my own. But give me a couple of hundred dives worth of experience first, at that time I should know enough to do it right.

I'm diving in the morning with a Zeagle Ranger. Next week I may try to borrow a Scubapro Knighthawk and give it a shot.

 

[DanielReyer]

Just figured I'd put in my 2 cents. I dove with a standard dacor BC for years, and just switched over to a Halcyon Eclipse BP/Wing. I have to say I love it. The freedom you experience to move underwater is incredible vs. a traditional BCD. When your looking for your new rig, check the classifieds here. I bought my whole rig:
Halcyon Eclipse 40lb with SS Plate with a weighted STA
MC Storage Pack
30lb ACB
80lb Lift Bag

Here from another Scubaboard member for 500 bucks. Currently there's an elipse for sale in the classifieds for $350(http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=128282). I found that buying my gear used from other divers save a huge amount of money. Many divers here start out with single tank rigs and then progress into diving doubles so they get rid of their single tank rigs - which is totally your gain and saves you a ton of money. Most of us here take great care of our equipment. For example, mine seemed like brand new out of the box when I received it in the mail. If your buying new, I'd reccommend Ken at www.wreckdiversupply.com. He's extremely helpful, and has a lot of experience with Halcyon products. Halcyon also just came out with a convertible STA that has removable weight - great for traveling and their coming out with a limited edition gray stealth line which is kind of cool from an uniqueness factor. Good luck in getting your new rig.
Dan

 

[ScottZeagle]

Just figured I'd put in my 2 cents.

You realize that this thread is from FOUR YEARS AGO???

 

[TropicRat]

92630 diver: wherever you are now.....

All really sage advice (priceless) it can save you a lot of $$!!

Have a Ranger and a Tech & love them. There is no way to loose with Zeagle. I would caution you however on not being seduced by intergrated weight systems. If you go with a Zeagle, you will be a winner, but keep your weight belt.

With that being said however: Proceed direct to a back plate served with wings. Only thing to decide is your weight issues and if to go with a s/s or a "light" material for the plate. I prefer the "on board" weight and advise the s/s as it cuts down on the lead necessary elswewere.

Funny how as a kid growing up in Miami we all used the old primative small b/p's and webbing set-ups's ( with no b/c or spg)and the industry then got sidetracked to b/c jackets- now the better trend is back to a variation of the plain harness again.

Old threads never die..... they just keep floating along.....

 

[The Kraken]

Hey, guys!!!

The thread is 4 YEARS OLD!!!

I daresay he has a B/C by now . . .

the Kraken

 

[TropicRat]

..or... he quit diving and there is a good deal to be had on the bp/w he has hanging in his closet!!

 

[The Kraken]

:lol:
Too funny !!!!

 

[92630Diver]

Good threads never die... they just smell that way!

 

[MilitantMedic]

LOL so did you get a BC or a B/P? (just had to jump in)