Zeagle 911 or Tech BCD?

[ericfine50]

The BP/Wings combo y is great for all types of diving and you can grow with it. The BP will never change, if you go to doubles in the future, you will only need to get a larger wing. Threading the plate is pretty simple, there are a few web sites that show it step by step. As many of us have learned, less is more. You may find that the BP/Wing grow as your diving tastes change.

 

[92630Diver]

Do the BP/Wing configurations provide for weight integration? I've gone to the web sites for Halcyon and OMS and finding details about this isn't particularly obvious.

Do you divers who use BP/Wing configurations wear weight belts or stow the weight in accessory pockets?

 

[tombiowami]

I use a belt with the basic bp and simple webbing. Since there is so little clutter it does not get in the way. I only need 9 lbs. total, and my bp is 6 lbs.

Halcyon does make weight pockets that go on the webbing. They are pricey, 100 or so for the small ones and 150 or so for the big ones. I had a pair but did not like them as it seemed to detract from the whole simplicity/streamlining concept.

Another aspect you are seeing is that the SS bp puts a good chunk of weight behind you in an even manner which gets you in a good stream lined finning position.

OMS has the IQ Pack which does have integrated weights and is kind of a combo bp/bc with a lot of padding and stuff. Dive rite has a couple different models I do not know a lot about. I have a Halcyon but would echo LY on the Fred Tagge stuff. He has a very good rep and I would buy another bp from him. He has been very quick to respond to the emails I have sent him asking questions.

I personally like the simpler the better motif and find it much more comfy than having the extra padding et al.

You mentioned liking the double straps better on the 911 Zeagle. Guys use backplates carry steel doubles, argon bottle, cannister light, a couple stage bottles, etc. and the one strap one buckly does fine.



Tommy

 

[Lost Yooper]

I don't use a weight belt with my doubles, since I wear a drysuit. I use what is called an V-weight that fits between the tanks. I also have integrated weight in various forms so I don't have to use a belt with my single tank too.

Most people use a combination of a weight belt and a heavy BP. I haven't seen the Halcyon weight integration, but I suspect they would make a great product.

Mike

 

[fredk]

having dove in a tech for 5 years i can say it is a very nice comfortable bcd, but in my opinion the 911 is not worth the extra $ unless you are planning on repelling from a helicopter, there are a few divers up here doing techie stuff using a tech. keep in mind they are a combersome bcd for travelling.

 

[92630Diver]

I have found a decent price on-line for the Zeagle Ranger, Tech, and 911 BC (a few hundred off full MSRP). If I had to pay full MSRP I would definitely be looking at other, more cost effective, options.

The Zeagle SAR is the BC configuration that incorporates a harness for rapelling. I do rock climb and rapell, but don't intend to do any diving that would require me to add these skills to the scenario. As cool as it would be to become involved with local search and rescue, it will be some time before I have the skills and experience necessary to be considered for that privilege.

 

[TexasMike]

As set as you are on the Zeagle line (and it is a good line of BC's) I still think you need to take a good look at the BackPlate and Wings systems for the reasons we've mentioned. Especially since you seem to be the type that will one day advance into some aspects of Technical diving.

You've already said howdy to "trymixdiver" who is in your area. So you might get with him to see what setup he has and ask him lots of questions as you get to handle the gear in your own hands.

 

[Campana]

for a backplate system. Lost Yooper posted:

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

These are the absolute best choices. You can actually do away with teh AL STA (Aluminum Single Tank Adapter) because you can attach a single tank to the backplate without an STA if you are willing to fiddle with it just a bit to get the tanks straight.

Hook up with a techie diver in your area to get explanations of all this stuff. Better yet, order a copy of "Doing it Right, The Fundamentals of Better Diving" by Jarrod Jablonski, available from GUE at their website and read it before spending another penny. If you don't you'll waste some money.

I know this backplate system can be confusing until you have owned one, but do the research and you won't be sorry.

By the way, if you go Dive Rite, get the Standard Harness, not the deluxe harness.

My opinion is that the Advanced Diver course would be a second choice for where I'd spend my money. It's just a documentation of dives you'd do anyway. Just go diving and teach yourself navigation. If you do take advanced diver, give yourself 15-20 dives before you do it.

Email any questions you have about how to set up your gear.

Dave

 

[Ferrara]

I didn't notice it mentioned in the previous posts but the zeagle has an interesting feature for acheiving correct fit. Once you have been measured the bc components can be mixed and matched to fit you. I doubt you can take advantage of this feature online. The outfit listing these products online is not a dealer and probably can only get standard sizes. maybe second hand, a store went out of biz or stolen?.

 

[TexasMike]

And the reasons mentioned are one reasons why I advocate purchasing BC's and regs through the LDS's. Often with these bits of gear, there are too many "variables" for the new diver to understand in order to get the most out of their purchase. Wether it be fitting the BC harness/vest correctly, to ensuring that the regulator is properly assembled and tuned.

Unfortunately, the online and phone/mail order facilities are just after your dollars and neglect to cover these small but very important details.

I should mention that I do purchase gear through online/mail/phone order sources, but only "binary" things, a.k.a. it's correct or not with no grey area.