Zeagle Brigade how do (you) reach zipper?

[sasscuba]

Received my new Zeagle Brigade. Rear weight pocket had some stitching missing so I have to send it back for a new one but BC is really nice. Seems very well put together and fit is very comfortable. Cannot wait to get it in the water!

Question though. I purchased the yellow weight bags and was wondering if you are going to take them out and hand them up to the boat the red zipper is pretty hard to reach...?? I was thinking of adding a lanyard to the zipper to make it easier to reach to open pocket. Anyone have any other suggetions or done anything different to make it easier?

Thanks.

 

[LSDeep]

i usually leave my weights in with integrated bcd's, but depending on how much you use ppl on the boat might just want to kill you

 

[sasscuba]

Well I went into the garage and made this....think it will work great, now just have to make one more...

 

[sasscuba]

i usually leave my weights in with integrated bcd's, but depending on how much you use ppl on the boat might just want to kill you

I do to but some places have asked me for my weightbelt or integrated weights if in bag before coming on boat?

 

[miesemer]

I would guess you'll have a higher chance of the cord getting caught and/or accidentally opening the zipper under water. I've accidentally unzipped a weight pocket underwater when trying to get something out of the accessory pocket while wearing dry gloves. I didn't realize it until I lost the weight pouch a few minutes later.

Maybe you purchased a BCD in too small of a size if you can't reach the zipper? or just work on your flexibility to reach it. If you decide to keep the lanyard I'd recommend cutting the loop or just using a short piece of cord tied to the zipper. Also if you plan on diving in salt water you'll want stainless steel split rings.

 

[sasscuba]

I would guess you'll have a higher chance of the cord getting caught and/or accidentally opening the zipper under water. I've accidentally unzipped a weight pocket underwater when trying to get something out of the accessory pocket while wearing dry gloves. I didn't realize it until I lost the weight pouch a few minutes later.

Maybe you purchased a BCD in too small of a size if you can't reach the zipper? or just work on your flexibility to reach it. If you decide to keep the lanyard I'd recommend cutting the loop or just using a short piece of cord tied to the zipper. Also if you plan on diving in salt water you'll want stainless steel split rings.

Good points. BC fits perfect and if you own Brigade the red zippers pull from the back of the BC to the front and you have to almost dislocate your shoulder to reach them....maybe I will put a shorter lanyard on with no metal at all so it will no rust. Thanks.

 

[miesemer]

Good points. BC fits perfect and if you own Brigade the red zippers pull from the back of the BC to the front and you have to almost dislocate your shoulder to reach them....maybe I will put a shorter lanyard on with no metal at all so it will no rust. Thanks.

I don't own a Brigade but I do own an Escape and a Ranger. IIRC my Escape has the zippers in the same configuration as yours, while my Ranger has both zippers (weight pocket and accessory pocket) that pull open from front to rear.

As an option you could always just slip out of your BC at the surface and let the boat crew pick up the whole rig (my preference as I prefer to climb the ladder with minimal exertion after a dive) or remove and hand up your weights once your out of the BC.

 

[LSDeep]

i would agree with the accidental argument. i have a (older style) zeagle tech pack (about early 90ies but still going strong beside the fade factor) and the weight pockets open front to back (slight diff), i dont find them THAT hard to reach. anyway back to the take your weights out problem. other bp/w i use have haevy duty (about 10lbs) backplates with attached v-weights. usually i explain before and if i have to take it off in the water i get a hold of the platform / side of the boat and give the whole effort a good push from the bottom of the set with one hand. helps quite a bit and with a decent tip the guys on the boats can deal with it !

 

[sasscuba]

Ok I made a new one with no metal and much much shorter. I think it will work now.

 

[sasscuba]

:d