Zeagle Zeus for travel?

[Blackfinn]

In the market for a streamlined BC for warm water travel. Weight is not as much a factor as is bulkiness and tank "wobble" which you find with the light "travel" BCs. I´m hooked on Zeagle BCs. Anyone here have working experience with the new Zeus? Are you using the lumbar pad? Does it feel secure? Tank wobble?

 

[Downing]

I thought I would resurrect this thread since I have the same questions.

The Zeus is new on the market for 2009, but hopefully by now someone's had a chance to try it out.

I went by my LDS to check it out yesterday. Unfortunately, they don't have any in stock but will order one for me with the understanding that if I don't buy it then I'll pay the freight to have it returned unless they decide to stock it.

Anyone tried it?

 

[John_B]

I had never heard of one until now. It a BC with a zipper for the main closure, with four fastex connectors holding the front panel to the sides of the BC. You might want to make sure your buddies know how to remove it in an emergency if that zipper jams. The design looks like a solution in search of a problem, but YMMV.

 

[DiveMaven]

I have had my Zena for the past 5 years, the well established female version of the Zeus. I find having 4 points of adjustment to be far more comfortable than just a cumberbun, and like all Zeagle BCs, you are able to get a customizable fit by swaping pieces, including the wing.

I got a lumbar pad for my Zena and although it was very comfortable before, it fills in the space of my lower back and makes my tank sit even more comfortably. As far as travel is concerned, it weighs very little, has very little inherant buoyancy, and I can fold it into a very compact bundle. The add on lumbar pad is even neutrally buoyant, so it adds nothing to your belt.

 

[Downing]

As it happens, the Zeagle Rep was at my LDS today and had brought an XS Zeus with him. So I checked it out and ordered an XL. It should be here in about 10 days.

I went ahead and ordered a lumbar pad and a pocket pouch, too. Don't know for sure whether I'll need or use either one of them but I've found it's better to have a piece of gear and not need it than it is to need a piece of gear and not have it.

It's a nice design and appears to be very well made. Just what I was looking for in a travel BC. Hopefully, the Zeus and I will become best buddies!

 

[John_B]

I went ahead and ordered a lumbar pad and a pocket pouch, too. Don't know for sure whether I'll need or use either one of them but I've found it's better to have a piece of gear and not need it than it is to need a piece of gear and not have it.

And its been my experience that options I don't buy at the time of sale are always hard to come by later. Though Zeagle would have to be the exception to that, out of all manufacturers in the scuba business.

But definitely do the buddy check thing, since its a tad different than what most people used in their OW class, etc.

 

[Downing]

Two good points, John, thanks.

I examined the zipper carefully. It's very heavy duty, so I think the chances of a zipper jam are pretty small. I'll definitely be keeping an eye on it for wear and tear. In any case, the straps clip off easily enough--as long as you know the clips are there.

Btw, the OP was concerned about tank wobble. I don't know if this is standard for travel BCs, but there are two tank straps on the Zeus. So I don't think tank wobble will be an issue but won't know of course until I hit the water with it.

And to address his other question (and mine), the Zeus is definitely not bulky and folds up fairly flat as a travel BC should.

 

[DiveMaven]

Since the Zeus is very similar to the Zena, I'll speak to my experience with tank wobble. As long as my Zena is adjusted properly, the 4 points of adjustment on my body keep my BC from shifting or moving at all. I can literally get into any position in the water and my tank does not move....doesn't matter if I'm head down or rolling from side to side, the tank stays in the middle of my back and secure the entire time. Also, in 5 years and 200+ dives, I've never had ANY problems with my zipper.

To be fitted properly though, it is very important for the middle strap to be at waist level (under the ribs) and the straps to be tightened from the bottom up with the shoulders being last. I find this is easiest to do by going horizontal on my descent and loosening everything up, pulling down at the sides, then tightening from the bottom up. For the shoulder section you only need to take up the slack since the body part of the BC is what holds the tank in place. Takes me less than 10 seconds. It'll be interesting to hear if this is the same for the Zeus.

When shore diving, I find it easier to tighten the body down (not worrying so much about positioning) then tighten the shoulders up a lot shorter than I normally would. For me it's easier to carry my tank and keeps the back of my legs from hitting the bottom of the tank while walking. Then its simply a matter of loosening everything up once I'm horizontal in the water and making sure my Zena is properly positioned.

Please post your thoughts and tricks when you've had a chance to dive the Zeus.

 

[Downing]

Will do, Ms Maven, and thanks for all the great advice!