Zeagle's Express Tech: The first and last BC most will ever need (or want)

[Napoleon_wrasse]

Personal Observations, after 14 dives with the Express Tech:
1. The plastic backplate is easily bent. The flexibility makes me worry about durability.
2. The corrugated hose attachment to the bladder is not sufficiently off-centre.
3. A right-upper dump valve would be handy.
4. The upper tank band is too high, which would result in the tank sitting too high
up for short divers (this BC is a 'one size fits all').
5. Crotch strap should come as standard for the reasons mentioned by others.
6. The padding: on land with the tank, definitely improves comfort.
7. The padding retains water for quite some time, which makes the BC heavy between and after dives.

 

[MartinL]

What is your conclusion?

 

[pernicia]

We sell one. It uses the same crotch strap as our backplates:

519-CS01 is the 1" strap....retail price $10

519-CS09 is the 2" strap....retail price $14

Thanks,

Scott

Scott, which one you think is more comfortable?

Thanks

Jose G

 

[The Chairman]

I am not Scott, but I prefer the two inch band!

 

[parzdiver]

I currently have a one-inch crotch strap on the Express Tech, but I use a two inch on the BP/W. I think I prefer the two inch is a large loop, versus the one inch with the quick disconnect. I am strongly considering changing to the two inch on the Express Tech. Anyone want to buy a one-inch strap?

 

[The Chairman]

Personal Observations, after 14 dives with the Express Tech:
1. The plastic backplate is easily bent. The flexibility makes me worry about durability.

First of all, I love personal observations. It's great feedback to the manufacturer as well as those thinking about buying.

I do agree that the "back plate" is rather flexible. But I see that as it's biggest strength! I have a hundred + dives in mine and I see absolutely no wear except on the BC elbow for the corrugated hose. I solved that by inverting the bladder (I use this for side mounting a lot). That also solved the only other issue I had with the bladder: the hose that is way too long. That makes it dump off of my right shoulder as well. I'll be showing it to Scott at some time I am sure.

 

[parzdiver]

First of all, I love personal observations. It's great feedback to the manufacturer as well as those thinking about buying.

I do agree that the "back plate" is rather flexible. But I see that as it's biggest strength! I have a hundred + dives in mine and I see absolutely no wear except on the BC elbow for the corrugated hose. I solved that by inverting the bladder (I use this for side mounting a lot). That also solved the only other issue I had with the bladder: the hose that is way too long. That makes it dump off of my right shoulder as well. I'll be showing it to Scott at some time I am sure.

Interesting solution to that issue. I bought the shorter hose and also changes from the quick-dump to the standard elbow. Was an extremely easy change. I am still playing with the configuration and will probably tweak it some more in Cozumel next month.

 

[The Chairman]

Interesting solution to that issue. I bought the shorter hose and also changes from the quick-dump to the standard elbow. Was an extremely easy change. I am still playing with the configuration and will probably tweak it some more in Cozumel next month.

When I side mount, the elbow was the highest point by an inch or so. It seemed it was a snag magnet. Inverted, it sits on my right shoulder facing down, the hose lies against the back of my neck and then down the left strap. I moved a few of the retaining tabs around on the wing and I still need put in a tad longer stretch cord. I think I really need a second one. It doesn't take long to change the tank straps for the tank neck bungee cord, but I seem to remember at the last moment.

 

[ScubaSaipan]

Interesting solution to that issue. I bought the shorter hose and also changes from the quick-dump to the standard elbow. Was an extremely easy change. I am still playing with the configuration and will probably tweak it some more in Cozumel next month.

What parts would I need to shorten the hose? Where did you get the parts? I'd like to modify mine too. Thanks

 

[The Chairman]

Zeagle has them.