Express Tech

[CT Sean]

Either an AL80 or a steel 72. I've got the Ziptouch weight pockets ordered for it. Any local diving would likely be 40ft or less.

With the integrated weight, it's possible you'd run into an issue depending on how much weight you are carrying and with a 7mm I assume its a fair amount. there's tons of info and discussions in the BC subforum here, but what you'll find repeated endlessly is that a BC needs to do two things: compensate for the gas loss and suit compression and float your rig at the surface without you in it (should you ever have to ditch, or if you're a kayak diver, or any other reason). In your case, with integrated weight, say you carry 26 lbs of lead. If you have to take your BC off for any reason, it's going the bottom - even if the wing is completely full.

so the deluxe can be downgraded to a normal?

---------- Post added March 15th, 2013 at 01:47 PM ----------



hi JeffZeagle,

so really what the difference between the deluxe and the normal? I could not really find a side by side compare...

it is the padding? the bladder?

can u 'downgrade' the deluxe to a std ?

i was thinking for buying a std and some padding... in the first place... if that is what is the difference.. .i really dun mind the deluxe...

According to the image on this page: Express Tech Deluxe - Backplate BCs - BCs - Zeagle Dive Systems The deluxe has the quick disconnects (fastex buckles i think they are called?) and sternum strap on the shoulder portion of the harness as well as a fastex style waist buckle Vs. the "standard" which had a continuous piece of webbing for each "side" of the harness and a more traditional weight belt style waist buckle.

To "downgrade" all you would need is several feet (maybe 12) of 2" harness to make each "side".

 

[Jeff-F]

hi JeffZeagle,

so really what the difference between the deluxe and the normal? I could not really find a side by side compare...

According to the image on this page: Express Tech Deluxe - Backplate BCs - BCs - Zeagle Dive Systems The deluxe has the quick disconnects (fastex buckles i think they are called?) and sternum strap on the shoulder portion of the harness as well as a fastex style waist buckle Vs. the "standard" which had a continuous piece of webbing for each "side" of the harness and a more traditional weight belt style waist buckle.

Thats a pretty good summary of it. Here are some side by side photos The Express Tech Deluxe is on the left, the standard Express Tech is on the right. Click on the images to enlarge.

The standard had no pad kit included and was a simple harness with a plastic buckle closure. The Deluxe has the pad kit included and the multiple sections of webbing to make the webbing harness, allowing for side release buckles (Airloc was the brand/style we used on the Deluxe) at both the waist and shoulder areas. A sternum strap was included with the Deluxe. The Deluxe has three SKUs with different prices to reflect the weight system used.

• 7709NK-DLX No weight system included
• 7709WK-DLX Zip Touch weight system included
• 7709RK-DLX Ripcord weight system included (inset picture above)

Both BCs use the same backplate p/n 7759, so you would be able to switch harnesses or add your own harness if you desired (what others have been suggesting in this thread). Both use the same 24lb bladder p/n 7039HD (seen here, but the 7039HD bladder does not have the male half of the side release buckle that the picture there shows), and they can accept any bladder we offer and many other non-Zeagle bladders also. Both are set up to use single cylinders out of the box, and both can accept the hardware needed to run twin cylinders if you choose.

can u 'downgrade' the deluxe to a std ?

Sure, you can remove the webbing harness and put your own in there if you are inclined. We offer the components seperately to dealers if they want to build their own and put their own flair into it, but we're expecting them to have experience in assembling the harness so detailed instructions are not included with the individual components. I would coordinate this with your local dive shop to have them help you assemble it if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself.

 

[The Chairman]

The Plain old Express Tech is my favorite rig. I do like weight pockets, but it's not a deal breaker. So apparently, I can buy just the fiber back plate? I like that concept a lot!

 

[hellhole]

Great. Looking forward to it.
I am still balancing if I want to put the pad or not!

 

[CT Sean]

Great. Looking forward to it.
I am still balancing if I want to put the pad or not!

I'd order without and try it first - odds are you won't need it. Plenty of people (myself included) that go the BP/W style route think they need padding and deluxe harnesses and such and find they don't when they get it.

 

[hellhole]

Alas... my order is with the deluxe.. a std set is hard to come by now...

 

[diverjen]

It seems like there are still a few bare bones out there at shops.... or are they really all out?

 

[diversteve]

So apparently, I can buy just the fiber back plate? I like that concept a lot!

Apparently...

Zeagle Express Tech Backplate scuba diving gear at Zeagle Express

---------- Post added March 15th, 2013 at 10:11 AM ----------

It seems like there are still a few bare bones out there at shops.... or are they really all out?

Scubatoys generally doesn't show an item they're out of so: Zeagle Express Tech BCD discounts on sale Zeagle

 

[Jeff-F]

Apparently...

Zeagle Express Tech Backplate scuba diving gear at Zeagle Express

---------- Post added March 15th, 2013 at 10:11 AM ----------

Scubatoys generally doesn't show an item they're out of so: Zeagle Express Tech BCD discounts on sale Zeagle

Just to reiterate, we intended the plates and harnesses to be purchased separately by shops that were familiar with assembling BP/W setups. There are no included instructions and the girls in customer service can not guide you through the assembly process over the phone. Hell, I built dozens of them on the assembly line and I don't think I could tell you how to do it over the phone.

 

[MRadke]

With the integrated weight, it's possible you'd run into an issue depending on how much weight you are carrying and with a 7mm I assume its a fair amount. there's tons of info and discussions in the BC subforum here, but what you'll find repeated endlessly is that a BC needs to do two things: compensate for the gas loss and suit compression and float your rig at the surface without you in it (should you ever have to ditch, or if you're a kayak diver, or any other reason). In your case, with integrated weight, say you carry 26 lbs of lead. If you have to take your BC off for any reason, it's going the bottom - even if the wing is completely full.

Thanks for the reply. I think I'll probably take it as is, with the 24# wing. If need be, I can split the weights between a belt and the BC. In salt water with a polytherm shirt, my Ranger and an AL80, I use 10 to 12 lbs, so I should be able to drop some with the ET.

If push really comes to shove, I still have my 20 year old Ranger to fall back on.

Mike