Zeagle Backplate for DIR

[Andy Smith]

Help me!

I have got a zeagle tech wing and want to convert it to a DIR set up. My main sticking point is getting a back plate as it seems in the U.K. that this can not be sourced in fact apart from America I can't get one anywhere!

I am even struggling to find a internet site to purchase one from America!?

That said does anyone out there know if I can use another type of backplate and modify it to suit? or better still does anyone have the dimensions for the zeagle back plate as I have the facility to fabricate one. I appologise if I have put this in the wrong area (not under DIY) but I thought you guys and girls would have more awnsers and may have been in the same predicament!

Regards Andy

[fan(t)a(s)tic]

Hi Andy

Not (yet) being a disciple of DIR, I can't help you on the finer details of the system.

But you might want to check if you can fit your set with a BP from another manufacturer. (Halcyon, Dive Rite, OMS, Oxycheq). I've heard FredT makes custom BPs at a reasonable rate. (he's a member here at SB)

some links:
Extreme Exposure (http://www.extreme-exposure.com)
Dive Rite Express (http://www.diveriteexpress.com)
Fifth Dimension (http://www.fifthd.com/cgi-bin/merchant2/merchant.mv?)
Halcyon (http://www.halcyon.net/dealers/europe.shtml)

I'm sure some of the old hands will have more information for you, but this might get you started.

Steve

[jagfish]

Yeah
I am just learnign about BP/W systems as well, but my impression is that your efforts to convert a conventional BC may still result in a less than desireable system.

If you are truly looking into the DIR direction, I think you will get plenty of feedback that there is a lot more keeping the Zeagle from being DIR than just the absence of the backplate.

JAG

[fgray1]

and A very nice one at that.
Pm me I'l put you in touch with some one that will set you up.
The shipping might be a bit exspensive.

Here is a dealer on your side of the pond.

BOWSTONE DIVING PRODUCTS LTD
MILL.UPPER HIBBERT LANE
MARPLE STOCKPORT
SK6 7HX CHESHIRE
ENGLAND
Phone: 44 161 484 5443
I found it on the Zeagle Web site.
www.zeagle.com
Fred



Fred

[dbulmer]

Andy,
Try http://www.backplates.co.uk/ - you might find this link your best bet.


or www.dirdirect.com (for all things DIR but specifically Halcyon)

[OE2X]

Help me!

I have got a zeagle tech wing and want to convert it to a DIR set up. My main sticking point is getting a back plate as it seems in the U.K. that this can not be sourced in fact apart from America I can't get one anywhere!

I am even struggling to find a internet site to purchase one from America!?

That said does anyone out there know if I can use another type of backplate and modify it to suit? or better still does anyone have the dimensions for the zeagle back plate as I have the facility to fabricate one. I appologise if I have put this in the wrong area (not under DIY) but I thought you guys and girls would have more awnsers and may have been in the same predicament!

Regards Andy

Andy,
I went through a similar experience with a Ranger that I had bought a couple of months ago. I decided that I wanted to put a BP on it and make it more DIR like. I took the wing off of the harness system and when I did, (I'm not an engineer) I looked at it carefully with a DIR wannabee mindset, I saw failure points. Not sure quite how to describe it, but I assume that the tech wing is similar to the ranger in that it has four mounting points.
Getting a plate through my LDS sounded to be time consuming and a hassle.
Upshot is that I decided to go with another brand that is a true DIR setup. It has also allowed me to go with a 10 lb BP and a 6 lb STA. which are features that seemed difficult if not impossible to get through Zeagle.
Try Fred T he may be able help better than Zeagle.

[Tiny Bubbles]

Rignt now I'm diving with a 44lb zeagle ranger wing on an OMS backplate, single tank without an STA. It works. I'm guessing that your tech wing is similar, probably bigger, but I haven't seen one so I don't know. My ranger wing is attached to the plate with a pair of 2" straps in the middle, a small strap on each side, and there's a pair of loops at the top that the shoulder straps pass through.

-Tiny-B.

[bridgediver]

You could conceivably just drill 4 holes in any BP and bolt the wing with those 4 attachments - this is pretty much all the zeagle wing needs. I'm not sure if this is the most stable system you could use but from what I can tell this is the main difference between the zeagle plate and the others

[Andy Smith]

Thanks alot guys this has opened up a multitude of options for me and hopefully I will get closer to getting the desired result. I would also like to say what a trully amazing site this is bringing together the scuba community from every walk of life and with so much knowledge and experience being used to aid others...............without whom I would be ripping chunks of my hair out!!!

[OE2X]

without whom I would be ripping chunks of my hair out!!!

Been there and done it. That's why I'm going the DIR route. Good Luck on your journey.