Total Newb questions about the Zeagle Express and BP/W in general....

[Bob01]

Hello,

I'm currently shopping around for a BCD for the GF finishing up her OW this weekend...We've been visiting a few shops to try out their BCs, but none seem to be ideal. It finally dawned on me that she may have to go the bp/w route...I know nothing about bp/w beyond its something I will want to look into when I need to replace my currently not-so-good bcd.


The Zeagle Express seems like it would be ideal for her. I was curious if you could help me with my (newb) questions?:

- Can you add a ss/al backplate? - Backplates are not brand interchangeable? - ie If we wanted to add a metal backplate, would it need to be a Zeagle backplate?

- If putting on a metal backplate, I assume the original soft backplate gets replaced by it? would the pad kit still work with a metal backplate?

- (uber newb question) - I wouldn't think backplates are ditchable, so would assume the recommendation for backplate weight be 1/4 or 1/2 of her usual diving weight? with the remaining weight on a weight belt or ripcord weight system?

- I just saw a very informative video of the reassembly of a express system: Dailymotion - Zeagle Express Tech Buoyancy Compensator (BC) Video Review - a College video The webbing used can be swapped out for other colored webbing? Is the webbing the standard 2" used for everything else?

- for the optional zipper weight pockets you can add. The pockets are independent of the weight integration? Can you tell me the volume of the pockets?

Thanks,

Bob

[claymore]

You can not ADD as SS or Al backplate to the Express Tech nor can you use the ET harness on a backplate. The shoulder pads should be usable but the back pad will not, no way to attach it to the plate.

Any of the Zeagle weight systems should work on either system as well as ones from other suppliers. I have four 5# pouches from XS Scuba on my ET. The three weight system, that Zeagle shows on their web site say that are 20# capacity for each system.

Almost all the Zeagle bladders should be interchangable between the Zeagle BP's and the ET.

If you get a BP, the the weight that you carry is reduced by the weight of the BP.

For ease of use I would recommend that if you get the ET get the Deluxe model with the deluxe harness. It is a little less spartan but easier to get in and out of.

If you will be doing cold water diving a larger bladder, 36# or 44#, may be a wise investment for the little upgrade cost compared to buying a larger bladder later.

I have an Express Tech and a Zeagle Ranger and much prefer the ET. It seams to be more comfortable, stable and less intrusive. It is very upgradeable and flexible for weighting, D rings and other acessories. If you do not get to carried away with add-ons it still packs up very small and light, with the 24# bladder. I could get my whole kit, ET,regs & computer, mask, 3mil shorty, dive skin, small camera, SMB and misc. parts in one carry on bag. My fins went in my checked luggage.

The ET is almost the same as a BP in function but packs smaller and lighter.