Is a Zeagle BCD all that?

[bryanmc57]

They can push you over if you overinflate them on the surface. It's simple to not do that though.

 

[PerroneFord]

I heard that those back inflate bcd when inflated push your head toward the water or is that for someone who just inflates it all the way?:no

This garbage will never die...

 

[ChrisA]

Are the back floatation BCD's difficult to get the hang of or is the learning curve pretty quick?

There is nothing really to learn. Ok, you have to work out trim by moving weights around. That can take a few dives.

 

[Big A]

Kenny,

From what I've read so far over inflation and improper weighting is the main cause. Anyone out there please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[DiveMaven]

It's also that most weight integrated BCs put the weight more forward on the jacket portion, which can contribute to pushing you forward on the surface if you overinflate the bladder. Zeagles have the weight pockets more on the sides of the body instead of the front, so if you're properly trimmed out with weights, it's unlikely you'll be pushed forward on the surface.

 

[1_T_Submariner]

I too am looking to buy a newer bcd. I heard that those back inflate bcd when inflated push your head toward the water or is that for someone who just inflates it all the way?:no

As others have said. This can happen if you inflate it all the way. If this is the case vent some air. Otherwise only put enough air in to be positive.

 

[spectrum]

The fact is that a back inflate BC requires some consideration in configuration and has some limitations on the surface.

If you run an AL80 cylinder and have all of your weight biased to the font on a belt or in ditchable pockets it will want to plant you if you inflate it aggressively because you wish to be fairly high out of the water. The workaround is to kick back and ride it like a raft.

If you have a cylinder that stays neutral/negative, place your weights appropriately and are OK with not bobbing high on the surface the you should be fine. Overweighting is evil with an BC. The additional key here is placement towards your back.

For 95% of all divers ANY BC that fits them will work great.

The key to any BC is to try it before you buy it and to experience how it responds.

Pete

 

[iceaxe]

I definitely recommend the Zeagle Brigade. It's basically a Ranger harness with a Scout bladder. Unless you are planning on using really thick exposure suits, the 44 lb. lift bladder of the Ranger is overkill. I live in the Caribbean and have been nothing but pleased with my Brigade. The construction is bomber and the fact that you can mix & match harnesses and waste belts to get a good fit is a big plus. Zeagle systems are also good because you can swap out bladders if you do decide to get into drysuit diving. You can even attach doubles to a the Ranger/Brigade harness provided you get an appropriately shaped bladder.

 

[Big A]

Thanks everyone for all the reply's and all around good information and help. I think I'll seriously look into a Zeagle BCD, from what everyone here is telling me I don't think I'll be disappointed.

Unless everyone here is on commission from Zeagle....lol

 

[eriediver2002]

I have a Zeagle Niterunner & love it. It's now my backup as I went BP/W. I used a jacket style once & hated it. just my $.05