Zeagle Express Tech Deluxe review

The Zeagle Express Tech BCD is a lightweight travel BCD. Due to its modular set up the Express Tech back inflation BCD is highly customizable and versatile, suitable for all body types and heights. This Zeagle BCD packs super compact. Combine this with a dry weight under 6.5 pounds (3 kg) and it’s easy to see why many scuba divers rate this Zeagle travel BCD the best travel BCD on the market.

The Zeagle Express Tech BC has been around for a good number of years and in an ever-changing landscape of scuba BCD’s it’s a constant. Like other Zeagle BC’s, such as the Zeagle Stilletto BCD and the Zeagle Ranger BCD, the Zeagle Express Tech is a favorite for many divers. Zeagle’s innovations in scuba diving equipment have made them very popular with tec divers and professional divers. Novice divers may get scared off by this Zeagle wing and backplate BCD which has a tech BCD feel, but it’s actually very easy to dive with.

A big plus: the Zeagle Express Tech BCD is one size fits all and can easily be adapted, so it’s not even necessary to consult the Zeagle BCD size chart. And diving with a backplate and wing BCD minimizes the clutter on the divers front and maximizes are movement, as explained in our Ultimate BCD Guide.

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CHECK PRICE AND AVAILABILITY OF THE ZEAGLE EXPRESS TECH DELUXE AS WELL AS ANY DISCOUNTS THAT MAY APPLY ON AMAZON >>

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Zeagle Express Tech Deluxe features

• Perfect lightweight travel rig
• Deluxe webbing harness
• Reinforced lightweight polymer backplate
• Express Tech Pad Kit
• Ripcord or Zip Touch integrated weight system
• Durable 1,000-denier nylon 24lb bladder*
• Bx Power Inflator
• Dual rear dump valves
• Option to attach twin cylinders
• Easy to clean the bladder on the inside
• Custom fit
• Made in the USA

* if you’re in Europe, make sure to double check the bladder size with the vendor! The Express Tech Deluxe is sold with a 44lbs bladder in the EU.

Zeagle backplate

Like any Zeagle Tech BCD, the Zeagle Express Tech Deluxe consists of a Zeagle backplate, bladder and harness. The soft lightweight backplate is reinforced with a polymer material. This makes it a lot less heavy than metal backplates, while still providing the support needed and retaining flexibility for comfort. You can even attach twin cylinders using the two sets of center plate stainless steel grommets.

Zeagle compact 24lbs bladder

The relatively small bladder (24lbs / 10,89kg lift capacity) is fitted with flexible retractors to make it even more compact. The retraction system with bungees and straps compresses the sides of the cell during deflation, providing faster air dumping and keeping it streamlined while underwater. The bladder is made of durable 1,000-denier nylon. If necessary you can change to a larger bladder or Zeagle replacement bladder. You can fit most bladder assemblies that would also fit a metal back plate.

Zeagle Bx Power inflator

This super lightweight travel BCD has dual rear dump valves and comes with the Zeagle Bx Power Inflator with shoulder cable activated pull dump. The unique design of this Zeagle inflator allows you to attach a standard garden hose to the inflator hose by removing the power inflator mechanism. This makes it super easy to completely flush the inside of the bladder with fresh water to clean it, which will ensure a much longer life for the bladder.

Zeagle Express Tech vs Zeagle Express Tech Deluxe

The Zeagle Express Tech Deluxe BCD is as the name says the ‘deluxe’ version of the Zeagle Express Tech, which was extremely bare bones and has now been discontinued. While the Express Tech was already a hit among both rec and tec divers, a number of accessories were often requested by divers and have now been added in the Express Tech Deluxe.

• extra padding for shoulders and back (Express Tech Pad Kit)
• Ripcord Weight System or Zip Touch Weight System
• Deluxe webbing harness with articulated shoulders, sternum strap and Airloc buckles
• Retractable 24lb lift capacity bladder assembly
• chest strap

The deluxe webbing harness includes an articulated shoulder assembly that swivels to adjust the harness to the contours of your torso. It has Airloc buckles on the shoulder and waist band for easy donning and doffing. All straps are adjustable for a custom fit.

Zeagle Express Tech Deluxe vs Dive Rite Travelpac BCD

The Zeagle Express Tech Deluxe often gets compared with the Dive Rite Travelpac BCD. Although they appear quite similar, there are some major differences. The most important one being that the Express Tech is modular while the Travelpac is a fixed setup.

Zeagle scuba brand

Zeagle is an American brand and their products are produced in the USA. Even though I’ve been diving for a long time, I’d never heard of Zeagle before my partner started researching travel BCD’s from various BCD brands and bought the Zeagle Express Tech BCD. Apparently, Zeagle dive gear is not as widely known in Europe as that of French Aqua Lung or the Italian brands Mares and Cressi.

Dennis Bulin started Zeagle in 1979 as a one-man business producing parachute equipment and later focused on making dive equipment. Zeagle scuba gear has grown into one of the top brands for BCD and regulators. This American brand is known for its sturdy high-quality scuba equipment that’s built with lots of attention to detail. Zeagle has always questioned traditional scuba wisdom and introduced many scuba gear innovations. Did you know that Zeagle was the first to introduce the integrated weight system? In 2012 Zeagle joined Bare Sports, Atomic Aquatic and Stahlsac as part of Huish Outdoors group.

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NOT SURE WHICH IS THE BEST BCD FOR YOU? CHECK OUR ULTIMATE BCD BUYING GUIDE FOR DETAILED BCD INFO & COMPARISONS >>

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