I think the Zeagle BC is the best buoyancy compensator a diver can buy.
It’s hard to find a buoyancy compensator that you can use to dive tropical reefs one day and the caves the next - that is - unless you’ve heard of Zeagle.
The Zeagle Corporation is best known for back-mounted buoyancy compensators with their patented ripcord design. Unlike other buoyancy compensators that require two hands to dump their weight, Zeagle BCs only require one hand.
The rumor is that the Zeagle Corporation used to make skydiving equipment and they fused a little bit of skydiving into their buoyancy compensators. I’m not sure if the rumor is true or not, but the fact that Zeagle’s headquarters is in Zephyrhills, FL (a popular drop zone) makes me think it is.
Zeagle Durability
In addition to having innovative design features, Zeagle buoyancy compensators are notoriously durable. Many of Zeagles BCs are made out of a reinforced 1050 denier ballistic nylon material.
That’s a fancy way of saying that their BCs are close to indestructible. I can tell you from personal experience that my Zeagle BC has been scrapped by limestone ledges, coral outcroppings and the jagged edges of shipwrecks and I have never had a problem with it.
Zeagle has 10 BCs available in their current line, however not every buoyancy compensator is suitable for every person. Some of Zeagle’s BCs are very basic and only suitable for easy warm-water dives and others are very technical and are only suitable for specially trained rescue personnel.
The trick is to find the right Zeagle for your needs. Here are a few examples for you so you can see the range of buoyancy compensators that Zeagle offer.
Zeagle Escape
The Zeagle Escape is an example of a Zeagle BC that’s designed with basic divers in mind.
This buoyancy compensator is lightweight and has an EZ lock pull out weight integration system that is similar to most other manufacturer’s weight integration systems.
Zeagle Ranger
The Zeagle Ranger is my personal favorite and the BC that I dove for many years. This is one rugged buoyancy compensator. Mine went through hell and back without a scratch.
It has utility pockets, Zeagle’s ripcord weight drop system, two air dumps on the back to make it easy to decend, steel D-rings and it’s made out of a fabric that’s practically indestructible. This BC shows how versatile Zeagle can be.
I’ve used the Zeagle Ranger to dive shallow reefs, explore deep wrecks and cave penetration. You’d be hard pressed to find a better BC than the Zeagle Ranger.
Zeagle Tech Pac
This BC isn’t for the faint of heart and a not a BC you can take to tropical coral reefs.
This is a serious BC for serious divers. The Zeagle Tech Pac is constructed out of the most durable materials to handle tough diving and support the weight of large tanks. It’s also compatible with a range of Zeagle accessories so you can alter it to suit your needs.
In addition, the only way you’re going to get more lift than this BC offers is to use a lift bag.
No matter what kind of diving you want to do, Zeagle has the right BC for you.
Try a Zeagle BC before you buy anything. Chances are you’ll never let it go.