Our Review: XDeep Zen. Form or Function First?

Рет қаралды 11,829

2 жыл бұрын

Welcome to Deefer Diving's new KZfaq channel, D for Diving.
We have been fortunate enough to be loaned this XDeep Zen Deluxe BCD in order to review it and give to you my thoughts on how it feels. Like its lightweight travel BCD cousin the Ghost, this is also an incredibly well built BCD, with an amazing attention to detail... As well as having one of the most attractive backplates available. We're massive fans of backplate & wing setups, even for recreational diving, and this is a very solid performer in this space.
Who are XDeep? They are a relatively new equipment manufacturer from Poland who are huge in sidemount diving (XDeep Stealth 2.0) and also European technical diving circles. They are very highly regarded, and differentiate themselves through both the quality of their products, but also their style too. I mean, check out their backplates!!!
I've really enjoyed diving with this BCD this week, and literally did no adjustments to it to make it fit me, and yet the comfort and effortless diving position was there - bang!
But from a function perspective, is this wing system any better than products from Halcyon, Hollis or Diverite? Probably not in all honesty
For more details on XDeep, check out their website here - www.xdeep.eu
I have not been able to find the Ghost for sale on Amazon.Com, but here is an English language link to their larger Zen BCD, which also has a similar amazing backplate - amzn.to/3kOyu63
Let us know in the comments section below what your thoughts are on this travel BCD, or whether you think there is a better one on the market that we should also try and review. I certainly have not tried them all, so would love your feedback too...
Deefer Diving are a full service dive operation in Carriacou, Grenada. Established since 1994, we have been providing training, diving and trips from our base in Hillsborough to our myriad of satisfied clients and friends. If you are interested in learning more about diving, or diving in the pristine Caribbean waters around Carriacou, the Isle of Reefs, then feel free to contact us through our messenger at www.DeeferDiving.com
On this channel we plan to bring the experience of our professional dive team (but not so professional presenting team) to you with a range of videos and shows about the hot topics in diving, and diving in Carriacou.
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Пікірлер: 58

@pellelidell007 2 жыл бұрын

My XDeep Zen Deluxe is a killer BCD. I have two plates; one for rec dive traveling, where I use a Ghost ultralight backplate. The other plate is steel and ideal for cold water drysuit diving. The comfort is fantastic and the quality is top-notch. As for price, XDeep's EU prices are mid-ranged so you get bang for your buck over here. Though I understand they're significantly more expensive in North America.

@DeeferDivingCarriacou 2 жыл бұрын

The guys who have Xdeeps here both bought them in Europe and were shocked to see the comparative price in the US. This means they are a real premium product compared to alternatives on the market and it will be hard to justify that difference based on aesthetics, when functionally its not 'that' much better than other options. That said, we do love how they look and perform....

@michaelanderberg Жыл бұрын

Thanks for a pleasant and informative review. I actually already own this very wing, so I can easily relate. Anyhow, you’ve gained another subscriber.

@DeeferDivingCarriacou Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful Michael and thanks for the sub too...

@stevemichel801 2 жыл бұрын

Great to see you guys on again. How about a shop tour? Wold love to see the whole set up. Rec Tech is that a thing?

@DeeferDivingCarriacou 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Steve. We have an old video which is a quick tour of the facility. Most of the people at the centre have moved on since then, but it will give a good perspective of what we're about.... kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mtlkZ7x1zJnalKM.html Now the bigger question: Is Tech-Rec a thing? People are curious about learning more about how to extend your diving, but are still largely intimidated by the idea (and bravado) of tech, so Tech-lite or Techreational diving has stared to emerge. The training agencies have gotten into this by re-packaging their entry level tech courses for recreational depths and are exposing people to the beginnings of decompression theory. I'm a supporter of greater knowledge in this regard. But we're also seeing it in a gradual shift towards more tech capable equipment too - I see long hose config in recreational a lot more now, and BPW's all the time. So the question, is it a real thing or a marketing thing? I guess it doesn't really matter if people are getting better informed and better educated about diving, which leads to greater investment in their enjoyment of the sport. But I would love to see tech being more accessible.

@M4hunter1234 Жыл бұрын

Great review, heard nothing but good things about this but of kit, planning on getting the deluxe aluminium backplate to use for my DM course!

@DeeferDivingCarriacou Жыл бұрын

Glad I could help. We've just had some DM's do their course in one... and they loved it too

@m1ch4Lko 3 ай бұрын

Great review.

@DeeferDivingCarriacou 3 ай бұрын

Thank you.... Im no pro at doing reviews, so this is just my honest thoughts....

@johnmontgomery2735 2 жыл бұрын

Nice little review and great timing. I'm contemplating one of these with aluminum plate for travel. The difference between the ghost and the Zen is about $100. In your opinion is the Zen worth it? Also do you know if it has the dump valve on the inflator? I have one on mine and they're soo nice to dive with.

@DeeferDivingCarriacou 2 жыл бұрын

Hey John. Yes. I think its worth it. Only because I'm not a fan of the flat wing on the Ghost and the way it feels with a little air in it. No the inflator does not have a dump, but the inflator does dump air very quickly anyway.

@faisala2911 3 ай бұрын

Great review! Do the dumpable weight pockets and the trim pickets come with the bcd or are sold separately?

@DeeferDivingCarriacou 3 ай бұрын

Unfortunately.... They're sold separately. I find they're quite cumbersome, and there are smaller, cheaper, ones on the market that one might prefer... But they're well made

@duckadence Жыл бұрын

I managed to find UK sites that sell that backplate and harness by itself and will ship to the US (Steel version comes out to about $230 shipped). Just wondering, are there any advantages to the wider xDeep backplate versus the classic shield backplate (aside from aesthetics)? Is it any more ergonomic/comfortable/help with distributing weight on the surface when carrying gear?

@DeeferDivingCarriacou Жыл бұрын

What do you mean advantages aside from aesthetics? Its only aesthetics that matter isn't it? TBH I'm not aware of there being any practical advantages, but OMG doesn't it look pretty. If you don't mind, you wanna share the site where you found the plate advertised? I'm also liking the Mares XR plate too

@peterpeganov480 2 жыл бұрын

Just bought a Zen with a standard harness and aluminium backplate. Trying it out next week! Hopefully it’s as good as people say 😅

@DeeferDivingCarriacou 2 жыл бұрын

Hope you enjoy it! I'm sure you'll love it

@sandafoks7056 Жыл бұрын

How did it go? :D

@belaq15 4 ай бұрын

Great review! Would you know how easy it is to remove it when in the water? (Specifically the standard version that doesn't have the quick release buckles in the shoulder straps)

@DeeferDivingCarriacou 4 ай бұрын

Yes. Removing it is different from removing a jacket style bcd. It wants to lie bladder up/backplate down, but is not too difficult to take off. The key thing is to remember to a) undo the crotch strap and b) once you've undone the waist belt, pull the strap for one shoulder hard to give you some slack. As its a 1-piece harness, when you undo the waist, you'll have plenty of scope to loosen the shoulder. With a little bit of practice you'll find the method that works for you. It's not harder than on a jacket, its just different. I tend to keep my reg in (and thus airway secured) until I have it off and in front of me...

@belaq15 4 ай бұрын

@@DeeferDivingCarriacou thank you!

@manius_dive 6 ай бұрын

Great review of xDeep! I'm actually waiting for the xDeep Zen Deluxe package. 🙃🙃 What kind of knife do you have attached to it, if I may ask?

@DeeferDivingCarriacou 6 ай бұрын

I hope you enjoy it when you get it. The knife. Its a small titanium knife available from Scubapro, Halcyon, Atomiq and others (www.scuba.com/p-scpkxct/scubapro-x-cut-5-titanium-tek-knife-with-nylon-sheath) but in an Atomic Aquatic sheath (following the loss of the Atomic knife).

@manius_dive 6 ай бұрын

@@DeeferDivingCarriacou Thank you very much

@billybuttons4298 2 жыл бұрын

This setup is definitely on my list. What's the knife?

@DeeferDivingCarriacou 2 жыл бұрын

Its just a Aquatics titanium knife. I think its quite a low cost generic one.

@dimasmohammad5790 Жыл бұрын

Very nice review! Im looking into buying one, but I’m not sure about the size. Im 176cm tall and 67kg. Do you think I should get the small or large one?

@DeeferDivingCarriacou Жыл бұрын

You're tall enough that I'd recommend the large. Its length of the plate which is the difference.

@dimasmohammad5790 Жыл бұрын

@@DeeferDivingCarriacou thanks for replying! I'll go with the large one.

@stevereilly 2 ай бұрын

Very helpful review, thanks. Steel or aluminium though for warm water and travel....

@DeeferDivingCarriacou Ай бұрын

Nora has the steel plate on hers, which means she does not need to carry any weights at all. She still loves it too

@stevereilly Ай бұрын

@@DeeferDivingCarriacou decisions, decisions! :-)

@belindadavidson2562 4 ай бұрын

Hi I’m keen on this bcd, did you have any trouble with the first stage touching the back of your head ?

@DeeferDivingCarriacou 4 ай бұрын

No. There are two reasons why the reg might touch your head with a BP/W like this. The first is that you've mounted the bcd too low on the tank. The top strap should be just below the dome of the tank. The 2nd is that the waist strap is not tight enough and the lower part of the wing can lift away from your back - meaning the reg will come in contact with your head. To fix this make sure the belt is nice and tight and the wing is snug to your back

@belindadavidson2562 4 ай бұрын

@@DeeferDivingCarriacouok thank you.

@m1ch4Lko 3 ай бұрын

Do you think that being 186cm (6 foot 1) tall with athletic figure, I should buy the longer corrugated hose (19 inch instead of the standard 16 inch)?

@DeeferDivingCarriacou 3 ай бұрын

On the premise I'm not a fan of the standard hose, as it's coming from behind your neck as opposed to over the shoulder.... I'd recommend the longer hose for just about anyone...

@adamchc3701 Жыл бұрын

Omg what a price :O. In Poland (deluxe version) it cost around 2350 zl = 540 $. BTW I'm looking to buy ghost but single layer of blader makes me wonder how tough its going to be.

@DeeferDivingCarriacou Жыл бұрын

I know. European products are so expensive in the US. The single bladder is relatively good. The one we reviewed was bought in 2017, and the bladder is only starting to have issues after more than 1000 dives....

@abnerr2002 9 ай бұрын

How do you compare it with the Scubapro S-tek pro?

@DeeferDivingCarriacou 9 ай бұрын

I'll caveat this by pointing out that I have not actually dives the S Tek range, but do know the Scubapro product range fairly well. The S Tek is a modern take on the use of a backplate and wing system. In an efford to shed a few pounds Scubapro, like many OEM's have opted for a polymer/plastic backplate which is of course lighter and has a little more flex in its construction too. The harness is robust and soft, although some puritans will question the fact it is not a single piece harness. The wing itself is Scubapro's standard wing, which again is robust and good quality. Aesthetically, it doesn't look as good as the Xdeep (if that's important to you), which I feel is the principal USP of the Xdeep. I've also never been a massive fan of polymer backplates. They're inherently weaker than an Ali plate for not a significant weight saving over the whole unit - so I would always question whether that compromise was worth it? Thanks for watching our video and also thank you even more for reaching out to us too.

@williamsweet7511 Жыл бұрын

The BP looks cool, but as a cold water diver, I don't want them to cut all the weight out of the plate. Defeats the purpose. For travel I'm gonna use aluminum for airplane cost. It is cool looking. I think X-deep stuff looks nice but I'm more of a Hollis guy. Thanks for the video.

@DeeferDivingCarriacou Жыл бұрын

I completely agree with the comment. Form and function debate... but it is pretty. I used to be a fan of Hollis, and then they got Huish'd, and I fundamentally object to some of their business practices post 'acquisition'. As I explained to Nick Hollis back in 2018, these products have your name on them, and I could not in good conscious recommend your brand any more..... Thanks for the feedback though

@januszgrelewicz8615 Жыл бұрын

The plate is 6.6 lbs if I remember correctly so is slightly heavier then hollis ss plate. The shape is for weight distribution only.

@MrThomasolof 7 ай бұрын

What watch are you wearing?

@DeeferDivingCarriacou 7 ай бұрын

It's the Garmin Descent MK2.

@user-ik2nj5uo3e Жыл бұрын

Can it connect double tank?

@DeeferDivingCarriacou Жыл бұрын

I don't believe the Zen can, but XDeep have other products in their range more suited to technical diving with doubles.

@EnergiZeScuba Жыл бұрын

@@DeeferDivingCarriacou the zen can. You can switch the bladder.

@DeeferDivingCarriacou Жыл бұрын

@@EnergiZeScuba Doesn't that make it not a Zen though? I mean, at its core its a travel backplate and wing set up, so of course it can be modified to do almost anything (Nora attaches the plate and harness to a CCR), but as standard the Zen has a 'small' bladder for travel diving - and its an excellent product for that.

@matteoc2780 Жыл бұрын

Is there a age limit that u train to dive

@DeeferDivingCarriacou Жыл бұрын

We only start at 10 years old, but there is no upper limit as long as one is medically cleared to dive

@matteoc2780 Жыл бұрын

@@DeeferDivingCarriacou ok thanks for letting me know is there any specific days u train people or is it Monday to friday

@DeeferDivingCarriacou Жыл бұрын

@@matteoc2780 Monday to Saturday we typically offer training. We're closed on Sunday

@matteoc2780 Жыл бұрын

@@DeeferDivingCarriacou how much is it people have to pay for you guys to train

@jonnieinbangkok 9 ай бұрын

Easy to make this system for ⅓ the price by ordering a plate, harness and hardware, and wing online from China 🇨🇳

@DeeferDivingCarriacou 9 ай бұрын

You are right. But then it would likely be a generic plate and would not look anywhere near as BLING. I jest, but that is a major selling point for this BCD and other like it (I'm Looking at YOU Mares XR!). I personally don't dive the XDeep for that exact reason - I chose function over form, and my Deep6 BP/W was a lot lot cheaper