Zeagle 1BCD User manual

Buoyancy Compensator
Owner’s Manual
Systems, Inc.

Introduction
1
Thanks for Choosing Zeagle!
We value your decision to invest in a Zeagle Buoyancy Control
System. Please have your authorized Zeagle Dealer familiarize you with the
operation and care of your new Zeagle Buoyancy Compensator* (BC) and go
over your Owner’s Manual with you. Have your Dealer sign the appropriate
line on the service record at the end of this manual, after he has performed this
service. Before you use your BC for the first time, be sure your Dealer
has performed the Dealer prep check list. Please save and refer to this
Owner’s Manual from time to time to enable you to fully understand and
benefit from this fine product.
SCUBA Diving is an extremely enjoyable pastime when done with
proper training, good equipment, and knowledge of both your equipment and
your diving environment. This Zeagle Buoyancy Control System is intended
for use only by individuals practicing safe diving principles.
*Buoyancy Compensator (BC) and Buoyancy Control Device (BCD)
are synonymous for the same piece of SCUBA diving equipment.

Contents
2
Introduction .......................................................................... 1
Warranty Information ........................................................... 3
General Information and Specifications ............................... 4
Function of the Zeagle System ............................................. 7
Fitting and Assembly ............................................................ 9
Pre-dive Assembly and Inspection ....................................... 15
Donning Procedures ............................................................. 19
Diving with the Zeagle System ............................................ 20
Emergency Procedures ......................................................... 21
Maintenance.......................................................................... 23
Service Record...................................................................... 24
Local Dealer ......................................................................... BC

3
Warranty Information
LIFETIME GUARANTEE TO THE ORIGINAL
OWNER
Your BC is guaranteed against defects in materials and workmanship.
This guarantee does not cover damages from accident, abuse, neglect,
alterations, improper usage, or failure to provide reasonable care. To
validate your warranty you must fill out and return your warranty
registration card within 30 days. All warranty claims will be handled
through an authorized Zeagle Dealer.
Owner’s Responsibilities
•Zeagle Systems, Inc. requires that the end user of this system be certified
by a nationally or internationally recognized SCUBA certification agency
and adequately trained in its use by a certified SCUBA instructor with
thorough knowledge and experience in the use of Zeagle Systems, Inc.
equipment.
•An annual inspection performed by an authorized Zeagle Dealer is
required for safe operation of this system.
•Your Zeagle BC is NOT a personal flotation device and should not be
used as a life jacket. The BC does NOT guarantee a heads up position
of the wearer at the surface.
•All emergency procedures should be practiced periodically in shallow
water (3 m or 10 feet) to maintain preparedness in the event an actual
emergency should occur.
•The owner shall complete and mail the Warranty Registration Card to
Zeagle Systems, Inc. within 30 days of purchase.
•For assistance with preparation, questions or service, contact your local
authorized Zeagle Dealer or Zeagle Systems, Inc.

4
General Information and Specifications
This Buoyancy Compensators Owner's Manual contains
important safety, maintenance, and operation information.
Read this manual thoroughly before diving.
Important information on the assembly, operation, and maintenance
of your BC is designated throughout this manual with the
'IMPORTANT' graphic and symbol above.
This owner's manual also uses the following "WARNING" graphic
and symbol to designate that special attention needs to be given to the
manual, otherwise, a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, may result in injury or death.
SCUBA diving is an adventuresome activity, some risks are in-
volved. Please be sure that you and your dive partner have cur-
rent certifications and follow all recommendations of your certi-
fying agency and that all equipment is used and maintained ac-
cording to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Failure to fol-
low these guidelines can result in serious injury or death.

Tank Pictogram
19 XX
MAX liters
5
General Information & Specifications
SCUBA Cylinder Selection and Configuration
The maximum single and double cylinder size specifications (in liters) for the
BC is found on a tank pictogram on the warning label. This label is found on
the BC, inside the vest. If the double cylinder pictogram has a "XX" in it, then
the BC has been designed for single cylinder use only. If the single and double
cylinder pictograms have numbers in them, then the BC has been designed for
either single or double cylinder use. The number in the pictogram indicates the
largest cylinder size recommended, in liters.
Cylinder capacity is the volume of the SCUBA cylinder. When expressed in
cubic feet, the volume is given for compressed gas. When expressed in liters,
the volume is given for the actual volume of the cylinder based on the interior
dimensions of the cylinder. Zeagle Systems, Inc. maximum recommended
cylinder capacity is 19 liters (120 ft3). Once again, if you have a question,
consult your local authorized Zeagle Dealer.
Failure to comply with the following information may result in an improper
buoyancy configuration. You must maintain neutral buoyancy while diving
to prevent injury or death.
Your buoyancy depends on the combination of all your diving equipment added
to your own buoyancy. The Zeagle System is designed to work with a variety
of tank sizes and configurations.
Cylinder dimensions and capacity are two quantities
which are important to understand when configuring your
equipment. Cylinder dimensions are the actual, outside
dimensions of a SCUBA cylinder (also called the tank).
Zeagle BC's are designed specifically for SCUBA cylin-
ders which have a maximum diameter of 20.3 cm (8 in)
and maximum height of 78.7 cm (31 in). Consult your
local authorized Zeagle Dealer if you have any questions
regarding cylinder dimensions.

6
General Information and Specifications
Operating Temperature Range
Table 1.0
180 N
(rounded down to nearest 10 N)
prEN1809
44 lbs / 19 kg
BUOYANCY
Total
Air -4oto +122oF -20oto +50oC
Water +28oto +104oF - 2oto +40oC
Surface Buoyancy of BC's
Your BC's buoyancy, has been rated by Zeagle Systems, Inc. Buoyancy figures
were measured in fresh water at sea level, and were rounded down to the
nearest pound. For buoyancies listed in the metric system, buoyancy is
measured in multiples of 10 Newtons, then rounded down to the next lowest
multiple.
The buoyancy of your BC is printed on a label, located on the bladder assem-
bly, as shown on page 8. A typical label for a BC will look like the example
below. This particular label indicates that the bladder assembly is rated at 19
kg (44 lbs) buoyancy.
Special Instruction in cold water diving methods, and the specific use of
this product is required prior to cold water diving (temperatures below
10oC/ 50oF). This instruction is beyond the scope of this Owner's
Manual. Diving without this instruction could result in injury or death.
Consult your SCUBA instructor for this instruction prior to using this
product in cold water.
Shelf Life
The shelf life for a new, unused BC when deflated and stored in a dry place at
room temperature, with no exposure to ulraviolet (UV), light is seven years.
Refer to page 23 for Storage and Post Dive BC Cleaning information.

7
Function of the Zeagle System
The Zeagle Buoyancy Control System
The function of the Zeagle buoyancy control system is to add to your diving
enjoyment. It is designed to provide you with a comfortable way of “wearing”
your SCUBA system, a resting platform while on the surface, and an easy
means of controlling your buoyancy while diving.
Vest
With the exception of the Speed-Pac, Scout, and Tech Pac, the vest portion of
the system should fit so that it wraps partially around the front of the diver.
The Speed-Pac is made with a harness which does not come around in front of
the diver. See Illustration on page 14. You should be able to tighten the waist
strap (the vest should fit quite snugly around the waist) in order to prevent the
BC from shifting during the dive. If you can draw the two sides of the vest
together you need a smaller size vest.
Side Panels
The side panels should fit around the waist (top of the hip) NOT over your rib
cage or diaphragm, with at least a four inch overlap on the touch fastener
closure. The side panels are attached using six (6) plastic screw fasteners, and
can be adjusted by moving the side panels to a different set of grommets on the
vest section. See Illustration on page 9. It is imperative that the BC not be
worn too high on the body as this will create an undesirably high center of
gravity and could restrict the ability of your diaphragm to move freely, result-
ing in discomfort or shortness of breath.
Shoulders
Length of the shoulder strap depends on personal comfort and the length of
your torso. Take into consideration different suits you may be wearing with the
system, and be sure to allow enough length so the pack may be worn low as
described above. The sternum strap should be just above the breast line as
shown on page 14. You should easily be able to reach the quick release buckles.

8
Function of the Zeagle System
Clips must be
attached to vest.
Surface Buoyancy
Label Location
Do NOT dive with the two forward small side release buckles detached!
Bladder Assembly
There are three basic bladder assemblies used on Zeagle BC’s. The bladder
assembly attaches to the vest section via two straps which slide through the
webbing at the back of the vest under the tank bands (see cylinder band
illustration on pages 10 & 11) and two buckles which clip over the weight
pockets to hold the buoyancy forward. Do not dive with the two forward small
side release buckles detached! The shoulder straps should pass through the
collar at the top of the bladder assembly.
NEVER breathe from the bladder assembly. The bladder assembly
was not designed as an auxiliary air source and may contain
harmful contaminants, which if inhaled, may cause injury or death.
Shoulder strap
through collar
Straps through
backplate webbing

9
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Adjusting Side Panels
1.Using two coins, unscrew the plastic screw fasteners.
2.Move the side panel to different set of grommets on vest and reinstall.
Fitting and Assembly

10
1
2
6
3
4
5
Illustration “A”
Non-Slip Plate
(Standard System Only)
(Single Cylinder Band Assembly)
Fitting and Assembly
Illustration “B”
Threading The Standard
Single Cylinder System
1. Thread cylinder band through non-slip plate and then under the bottom center backplate
straps as shown in Illustration “A.”
2. Thread cylinder band under the top center backplate strap on BC.
3. After threading bands through BC begin threading bands through bottom of buckle as per
Illustration “B”.
4. Threading it through the center slot.
5. Thread through slot closest to metal bail, pull to tighten around cylinder.
6. Loop webbing through final slot in buckle. Check to be sure that your cylinder is lined vertically
on the BC. “Cam” the buckle over for extra tension, and lock buckle by engaging touch
fastener material on cylinder strap.

11
There are only minor differences on a twin cylinder model. The rubber
“nonslip” plate should be completely installed on the bottom band opposite the
touch fastener material on the band, before inserting the band under the
webbing on the pack. The bands go under the vertical webbing on the back
plate. If your system has only two pieces of vertical webbing, it is not a twin
cylinder model and should not be used with twin cylinders. If you are setting
up a double pack for single cylinders, please note that the single size cylinder
bands only go under the center 10.2 cm (4 in) of vertical webbing on the back
plate and the rubber plate is installed as illustrated on pages 10 and 12.
Threading The Standard & Quick Release
System On A Twin Cylinder Back Plate
Fitting and Assembly
Standard System
Quick Release System
• An alternate method of attaching twin cylinders with steel bands is by bolting through
the back plate grommets.
• Optional band extension used only with quick release band for twin cylinder use.
• Extension strap should be adjusted at cylinder buckle hook end for proper cylinder size.
Back Plate Grommets
Optional Band Extension

12
Fitting and Assembly
Threading The Quick Release System For
A Single Cylinder On Twin Cylinder Back Plate

13
Fitting and Assembly
Scout Single Cylinder
Band System
Quick Release fully closed

14
Proper Fit
The Zeagle System allows the diver to size each component of the buoyancy
system independently for a true custom fit. For proper performance please be
sure that your system fits as described below. Put BC on (before attaching to
SCUBA cylinder) and adjust shoulders and waist as follows.
1. Loosen shoulder straps before donning.
Put it on like you would a jacket. If your
system is equipped with side panels, stretch
the elastic by extending each side panel as
far as possible before wrapping it around
you and fastening the touch fastener
material.
3. Fasten the sternum strap. It should be
just above the breast line. If wearing a dry
suit, be sure that sternum strap does not
obstruct drysuit inflator hose or valve.
2. The system should be worn low with the
bottom of the vest at the top of your hips,
once side panels are secure. Clip waist
strap and tighten snugly.
4. Adjust shoulder straps
Fitting and Assembly

15
Adjust the BC so that it does not restrict your breathing. Restriction of normal
breathing while wearing your BC could result in injury or death. Before each
dive, check all bands, straps, clips, and/or waist panels for proper adjustment.
Pre-dive Assembly and Inspection
Over Pressure (OP Valve)/ Dump Valve
The over pressure/ dump valve is typically located on the lower front of the
bladder assembly. As its name implies, the OP Valve prevents over inflation of
the bladder. The valve automatically releases air when the internal bladder
pressure exceeds the valve's spring pressure. The valve will automatically
close when the internal bladder pressure is less than the valve's spring pressure.
This valve may also be used to "dump" air when you are diving, by pulling the
knob/string that is attached to the valve. The OP Valve should be inspected
before every dive for proper operation.
Remote Exhaust Valve (RE Valve)
Your BC may be equipped with a remote exhaust valve. If it is, it is located on
the upper left, just behind the shoulder, on the bladder assembly. The RE Valve
allows you to "dump" or exhaust air manually as you adjust for neutral buoy-
ancy. The RE Valve operates by simply pulling on the power inflator mecha-
nism and corrugated rubber hose.
The RE Valve should be inspected before every dive for proper operation.
Also, inspect that both threaded caps on the REValve, are tightened securely.
The exhaust cap must be tightened a minimum 1/12 turn (3/8 inch) after it
first contacts the body. The RE Valve was designed to be maintained, but
without proper tightening of these caps, they may loosen over time.
Power Inflator/ Oral Inflator Mechanism
Your BC may also be equipped with a power inflator/ oral inflator mechanism.
This unit consists of an Oral Valve Mouthpiece, Oral Valve Button, and
Pneumatic Inflation Valve (PIV) and connects directly to the RE Valve via a
steel cable (inside the corrugated hose). The PIV operates over a pressure range
of 6.5-13.8 bar (95-200 psi). To inflate the BC using the PIV, attach a low
pressure hose to the quick disconnect (QD) fitting and depress the PIV button.
To inflate the BC using the oral inflator, depress the Oral Valve Button and
breathe into the Oral Valve Mouthpiece.
CHECKALL MECHANISMS BEFORE EVERY DIVE FOR
PROPER OPERATION.

16
Pre-dive Assembly and Inspection
Weight System Inspection
Check to see that weight release system is secure.
Ripcord ™ release system - check bottom of weight pockets to be sure they are
held closed by the ripcord. If the Ripcordhas been pulled, rethread the system.
(Refer to the rethreading section on following page).
Check to see that weight release system is secure.
ZIP Touch™ fastener pocket system - Check to see that the touch fastener
material flap on the bottom of each weight pocket completely overlaps and is
secure.

17
Pre-diveAssembly and Inspection
• Return Ripcord handle to secure position.
• Pull cord through for the right weight pocket.
• Start with the loop closest to the Ripcord handle.
• Each white nylon loop is threaded through three grommets. The
cord is then threaded through the end of the white loop.
• Thread cord under webbing that is between the grommets.
• Repeat for all nylon loops.
• Finish by pushing cord between pocket and vest.
• Repeat on opposite pocket.
Cord
If the Ripcord is not completely secure, rethread using the following procedure.
Nylon Loops
Cord
Rethreading The RipcordTM System
Check to see that weight release system is secure.
Trim Weight™, Pull-Out Pocket ™ Touch Fastener System - Check to see that
the touch fastener material flap on the bottom and sides of each weight pocket
completely overlaps and is secure.
Trim Weight™ Pull-Out™

18
Pre-dive Assembly and Inspection
Loading the Zeagle Integrated Weight System:
Loading:
Weights can be loaded after the system is donned as shown or the weights can
be loaded before the system is donned. Considerations include the amount of
weight and the distance to enter the water. Ask your buddy for help in either
case. To load the weight system:
•Unfasten buckles securing bladder assembly to side of vest to allow for
easy access to weight pockets.
•Load Ripcord™ or Ziptouch™ pouches through zippered opening on
pocket top. Be sure zipper is fully closed after loading.
• Pull-Out™- load pouch though Touch Fastener opening. Close opening
and load pouch into pocket according to illustration.
•Refasten buckles securing bladder to side of vest.
(Important! This is required for proper BC performance)
Pull-Out™
Zip Touch™
Ripcord™
Pocket Pouch
Pouch
Pocket Pocket
Pouch

19
Donning Procedure
Diving equipment is heavy! To avoid injury or fatigue and to
become familiar with each other's equipment, have your buddy assist
you! Take this opportunity to be sure your buddy understands how your
weight release works.
Be sure you have read and performed the Proper Fit page in the Fitting and
Assembly section of this manual first.
• Open cylinder band buckles and loosen bands.
• Align system so that the top of the bladder assembly is even with the
cylinder valve (slightly higher or lower may be required depending on the
diver’s size and the type of tank, this is a good starting point).
• Make sure that the two sets of bands are in vertical alignment with your
tank and not twisted to one side.
• Pull bands snug and close buckles. Secure loose end of bands on touch
fastener.
• Connect regulator to cylinder valve and finish assembling system per
manufacturer’s instructions.
• Be sure you are familiar with the low pressure inflator system on your
Zeagle BC. Inflate the system and check for leakage.
• Weights can be installed in the weight pockets before the BC is donned or
after. It may be easier to add your weights after you have the system on
avoiding lifting the tank and weights together. Considerations include the
amount of weight and the distance to enter the water. Ask your buddy for
help in either case.
• Loosen shoulder straps.
• Have your buddy balance the system while you put it on like a jacket.
• Remember, the system should be worn low with the bottom of the vest at
the top of your hips
• Fasten side panels and/or waist band.
Extend the side panels as far as possible before wrapping around your body
Be sure to get the waist tight.
• Fasten the sternum strap and adjust.
If wearing a drysuit, be sure that the sternum strap does not obstruct the
drysuit inflator hose or valve.
• Adjust shoulder straps.
• Fasten split saddle strap if your system is so equipped.