Adding D-rings to XS Zeagle Zena

[bperrybap]

Zeagle's Zena is very streamlined with its corset design.
The unfortunate thing is that there really aren't any D-rings
on it if you have the extra small size.
Yes there are tons (ok 6) on the Zena on the end of
each piece of webbing, but those are not fixed and tend
to flop about and cause a computer/gauge to hang down
lower than is necessary.

I have attached some photos of how you can add 2 D-rings
(one to each shoulder strap) with no modifications to
the BC.

What makes this task difficult is that the Zena uses
1 1/2" webbing on the shoulder straps. This is not a
common size and D-rings and tri-glides are VERY difficult
to find. I never found any stainless ones.

This modification is quite simple and should take
30 minutes or so max.

Parts needed:
- (2) plastic Zena D-rings.
These are the same as the ones already on the Zena.
Either order them through ScubaToys or use one
of the ones already on the end of the webbing ends.

- (2) 1.5" Triglides purchased from REI
Here is the link to the part: Hi-Tex 1.5" Triglide (4 pack)
This costs about $1.50

Now to do it.
NOTE:
I modified the Zena D-rings. They originally have two
slots and I cut off the lower one. This isn't necessary but
because the D-ring will have a flat edge where it is cut off,
it will stay in place a bit better then the rounded edge of
the original D-ring. I think it works a bit better when cutoff.

Once you have your D-rings and tri-glides it is now
just a matter of threading it on the webbing.
This is not done the way I normally see a D-ring threaded
on webbing using a tri-glide.
Normally I see the webbing go through 1 slot of a tri-glide
through the D-ring and then back through the other
tri-glide slot. In this case, it works much better to thread
it differently. By threading it differently, the d-ring
and tri-glide stay in place much better and the d-ring
is offset a bit which makes it easier catch with your clips.

After you have removed the existing d-ring and quick
release buckle from the shoulder strap it is time to
thread on the new tri-glide and d-ring.

NOTE: I recommend that you do 1 shoulder at a time
so you can look at the unmodified shoulder webbing
to see how to re-thread the webbing on the connector.

Look carefully at the photos for how to thread it but
here is a description.

The REI tri-glides are not symmetric. On side has
an angled hump on it.
First make sure the tri-glide has the angle side facing up.
Then thread the webbing up through one slot from the bottom.
Then loop the webbing through the slot on the d-ring.
(Use the lower slot if you didn't cut/modify the d-ring)
Then push the webbing back through the same tri-glide
slot - not the other one.
The webbing should now be on the back side of the tri-glide.
Now go under the humped center bar of the tri-glide
and pull the webbing up through the second tri-glide
slot.

Adjust the Tri-glide where desired and then snug it up.
There its is; all done!

Well, ok now you have to re-thread the quick release
connector and original d-ring but that is basically it.

It works great and there is nothing to ever rust.
It can be undone easily if for some reason you don't like it.

--- bill

[JCAT]

This is an great post! I have been considering adding 2 D-rings to my BCD and your method gives me some new ideas.

[Pandora]

great post! I love my Zena, but always wanted more rings!

Thanks

[Zenagirl]

Thanks for posting the instructions! I decided that since I never use the D rings at the end of the shoulder straps, that I would just remove both the D ring and clip and reverse them, putting the D ring section on first (and all the way at the bottom) and the clip back on above it. That put the D ring exactly where I will use, low and not on the loose end.

You inspired me! Thanks.

Oh yeah, I don't have an XS Zena, so I have 4 SS D-rings, but always wanted ones up high on the shoulder straps.

[h2oSOUKOUS]

This is great information and very creative. I'm purchasing the Zena and I was wondering about the pockets and storage. I will set mine up similar to your wife's using your instructions. I love this forum!

[Mtrewyn]

Good Job this looks good

How do they hold up after time?

[bperrybap]

Originally Posted by Mtrewyn

Good Job this looks good

How do they hold up after time?

Well, its been a while now and she has over 100 dives or so on these
and the BC has been packed and taken on many trips and it still
works just like when it was first done with no issues.

--- bill