XDeep NX Zen Backplate and Wing Review

Torben Lonne
By
Torben Lonne
ByTorben Lonne
Editor and Co-founder at DIVEIN.com
Torben traveled to South East Asia for scuba diving and never really stopped his search for new adventures. His affinity for gear that works and his...
Follow:
- Editor and Co-founder at DIVEIN.com
Video preview
XDeep NX Zen wing in red with harness and tank, standing upright on a wooden dock
Bright red makes the NX Zen easy to pick out on a crowded boat deck, which matters more than it sounds when six near-identical black rigs are stacked next to yours.
Red XDeep NX Zen wing rigged to a single tank standing on a wooden deck
Rigged on deck the bladder wraps the cylinder neatly and the yellow inflator tab stays easy to find by feel rather than by looking.
Our tester showing the red XDeep NX Zen wing and harness laid out on a table
Bright red is not only styling. On a crowded boat deck with six black rigs stacked together, you find yours first and stop borrowing someone else's.
DIVEIN tester pointing out the trim weight pockets on the back of the red XDeep NX Zen wing
Weight carried up here comes off your waist belt, which is usually the fastest cure for a feet down diver who blames their fins.
Our reviewer fitting an XDeep weight pocket onto the harness webbing of the NX Zen
Accessories clip onto the same webbing the harness runs on, so the rig grows with your diving instead of being replaced by the next one.
DIVEIN tester adjusting the shoulder webbing above the red XDeep NX Zen wing
Sizing a one piece harness takes pulling, diving, then pulling again. Get it close on dry land and the first dive stops being a fitting session.
Our tester finning through murky green water wearing the XDeep NX Zen backplate and wing
Green water with no reference points makes it obvious whether a wing holds you level or quietly rolls you to one side.
DIVEIN tester in horizontal trim with the XDeep NX Zen and a single tank in low visibility
Flat, level and with the cylinder tucked close to the back. That tank position is doing as much for trim here as the wing is.

Where to buy

The XDeep NX Zen is a next-generation backplate and wing setup designed for divers who want comfort and streamlined performance. With its ergonomic backplate and unique design features, this system is built to reduce drag, improve buoyancy control, and enhance the overall dive experience. The lightweight aluminum version is great for travel, but there’s also a stainless steel option.

About this review

To help you find a Backplate and Wing that will fit your needs, we’ve tested, researched, and reviewed the best ones available today.
We test both in the water, diving in various conditions - and in our lab - so we can give you accurate answers on quality, performance, and the overall value.

Read about our test of Backplate and Wings

Recommended in: Backplate and Wing

Disclosure: We are reader supported, and may earn affiliate commissions when you buy through us.

Things we like:

  • Ergonomic backplate reduces pressure on your lower back and distributes weight evenly, making it super comfortable on long dives
  • The narrow wing shape reduces drag, helping you save air and stay in perfect trim
  • The V-shaped double crotch strap feels like sitting in a swing, adding a whole new level of comfort
  • The rubberized inflator attachment is tough and rip-resistant, perfect for handling rough dives
  • The aluminum version is lightweight, making it a great choice for travel

Things we don't like:

  • Integrated weight system isn’t standard—weight pockets are an optional add-on, which means extra cost if you want that feature
  • Some divers may find the assembly process a bit tricky, especially when adding optional accessories

Specs & Features

Materials Cordura 1100 DTEX; Nylon 440 DTEX inner bladder
Backplate stainless steel or aluminum
Wing lift 30 pounds (13.6 kg)
Cylinder capacity single tank
D-rings two on the crotch strap
Adjustment continuous weave
Tank attachment dual cam bands
Weight system integrated ditchable weights with optional trip pockets
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Take a momnent Take a moment to look at this.
It's genuinely free…
 Look at this
Shearwater Newsletter Form (widget sidebar) (#26)

Join our newsletter to win:

Free Scuba Gear!

We’ve partnered with Shearwater Research and are giving away a brand new Shearwater Peregrine TX with a Swift GPS Transmitter.

To enter the competition – Join the DIVEIN and Shearwater newsletters:

You can always unsubscribe for free

Most read this week:

About this image

Related to: