You start the simple 4 step process with the sternum strap buckle not clipped, and the Velcro waist panel separated. Then loosen both of  the shoulder harness straps making them as long as possible. Now place the BCD low on your body.

STEP 1. Grasp both ends of the waist panels and pull them down firmly at about a 30 degree down angle and away from your body. This will stretch & extend the depth compensating device hidden under the back pack pad an additional 2 inches. Pull firmly to make it very snug.
STEP 2. Secure the Velcro waist panels together evenly below your belly button. A 4" overlap of the Velcro attachment is perfect. Then Clip and snug the waist band cinch strap over the waist panels.
STEP 3. Because the Eagle Z1 is weight integrated, you DO NOT have to pull the shoulders tight or cause the BCD to ride high into your underarms. You only want to remove any slack as you stand in an upright position.
STEP 4. Now clip the 2 ends of the across the chest sternum strap so the shoulders are comfortable at the midway point and do not apply pressure to the neck.

Test to see if Your Eagle Z1 fits you correctly
(A) CORRECT: It is VERY important that the Eagle Z1 be worn very low on your torso with the belly button above the waist panel with the shoulders not tight against the neck. It should be worn snug. This provides the best performance, optimum comfort, lowest drag, and the perfect CG for proper balance.
(B) INCORRECT: Shows the BCD not being worn correctly. The Sternum strap is pulled too tight against the neck. The shoulder harness was pulled way too tight. Therefore waist panels are improperly positioned far to high above the belly button. There is no need to make room for a wt. belt because a wt. belt is never used!

NOTE: Your BCD may not fit your body size. It is a simple 3 minute task to adjust it to the correct size. This perfect custom fit feature procedure is shown in detail on a different page. The waist panels allow an additional 6" for cold water diving activities with bulky drysuits.

HOW TO DRESS IN THE WATER: A benefit of a weight integrated buoyancy device is the ability to dress in the water where the gear is weightless. Just add sufficient air to make it float. Because the weights are attached at the base of the BCD and not the diver, it will float in an upright position, allowing the diver simply to back into it and buckle up. Having enough air cannot be over emphasized.
WARNING: Without sufficient air inside the BCD with weights installed, your BCD will sink.

HOW TO UNDRESS IN THE WATER: The Eagle Z1 is equipped with quick release buckles on both shoulders and waist band. It is important to follow this sequence when getting out of the Eagle while still in the water. I will assume you are right handed, and will hold yourself to the boat with your LEFT hand. This allows your "smart" RIGHT hand to work the buckles. You can also remove your weights via the top zipper and hand them up to the boat to make the vessel boarding easy.
#1. Make sure you have enough air so it will float, and always disengage the sternum strap first.
#2. Then release the right shoulder buckle next. (left shoulder always remains connected)
#3. Then release the waist band buckle and Cummerbund. This prevents the divers arms from being pulled back or the BCD separated from the diver, or from sinking if it does not have enough air.
#4. After positive contact with the boat dive platform is established, your arm can be slipped out to pass the BCD up to the boats Divemaster. We suggest you practice this skill in the correct order.

SURFACE SWIMMING: The average diver using a conventional BC & weight belt swims on his back with the sun in his eyes, has a fogged up mask, and fights the water pressure on his chest as he tries to breath. With a Eagle Z1 this can be eliminated. Just put a little air in it and remove it totally using the same sequence as outlined above, then pump it up 100% capacity with the power inflator and ride on top of it like a surf board. This is a much more efficient way to surface swim long distances. There is no weight attached to the diver. This may NOT be possible in rough water or high wind.

PROPER BALANCE: The Eagle Z1 model uses 4 weight pockets, 2 primary that can be ejected, and 2 trim that cannot. You should use ALL of them at all times, this will provide better surface support.
The weight belt no longer pulls you down, nor does the BC pull you up, all of these forces are cancelled out. It has been designed around all three axis of the human body. Because of superior balance, the typical 15 degree nose up swimming position is reduced to almost horizontal, with MUCH lower air consumption.