xDEEP Stealth 2.0 User Manual

STEALTH 2.0 TEC Side Mount System

User manual

English

Rev.2

1 Introduction

Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in a serious accident which

may cause death or serious injury.

Danger!

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could cause damage to the product or

serious injury. It may also indicate wrong and dangerous practices.

Warning!

Congratulations!

You have purchased a perfect product in which, without any compromise, we have connected the best existing
materials made in Europe and in the USA, with both our technical and recreational diving experience. While
designing it, we have also consulted a considerable number of divers who use various configurations of
equipment from many various producers.

We hope that our product meets your expectations, regardless of whether you are a recreational diver or an
experienced tech diver.

Pre-use guidelines

Before you use any of the products described in this manual, carefully read all the information contained
herein with comprehension. Becoming familiar with this information is a prerequisite for safe and long-term
use of the products described in this document.

This manual is intended as a guide for correctly trained divers, and so a number of matters related to diving are
described here only roughly. In no way can this manual act as a substitute for professional diver training or
course. Therefore, before you start using any of the products described in this manual, make sure that you
have relevant qualifications issued by a registered diving organization.

If any of the information contained in this manual or if any information label placed on the Buoyancy
Compensation Device is not clear, contact the manufacturer for explanation:

XDEEP Spółka z ograniczoną odpowiedzialnością Sp. K.
Ul.Ogrodników 3, 43-227 Góra

Polska
Tel: [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail]

Important!

This manual includes two types of designation, which you should pay special attention to. They indicate
warnings or other information which may be crucial for health and life of the user or other people. You should
read them with special attention:

2 CE certification

In non-EU countries additional conditions, law requirements and buoyancy compensator norms may exist.

Double check the current requirements in the country in which you intend to use it.

Warning!

The buoyancy compensator is not a safety jacket: it does not guarantee a proper head-up position on the

surface.

Warning!

The products described in the following instruction have been a subject of certification in a recognized unit and
meet the requirements of 89/686/EWG directive and of the norm EN1809:2001, synchronized with this
directive, in its full extent; and of EN 250:2003 covering scuba harness.

The compatibility assessment of STEALTH TEC buoyancy compensator and STEALTH side mount harness has
been conducted by:

Polski Rejestr Statków S.A.,

Recognised certification unit nr 1463

Al.Gen.Józefa Hallera 126
80-416 Gdańsk
Poland

STEALTH 2.0 TEC buoyancy compensator has been certified as compatible with 89/686/EWG directive, as far as
it contains air compatible with EN 12021 norm. Regarding the lack of EN norms for safety requirements while
the use of it takes place with mixtures of higher oxygen content, the above mentioned buoyancy compensator
cannot be regarded as one which has been a subject of CE certification with gas mixtures with oxygen level
higher than 21% (+/- 2%) as stated in 89/686/EWG directive.

3 Safety rules

STEALTH 2.0 TEC BC is designed to provide the user with safety and comfort. Improper use may result in an

accident, therefore it is necessary to comply with ALL of the following rules.

Danger!

1. Before every dive, carefully inspect all elements of the equipment, including the BC. For further

information on the subject, read: “Pre-dive inspection”.

2. Do not dive with the BC if there are signs of defective operation, damage or wear, such a BC should be

withdrawn from use until it is repaired by an authorized XDEEP distributor.

3. During diving, perform mutual buddy-check, visually inspecting the BC against any leakages or other

irregularities. Arrange checkout procedures with your buddy and practice relevant diving signs once again
before diving.

4. In case of an uncontrolled ascent, you should immediately start releasing air from the BC in order to stop

or slow down the rate of ascent.

5. In order not to drown as a result of an uncontrolled descent, in all cases you should be able to use an

emergency source of buoyancy or remove the weight. The BC CANNOT be the only source of buoyancy!

6. Do not use your BC to lift or bring heavy objects to the surface. Doing so may result in a serious accident

due to damage done to the BC or an uncontrolled ascent. For bringing objects heavier than 2kg, use
appropriate equipment, such as a lift bag.

7. To prevent the BC from damage, avoid prolonged exposure of your BC to direct sunlight or extreme heat

and keep it away from sharp objects.

8. Do not inhale air from the BC. It may contain harmful contaminants, gases, or dangerous bacteria which

evolve in damp places.

9. A BC is not a lifejacket and does not guarantee a head-up position of the user on the surface. Therefore,

you should always dive with a buddy in case of losing consciousness on the surface.

10. Do not lift or move the BC by pulling the inflator hose. Such practice may result in irreparable damage to

the BC.

11. When diving in cold water (below 10 degrees Celsius), you should take into account that the inflator may

freeze, as a result of which, it may supply air in an uncontrolled way, or other irregularities in its operation
may appear. Before diving in cold water, it is necessary that you practice emergency procedures should the
inflator freeze!

4 Elements of the STEALTH 2.0 system

The Stealth 2.0 system consists of a few independent elements, which may be configured depending on
individual preferences and on the specification of the type of diving you are engaged in.

 The Stealth 2.0 Harness Allows adjustment to any size, and thanks to its

anatomical construction provides perfect freedom of
movement.

 The Stealth 2.0 Weight System The unique modular weight system allows total flexibility,

regardless of the exposure protection worn, and provides
for weight placement around the center of gravity which
ensures ideal trim.

 The Stealth 2.0 Buoyancy Compensator The STEALTH 2.0 harness may be used with one of the

following three types of buoyancy vompensators:

- Classic – buoayancy compensator, independent from the
harness, providing over 16kg of lift

- Tec – a two-layer buoayancy compensator integrated
with the harness providing over 23 kg of lift;

- Rec – a two-layer buoayancy compensator integrated
with the harness providing 14 kg of lift.

We have described the particular elements of the system as well as the way to configure and adjust them in
the following pages.

5 STEALTH 2.0 Harness

Fig. 2. Harness STEALTH 2.0

5

1 2 4

3 6 7

The STEALTH harness has been designed for side-mount diving and can be used with or without the integrated
weight system.

The picture below shows the harness in its basic configuration, with the weight system installed:

1. Upper node (partly under the weight pocket)

2. Lower node (under the weight pocket);

3. Central weight pocket;

4. Trim pockets;

5. Waist strap;

6. Shoulder straps;

7. Crotch strap.

6 The harness adjustment 1/2

Fig. 3. The points of adjustment of the particular straps

1

2 3 4

2

3

Ordering the complete STEALTH 2.0 harness, you will receive all the elements assembled and ready to use. To
ensure comfort and safety of use, you should make some final adjustments.

The STEALTH 2.0 harness is offered in one universal size. The adjustment system makes it simple to fit either a
very small or very large person by the adjustment of shoulder straps, a waist strap, and a crotch strap, as well
as by the adjustment of the distance between the lower and the upper node to accommodate the height of the
diver.

The picture below shows the length adjustment points of the particular straps (to make it clear, the harness has
been configured without the weight system):

1. Central strap adjustment points – height adjustment;

2. Shoulder straps adjustment points;

3. Waist straps adjustment points;

4. Crotch strap adjustment point.

7 The harness adjustment 2/2

Incorrectly adjusted length of the central harness strap may result in decreased freedom of movement or
by protruding of the harness.

Fig.4. Correct placement of the harness’ nodes

The STEALTH 2.0 provides great comfort and full freedom of movement, providing the lower and upper nodes
are placed in the right spot on the back. The lower node should be in such a place so that the waist strap is
exactly on the waistline, and the upper node of the harness should be in such a place so that the metal element
is between the shoulder blades.

Placing the upper node too high may result in the harness sticking out from the back after you assume an
“arched back” position in water.

We begin the harness adjustment process by finding the right spot for the lower harness node. It should be
exactly on the lumbar curve of the spine. The picture below shows the right placement of the lower node on
the diver's body:

The middle of the upper node (indicated with the
dotted line) should be placed at the level of the
shoulder blades.

The middle of the lower node (also indicated with the
dotted line) should be placed exactly on the waist.

Note: For ease of viewing, the harness has been
configured without the central weight pocket. When
using the harness with the central weight pocket
attached, the rule remains the same.

After adjusting the lower node in the proper place, we adjust the length of the central strap in such a way so
that the upper node gets into the right place.

After you have finished the height adjustment , you need to adjust the length of the shoulder and waist straps.
The properly adjusted harness should cling closely to the body without limiting any movements.

8 Mounting of the bungee cord 1/2

Fig.6. Bungee connected above the D-ring

Fig.7. Bungee connected with “floating” loop

Fig.5. Attachment of bungee cord to the upper node.

The characteristic feature of the side mount configuration are the bungee cords which route around the
cylinders valve and draw the cylinder tight into the divers body, creating a very clean and streamlined profile.

There are several different methods of mounting the bungee cord:

1. One continuous length of bungee cord run behind the back (between the metal adaptor plate and

upper node),and connected to both the left and right shoulder D-rings with a bolt snap ;

2. Two individual lengths of bungee cord attached to the upper node, and attached directly above the

left and right shoulder D-rings;

3. Two individual lengths of bungee cord attached to the upper node, and attached to the left and right

shoulder straps by a “floating” loop.

Although the first method is very popular, it does have the disadvantage of trapping the D-rings against the
chest. This is why we suggest either of the other two methods.

The bungee cord is attached to the harness at the
adaptor plate on the upper node.

The mounting is achieved by passing the bungee cord
through the holes in the adaptor plate and fixing with
a knot. This allows for possible adjustment under
water by a partner.

If the single bungee cord configuration is desired, it
will need to be run between the metal adaptor plate
and upper node to avoid instability.

The pictures below show the two alternative methods of bungee configuration:

9 Mounting of the bungee cord 1/2

Improperly installed or worn out bungee cords may cause the separation of the cylinder from the harness.

It is important to check the bungees condition and attachment prior to each dive.

Danger!

Fig. 8. Bungee mounting points

The STEALTH 2.0 buoyancy compensator is equipped with additional adjustment points used for mounting the
bungee to the compensator which are located in its upper underside. The adjustment points ensure an easy
movement of the bungees at the same time stabilizing the BC and preventing the upper part of the
compensator from getting loose and baggy.

The mounting is achieved by passing the bungee cord through the slit between the strap and the stiff part of
the BC. The compensator is equipped with three mounting points on either side. Depending on the height and
individual adjustment of the harness and bungee cord the user is expected to experimentally choose the most
suitable mounting point out of the three in such a way that the bungee cord goes in straight line between the
mounting point to the harness and the valve of the cylinder.