XDEEP buying guide
XDEEP Single Wing Systems Compared
Compare the complete XDEEP GHOST, ZEN and ZEOS single-cylinder systems. This guide explains the practical differences, who each system suits and which package offers the best fit for your diving.
The quick answer
Which XDEEP system should you buy?
All three are backplate-and-wing systems for single-cylinder diving, but they are designed around different priorities.
Choose GHOST for travel
The lightest and most travel-focused option. Choose it when low packed weight, fast drying and a compact recreational setup matter more than maximum modularity.
Best all-round choice
Choose ZEN for premium versatility
The strongest all-round option for divers who want a refined, comfortable and highly stable system for UK diving, travel and regular single-cylinder use.
Choose ZEOS for classic simplicity
A proven traditional backplate-and-wing configuration. Choose it when you value straightforward construction, lift-capacity choice and familiar continuous-webbing simplicity.
Side-by-side comparison
GHOST vs ZEN vs ZEOS
Use this table to identify the system that best matches your cylinders, exposure protection, travel requirements and preferred harness style.
| Feature | XDEEP GHOST | XDEEP ZEN | XDEEP ZEOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Travel and lightweight recreational diving | Premium all-round single-cylinder diving | Classic, robust backplate-and-wing setups |
| Overall character | Light, compact and travel focused | Modern, ergonomic and highly refined | Simple, traditional and modular |
| Lift | 17 kg | 19 kg | 13 kg or 17 kg options |
| Typical complete-system weight | Approximately 2.2–2.4 kg before weight pockets | Approximately 3.0–5.3 kg depending on plate and harness | Depends on wing, plate and selected package |
| Backplate style | Lightweight travel-oriented plate | Ergonomic NX Series backplate | Classic backplate |
| Harness approach | Comfort-focused recreational harness | NX Standard or quick-release Deluxe options | Classic continuous-webbing or package-specific harness |
| Maximum stated cylinder size | 15 litre | 18 litre | Check the selected package specification |
| Travel suitability | Excellent | Good with aluminium plate | Good when configured with an aluminium plate |
| Cold-water UK diving | Suitable, particularly where low system weight matters | Excellent all-round option | Excellent traditional option |
| Best reason to buy | Minimum travel weight | Comfort, stability and premium design | Proven simplicity and configuration choice |
Lightweight travel system
XDEEP GHOST
The GHOST is the most travel-focused system in the range. Its lightweight construction makes it particularly attractive to divers who regularly fly with their equipment or want a compact, quick-drying recreational wing.
Why choose the GHOST?
- Low complete-system weight for airline travel.
- 17 kg of lift for normal single-cylinder recreational use.
- Adjustable relationship between the cylinder, wing and adaptor.
- Compact, streamlined design.
- Suitable for cylinders up to the manufacturer's stated 15-litre maximum.
Who is it best for?
The GHOST is best suited to recreational divers who place a high value on luggage weight and portability. It is also a sensible choice for warm-water divers who want the in-water benefits of a wing without carrying a heavier steel-backplate system.
Premium all-round system
XDEEP ZEN
The ZEN is the premium all-round choice. It combines a narrow 19 kg wing with XDEEP's ergonomic NX Series backplate, a centre-mounted inflator arrangement and a comfort-focused harness system.
Why choose the ZEN?
- 19 kg of lift in a narrow, streamlined wing.
- NX Series ergonomic backplate.
- Standard and quick-release Deluxe harness choices.
- Aluminium or steel backplate options.
- Suitable for single-cylinder diving across a wide range of conditions.
- Designed to support stable trim and comfortable surface positioning.
Who is it best for?
The ZEN is the best choice for most divers who want one single-cylinder system for UK diving, overseas trips and long-term use. Select an aluminium plate to reduce travel weight or a steel plate when additional fixed ballast is useful.
Classic backplate and wing
XDEEP ZEOS
The ZEOS follows the familiar traditional backplate-and-wing approach. It is a strong choice for divers who prefer conventional hardware, straightforward adjustment and a choice between two wing lift capacities.
Why choose the ZEOS?
- Choice of 13 kg or 17 kg lift.
- Classic backplate design.
- Proven, straightforward construction.
- Good platform for a simple continuous-webbing harness.
- Suitable for divers who want traditional modularity.
Who is it best for?
The ZEOS suits divers who already understand the classic backplate-and-wing format or who want a clean, uncomplicated system without the more specialised NX Series design features.
Before ordering
Compare the complete package, not only the wing
Two listings with the same wing can represent very different total packages. Check every component before comparing prices.
Backplate
Confirm whether the package includes aluminium, stainless steel or a model-specific lightweight plate. Plate material affects overall weight, travel convenience and how much removable lead you need.
Harness
Check whether the system uses continuous webbing, an NX Standard harness or a quick-release Deluxe-style harness. The preferred choice depends on simplicity, comfort and ease of entry.
Weight system
Weight pockets may be included, optional or available in different capacities. Choose enough capacity for your exposure suit and cylinders without carrying unnecessary bulk.
Single-tank adaptor
Confirm that the complete package contains the correct adaptor and cylinder bands. This is essential when comparing a complete system against wing-only or plate-and-harness listings.
Harness padding
Padding can improve comfort when diving in thin exposure protection, although many drysuit divers prefer a simpler harness with fewer components.
Inflator and hose
Check that the inflator assembly and suitable low-pressure hose are included. Product photographs should not be treated as a definitive list of package contents.
Match the system to your diving
Our recommendations by diver type
Frequent airline traveller
Choose the GHOST. Its principal advantage is low system weight and travel convenience.
UK drysuit diver
Choose the ZEN with a steel or aluminium plate according to your weighting needs. It provides the strongest balance of lift, comfort and versatility.
New wing-system buyer
Choose the ZEN when you want a refined complete package, or the ZEOS when you prefer the simplest traditional harness arrangement.
Experienced backplate-and-wing diver
Choose the ZEOS for a familiar classic platform, or the ZEN when you specifically want the NX Series ergonomic design.
Frequently asked questions
XDEEP single-wing FAQs
What is the best XDEEP wing for most divers?
The ZEN is the strongest all-round recommendation for most single-cylinder divers. It offers 19 kg of lift, an ergonomic backplate and a choice of harness and backplate configurations. Divers focused primarily on travel may prefer the lighter GHOST.
Is the GHOST only for warm-water diving?
No. The GHOST can be used in cold water within the manufacturer's stated operating range. Its defining advantage is low system weight rather than a restriction to warm-water use.
Should I buy a steel or aluminium backplate?
Choose steel when fixed ballast is useful, particularly with a drysuit and buoyant undergarments. Choose aluminium when keeping luggage weight down or when you already require little ballast.
What is the difference between ZEN Standard and Deluxe?
The Standard system uses the NX Series Standard harness. The Deluxe configuration adds quick-release shoulder buckles and additional comfort features. Check the individual listing because exact package contents may vary.
Is the ZEOS suitable for a first wing system?
Yes. It is a straightforward traditional backplate-and-wing platform. Some new users may find a quick-release harness easier initially, while others value the simplicity of continuous webbing.
Do these systems include weight pockets?
That depends on the exact package sold. Review the product listing carefully to confirm the included weight system, backplate, harness, single-tank adaptor and cylinder bands.
Choose your complete system
Shop XDEEP single-cylinder wing packages
Compare complete GHOST, ZEN and ZEOS packages, then select the backplate, harness and weight configuration that matches your diving.