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Bladders single tank (11-16l)

Single-tank wings for backmount BP/W systems in the 11–16 litre range. All bladders here are designed for single-cylinder diving and mount directly to a standard backplate via the bladder loop or bolt slot. Fabric options — Cordura, Kevlar, and No-Cut — determine durability and abrasion resistance; internal bladder construction and valve configuration are consistent across the range.

Wing Volumes and Single Tank Use

The bladders in this range span 11–14 litres of lift capacity, covering single-cylinder backmount configurations in both recreational and technical setups. The Ultra light 12l donut and ULTRA LIGHT TEK 12L variants offer a compact profile optimised for streamlined single-tank diving where excess lift at the surface is not required. The LZ 14l series and Tekno Donut 14l series provide 14 litres — sufficient for heavier steel cylinders or drysuits in cold water where additional surface lift is useful for exits.

The key distinction within this sub-range is fabric: Cordura (LZ 14l bladder Cordura, Tekno Donut 14l light Cordura, ULTRA LIGHT TEK in Cordura) is a robust woven nylon that resists abrasion in cave and wreck environments. Kevlar variants (LZ 14l bladder Kevlar, LZ 14 bladder in Kevlar+, Tekno Donut 14l light KEVLAR, ULTRA LIGHT TEK 12L kevlar, Ultra light 12l donut KEVLAR) use para-aramid fibre for superior cut and puncture resistance at a slight weight premium. The LZ 14 Bladder “No-Cut fabric” uses a different woven construction that prevents fabric from fraying when cut, which is relevant for cave environments where bladder contact with rock edges is likely. The Tekno Donut 14 TEK is the technical configuration of the 14l donut with a reinforced construction for doubles and redundant system use.

What to Look For

  • Volume vs. cylinder buoyancy — a 12l wing provides adequate surface lift for an aluminium 12l cylinder; a steel 15l cylinder requires the additional margin of the 14l variants. Size your wing to the heaviest single cylinder you intend to use, not the lightest.
  • Fabric choice for environment — Cordura for general use and rock/wreck contact; Kevlar for environments with sharp edges or extended cave penetration; No-Cut for venues where bladder integrity is paramount and a fraying outer cover is unacceptable.
  • OPR valve position — check that the over-pressure relief valve sits at the highest point of the bladder in your normal trim position. A valve that is not at the highest point will not vent correctly if the bladder is overfilled.
  • Backplate compatibility — all bladders here use standard backmount attachment geometry. Verify that the bladder loop or bolt slot matches the mounting configuration of your backplate before ordering.

FAQ

What is the difference between the Tekno Donut and LZ bladder series?

Both are donut-shaped single-tank wings designed for backmount BP/W use. The LZ series features a lower-profile construction for divers prioritising streamlining, while the Tekno Donut uses a slightly rounder cross-section that distributes lift more evenly around the cylinder. Both are available in Cordura and Kevlar. Choice is largely personal preference and trim preference — try both geometries if possible before committing to a fabric and volume combination.

Can I use a 14l single-tank bladder for technical diving with a single stage cylinder?

Yes — a 14l single-tank bladder is the standard configuration for backmount technical single-cylinder diving. For doubles diving, you require a doubles bladder from the 20–30l range. A 14l bladder is insufficient for the lift demands of a set of steel doubles.