tdallen
Contributor
Hi -
I'm a relatively new diver and just returned from a 8 dives with a Zeagle Stiletto. There are some things I like about it, others not so much. One issue is that I was unable to get into a good position on the surface. I know that a back inflate BCD (this is my first trip with one) requires you to not fully inflate on the surface, and try to lean into a position to float more on your back - but I couldn't get it to work well. Some additional notes:
Thanks
I'm a relatively new diver and just returned from a 8 dives with a Zeagle Stiletto. There are some things I like about it, others not so much. One issue is that I was unable to get into a good position on the surface. I know that a back inflate BCD (this is my first trip with one) requires you to not fully inflate on the surface, and try to lean into a position to float more on your back - but I couldn't get it to work well. Some additional notes:
- I'm 5'10", 185lbs, wearing a 3mm shorty.
- At sufficient inflation levels to get my head above water I was pushed forward uncomfortably.
- With less inflation I could achieve a more vertical position but my head was only partly out of the water, requiring the use of my regulator.
- I couldn't sustain a position on my back, in part because there was significant swell/chop.
- Bottom line is that I feel like was expending too much effort on the surface, and not getting help from my equipment to prepare for recovery to the dive boat.
- My legs are lean/heavy and no help achieving a floating position. But, I may go to a full 3/2mm or 3mm in the future (I was getting cold) if that is matters.
- My fins are Aqua Lung Slingshots and slightly negatively buoyant, I think.
- It seemed to me that the Stiletto places a large bubble of air fairly high up in the bladder at high inflation levels.
- I was using 14lbs, 4lb in the front pockets and 3lb in the back trim pockets.
Thanks