'09 Ranger LTD - shoulder size

[SkimFisher]

Ok, I just bought a Ranger LTD (got it in last week) and I love it. But I've got a question about adjusting/fitting the shoulder straps. I have pretty small frame - 5'5" @147 lbs. The LTD I have is a small - both shoulders and waist. It fits me pretty well, however the sternum strap is WAY too high on me and I feel like I need to cinch the straps down way too far in order to lower it. I have to cinch them down so far that it's forcing me to wear the BC a little too high on my body - even then the sternum strap is about an inch below my neck and is already on the lower set of loops.

So this makes me think I need to go up a size on the shoulders - to a medium. Does this sound right? What are my options for changing the straps out? Do I need to contact the dealer?

I realize this is my fault. The only other Zeagle BC I've dived was an Escape w/no sternum strap - also a small. Didn't have this problem - though I'm not sure what the shoulder size was. So I figured, "hey, a small should work."...maybe not. :/ Live and learn.

I appreciate any feedback.

 

[scubafanatic]

....yeah, it certainly sounds like the sternum strap is too high....if you go up a size on the shoulder straps things should improve, there should be plenty of ability to take up any excess slack via the sightening pull downs if you go up a size...and if you want to dress up the BC a bit after you've adjusted it I like to use bicycle tire inner tube sections cut to the correct lengeths to 'tuck' any excess danglies inside as I hate having the extra length dangling/swaying/hanging out.....looks a lot more 'professional' and avoids a snag hazzard if you ever go through any tight swimthroughs/wreck opening or hatches. Also, wouldn't hurt to contact the dealer to confirm things/measurements.

 

[SkimFisher]

Yeah, I just gave the dealer a call. Waiting for them to call me back.

 

[SkimFisher]

Is there a guide for removing the shoulder assembly? I checked the website and didn't see anything. It looks intuitive, but I just want to make sure I don't accidentally send him only part of it or something.

I talked to the dealer and he's going to switch the assemblies out for me.