Back inflate or women's bc?

[jerryzim]

I'm about to buy my first bc and have the choice narrowed (I think!) to the Genesis Athena and the Zeagle Ranger. I'm totally in a quandary about which way to go.

Both are comfortable. The Athena seems to have a bit more "access" to things like pockets for me (a bit busty), and I like how it's accessorized. I thought I'd decided for sure on the Athena. But then my husband (I've logged on with his name) tried on a Ranger and fell in love with it (his first bc, too). I tried it on and it was fine. My husband feels back inflation is the way to go as opposed to jacket. But I've never used back inflation...and the Ranger costs quite a bit more.

Any thoughts or advice for a relative novice (OW w/20 dives/warm water only)? Thanks.

Mrs. Jerryzim

 

[Diver Kat]

My husband got hooked on the Zeagle Scout and talked me into a Zeagle as well. However I decided on the Zena due to the option of selecting different sized vest, back & shoulders to fit my body size (short & busty), and the zip up vest rather than a velcro cumberbund .... So far I love it. I got it just after my 20th dive - I did dive #59 today. The Scout & the Zena are both good travel BC's, as well as suitable for warm water diving. I think they may cost a bit less than the Ranger as well, since the Ranger is considered a more serious, heavy duty recreational BC. See if you can find a dive shop that might let you test the BC's you interested in, in their pool .... we have a few shops around here that offer that option... might help you decide ...... anyway happy diving!!

 

[astrl]

I too was looking at buying a women's BC and settled on the Zeagle Escape. I love it and have never regretted the decision. I am also busty and straps that were "out of the way" were important to me.

astrl

 

[tx.lakerats]

Your making your decision on two good choice's.. See if you can try before you buy.. some shops will let you if they have their own pool!!
Good luck!!

 

[jerryzim]

Thanks, all, for the advice. I'm still unsure...and, unfortunately, our local shops won't let you try before you buy. I appreciate the input!
Mrs. jerryzim

 

[Diver Kat]

Mrs. Jerryzim ..... your profile doesn't say what area of the country/world your in - but maybe you can find some other divers in your area that have the BC's your interested in that would let you take a test run?? It's a shame if the dive shop won't - they end up losing business that way .....

 

[SubMariner]

What about a hybrid BC? One that has back and a partial wrap around?

I use the Aeris XT, which is a hybrid. This will be my 3rd year using it and I really enjoy diving with it.

So there.. I've complicated matters even MORE! :lol:

 

[penguinbuddy]

Perferably, I like the backplate, it's alot easier, and as some have said that they make you tip over, not true. You can get it with STA, normal weight or heavy weight, so it takes off the weight from your belt.

 

[Luckyfishrag]

I looked at the same ones and tried them on, etc... The Ranger has lots of pockets and stuff on it... Probably why it is more expensive. I think I saw it at a good price at Scuba.com. and they had a price guarantee. I bought a scuba pro Knighthawk even though I am a girl... the Ladyhawk just didn't fit. I LOVE the back inflation. When I dive the jacket style, I hate the BIG HUG it gives. I feel a bit anxious when my lungs are crushed in the way a jacket style does. So, never feeling that is terrific!
Also, it seems that you have more freedom of movement with the back inflation. Not so much "stuff" in the front of your body. As for stability on the surface, not a problem if you put some weights in the trim. Very comfy!
Hope this helps. I know it is hard to decide. I just bought my BC about 8 weeks ago.
Lucky

 

[Dive Source]

You may also want to look at the Concept2 Pro which has more adjustment than the Ranger and is quite accomodating for different shapes.

The Zena has also been very popular and please support your LDS I am sure they will be competitive.

(I hope it was OK for me to post here as a guy but I have fitted quite a few ladies in Zeagle BC's and this thread interested me.)