fishdelasol
Guest
I know there are a lot of posts regarding the back inflate vs jacket style and womens' BCs in general. Here is my experience so far.
Well, I tried out my Zena for the first time at the extreme depth of 18 ft. :eye-popin It was a great experience to try out all of our new gear in a very controlled environment of a diving well. We had a fun time waving at the synchronized swimming team above us. :wavey:
I really like my Zena. When I bought it I was between it, the LaZer, and the Mares Aliikai. I like the zip up front instead of a cumber bun. I am still a bit worried my size (Medium) isn't exactly right. Maybe with a wet suit it will be better. The shoulder area still had a small gap even with the tank and weights. Maybe this is good since I will have no issues with it cutting into my skin. I will not have any more cinch if I lose weight around my waist.
The mesh pouch in the front is awesome! I am also hoping I won't need as much weight with this BC, as well. I seemed very overweighted. But, I will definitely compare this to the ocean and wet suit before I go removing any weight.
The back inflation was much better than the jacket style I had to wear in class. There was no bulk or uncomfortable squeeze. I could move around freely and felt very streamlined. Neither my husband (Zeagle Stiletto) or I had any issues with it at the surface or underwater. We have a big difference in overall swimming experience and water abilities in general and both agree we like it better.
The salesman was trying to discourage me from a soft backplate because he felt that the tank roll was too obnoxious. I do not think it will be a big issue for me. I did feel the tank roll slightly if I wiggled around a lot but it didn't flip me on my back or anything. I was able to swim sideways, crooked, upside down with ease. The tank did not dig into my back either.
I will admit that I will always wonder if the LaZer would have been a better choice. However, I am very happy with my overall purchase.
Well, I tried out my Zena for the first time at the extreme depth of 18 ft. :eye-popin It was a great experience to try out all of our new gear in a very controlled environment of a diving well. We had a fun time waving at the synchronized swimming team above us. :wavey:
I really like my Zena. When I bought it I was between it, the LaZer, and the Mares Aliikai. I like the zip up front instead of a cumber bun. I am still a bit worried my size (Medium) isn't exactly right. Maybe with a wet suit it will be better. The shoulder area still had a small gap even with the tank and weights. Maybe this is good since I will have no issues with it cutting into my skin. I will not have any more cinch if I lose weight around my waist.
The mesh pouch in the front is awesome! I am also hoping I won't need as much weight with this BC, as well. I seemed very overweighted. But, I will definitely compare this to the ocean and wet suit before I go removing any weight.
The back inflation was much better than the jacket style I had to wear in class. There was no bulk or uncomfortable squeeze. I could move around freely and felt very streamlined. Neither my husband (Zeagle Stiletto) or I had any issues with it at the surface or underwater. We have a big difference in overall swimming experience and water abilities in general and both agree we like it better.
The salesman was trying to discourage me from a soft backplate because he felt that the tank roll was too obnoxious. I do not think it will be a big issue for me. I did feel the tank roll slightly if I wiggled around a lot but it didn't flip me on my back or anything. I was able to swim sideways, crooked, upside down with ease. The tank did not dig into my back either.
I will admit that I will always wonder if the LaZer would have been a better choice. However, I am very happy with my overall purchase.
