BC choices: Zeagle Stiletto v. Zena
- Thread starter lilycat
- Start date
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lilycat:
I like the Zena since it is very adjustable, but it doesn't have the pockets like the men's models. It has plastic D-rings instead of SS ones. I have no problem wearing a man's BC. I'm sure you will be able to come up with a combination of body/strap sizes that will work for you. Larry is a great guy.
DiveMaven
Contributor
The newer model of Zena has SS d-rings.
Bicster
Contributor
RiotNrrd:
The character generator didn't have a button for "brown with blonde highlights"
Bicster
Contributor
She just tried them both on. My executive summary: the upper torso strap on the medium stiletto is too low; my medium stiletto w/ large waist fits her better because the upper torso strap sits about an inch higher.
The shoulder straps on the large Zena were adjusted in all the way with room to spare, so I guess she needs to try it with the medium straps.
The shoulder straps on the large Zena were adjusted in all the way with room to spare, so I guess she needs to try it with the medium straps.
Lexy
Guest
I can speak from the lady diver with Stiletto side of the house. I purchased the Stiletto about a year ago and have logged nearly 75 dives with it.
The quality is fantastic and I love all the stainless steel D rings.
However, here's my two cents: The "general" thought for BCDs are to carry the weight pouches directly on the hips with the cumberbund slightly below the belly button. This works for guys who in comparison, have stronger upper bodies & don't have hourglass shaped bodies. I found having my weight pouches (full of 14-16 pounds of lead total) directly on my hips soooo uncomfortable + hard on my back. So, I tightened up the shoulder straps on the Stiletto and carry the weight right above my hip bone -> so it sits in the snug of my waistline. The cumberbund sits right on my waist at the narrowest portion + slightly above my bellybutton = so it now stays put. Much more comfortable!
Also, when I had the cumberbund and weights lower on my hips, the Stiletto would continuously creep up toward my waist through the dive. ANNOYING! Nothing like having to grab your BCD and pull down with one hand while diving. So, I installed the crotch straps.
Lastly - Keep in mind that the top torso strap is adjustable - if it's too high you can move it down & vice versa.
The quality is fantastic and I love all the stainless steel D rings.
However, here's my two cents: The "general" thought for BCDs are to carry the weight pouches directly on the hips with the cumberbund slightly below the belly button. This works for guys who in comparison, have stronger upper bodies & don't have hourglass shaped bodies. I found having my weight pouches (full of 14-16 pounds of lead total) directly on my hips soooo uncomfortable + hard on my back. So, I tightened up the shoulder straps on the Stiletto and carry the weight right above my hip bone -> so it sits in the snug of my waistline. The cumberbund sits right on my waist at the narrowest portion + slightly above my bellybutton = so it now stays put. Much more comfortable!
Also, when I had the cumberbund and weights lower on my hips, the Stiletto would continuously creep up toward my waist through the dive. ANNOYING! Nothing like having to grab your BCD and pull down with one hand while diving. So, I installed the crotch straps.
Lastly - Keep in mind that the top torso strap is adjustable - if it's too high you can move it down & vice versa.
OP
lilycat
Contributor
I am still trying out my BC options. So far:
On the Zena, I exchanged the large vest and shoulder straps for medium. It is better but the entire bc still rotates around my body. I think this will mean that the bc will rotate with the weight of a tank from left to right. This would be uncomfortable.
I plan to call Larry tomorrow with this finding and see if there is a solution.
The Stiletto doesn't rotate, but I'm still not 100% ok with the fit in the other departments. The size I received is different from my husband's. On Jeff's, the chest strap sits higher and doesn't interfere with my chest. Also, his bc sits on my hips - the new one sits above my waist. I'm not sure that's right.
Any input would be appreciated. This is my first bc and I don't want to make a rookie mistake in the fit only to find out that it is a catastrophe under water.
On the Zena, I exchanged the large vest and shoulder straps for medium. It is better but the entire bc still rotates around my body. I think this will mean that the bc will rotate with the weight of a tank from left to right. This would be uncomfortable.
I plan to call Larry tomorrow with this finding and see if there is a solution.
The Stiletto doesn't rotate, but I'm still not 100% ok with the fit in the other departments. The size I received is different from my husband's. On Jeff's, the chest strap sits higher and doesn't interfere with my chest. Also, his bc sits on my hips - the new one sits above my waist. I'm not sure that's right.
Any input would be appreciated. This is my first bc and I don't want to make a rookie mistake in the fit only to find out that it is a catastrophe under water.
gecko2gecko
Guest
The sizing on the Zena was a little tricky for me too. I basically ended up going a size smaller in the pieces I needed. Once I found the right fit though, it is perfect. I ended up with a medium vest portion and a small set of shoulders. As far as the twisting...I'm sure you are, but I just have to ask. Do you have all four of the lower straps tightened? Once I got those right it made a world of difference. You may just need a small. What's the harm in that? 
Do you think it is possible that you are hiking it up too far with the shoulder straps because of the chest strap? I have the Brigade (long torso problem) and I loosen the shoulder straps and fasten the cumberbund at my waist. Then I tighten the shoulder straps. Then I fasten the chest strap which hits me on the sternum. Try it on without fastening the chest strap, making sure that you do it in order of cumberbund then shoulders. If all fails, just steal Jeff's.
You might want to try a Dive Rite Transpac in size Large. It's very adjustable and unisex.
Keep us posted...
You might want to try a Dive Rite Transpac in size Large. It's very adjustable and unisex.
Keep us posted...
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