BCD Help

[bbailey1]

I have a Zeagle Concept II bcd. I have gripes about it and would like to know if others have experienced the same problems. My bc is about ten years old but I have had the same problems since I have had it.(8 years) The bc rides up on me when in a head down position. It twist on me when I am on my side, such as diving along a wall. I have tightened the cumberbun to the point of being uncomfortable with no result. It is sized correctly to Zeagle's chart. I have also installed a lumbar cushion. Like I said these are just gripes and do not interfere with my diving. But I don't see anyone else having to reposition their Bc underwater as much as I do.
I have had my eye on a sea quest balance for some time but after looking at one in a store I am not so shure of the quality compared to the zeagle. I think I want to keep a back inflate bc but have never dove anything else. My buddy has a sherwood Avid and it seems to be very good quality.
The bottom line is I want a bc that stays put while I stand on my head taking photos. Someone please give me some recommendations. Thanks.

 

[DiveMaven]

Although it might be the right size, it clearly doesn't fit you right. It may simply be the wrong BC for your body type, and another style/type may fit you better. My husband looked at both the Stilletto and Ranger and the Ranger won hands down for fit and comfort. I dive a Zena and had Scott fit me into a Lazer last summer. There was no question which BC fit better and was more comfortable, it was the Zena without question. Neither my husband's Ranger nor my Zena EVER moves or shifts once properly adjusted underwater....the sure mark of a perfect fit.

If you're interested in staying with Zeagle (and who can blame you there?!?), look at a different style of BC than the Concept. You can even go without a cumberbun now with Zeagle's new Zeus, which is the "man version" of the Zena.

Bottom line is that it's all about FIT, not size.

 

[pollywogg]

I second DiveMaven's suggestion about the Ranger. Great BC, very modifiable, and, when properly adjusted, it fits like a glove. I use the Ranger and I love it, but for most of my rec dives, I use my Hollis HD100. This also is a great BC. There is a little more to it in terms of shoulder padding, but the weight ditch system is really nice. They are both Cadillacs, in my opinion. I have used other BCs, but these are my picks. (As evidenced by the fact that I own both) They each have their own pros/cons, but they are overall great.

 

[rstofer]

It would seem to me that if the BC rides 'up' when you are head down (I assume 'up' means toward your head) then the BC is providing less lift than the tank is negative plus the integrated weights. That seems right because I am guessing you are wearing a wetsuit. You didn't say how much weight you were carrying but that's probably the issue. A -10.5# tank plus 20# of lead will no doubt have the BC moving in the direction of gravity.

Were it me, I would look into using a crotch strap. But the BC may still be too loose.

If the BC slides around, it is too loose. You can try shortening the shoulder straps, that's the way a BP/W is adjusted to reduce tank roll. Most BP/Ws don't even have chest straps. But the backplate provides structure for the straps to tie into. That BC looks a little floppy on both ends of the straps.

All that slippery padding isn't helping anything and probably floats. You have to carry additional weight just to sink your BC!

From the pictures, the Concept II doesn't look much different than any other BC.

Richard

 

[bbailey1]

Thanks for your input. I dive with 10-12 lbs and a shorty most of the time. I have tried tightening the shoulder straps and loosening them without luck either way. I should say that I dove with an instructor's Ranger during pool sessions and do not remember these problems. It seemed much stiffer. My bc is very flexible and will not stand up on its on. I assumed it was because his was new.

 

[fisheater]

I solved that issue with my Zeagle by adding the "saddle straps."

No more sliding.

 

[Puffer Fish]

Hi bbailey1, welcome to scuba board. Like with wetsuits, fit is more than just the sizing numbers, body shape is also a major factor.

I own several BP/W and BC's...including Mares, Zeagle, Diverite and Hollis.

First off, there is a huge difference between a BC like the ranger and most of the lightly built regular BC's. If they fit you, really flexible ones are a joy to wear.. if they don't, they suck really bad.

On the other hand, BC's like the ranger are much stiffer.. even after years.

Personally, I like BC's like the ranger, for the very reasons you have issues with yours.

The only sad part about Zeagle is that their BC's tend to not wear out...

 

[Pacific Taco]

I picked up a Ranger LTD last week after lots and lots of shopping. 3 dives on the Coronado Islands was my "break-in" run and it was so awesomely comfortable and just...perfect. I can't recommend this BC highly enough.

 

[rstofer]

Thanks for your input. I dive with 10-12 lbs and a shorty most of the time. I have tried tightening the shoulder straps and loosening them without luck either way. I should say that I dove with an instructor's Ranger during pool sessions and do not remember these problems. It seemed much stiffer. My bc is very flexible and will not stand up on its on. I assumed it was because his was new.

My wife bought a travel type BC many years ago and it always lacked structure. There didn't seem to be enough backplate to even hold the tank in place. The tank was always coming loose or shifting around. I never liked that BC even though, at the time, I was diving a jacket style BC.

Today we both dive BP/Ws. I like mine but she is still thinking about hers.

Richard

 

[bbailey1]

I don't exactly realish the idea of using a crotch strap. Do most people use them with the BP/Ws?