I know this thread is a slightly old, but had to resurrect it as I have just switched to a zeagle stiletto and had the same comments as the original poster's title after my first dives with this BCD. With all the comments about back inflate BCD's pushing you face down on the surface, I was a bit concern as I hadn't had time to test the Stiletto before I went off on a Komodo liveaboard trip last week. First off, this is a great travel BCD. Light and compact! The only problem (I wouldn't even call it a problem) was getting used to dumping air either by twisting my body and angling my left shoulder up if I needed to dump from the top or by pointing down (legs above) and using the rear dump. Did struggle slightly finding the rear dump cord, but got it down after a day of diving.
On the surface, I had absolutely no problems as I remembered everyone's advise to lean back slightly (also helped that I had a few small weights distributed in the rear pockets). In fact I enjoyed just lying on my back soaking up the sun as we waited for the tenders! Even in rougher waters, I didn't find myself struggling.
Coming from a vest BCD, I agree BI style BCD's are very comfortable and less restricting. This was very noticeable as I'm a budding u/w photographer and it let me get into all goofy positions to get those akward shots of those darn critter hiding in rocks and coral. Like other back inflates, I loved how it naturally puts you in a very horizontal position. But, I also found it easy to switch to a vertical position when needed. I guess I might have gotten lucky and got the right tank height and weight settings on my 1st 2 dives.
Anyways, I had a blast on the trip and probably the best compliment I can give it is that its so comfortable and keeps the tank snug that sometimes u almost forget you're wearing a BCD.
Thanks Scott for a great product and thanks Larry for getting the BCD out to me in time for my trip!
