Need advice for Zeagle Stiletto...

[Scuba-QC]

My girlfriend bought a Stiletto at the end of the summer which was custom made since she's 5'0 tall.(We didn't know about the new Laser at that time...)

FIRST, after 2 dives she was complaining that the tank was way too high and she constantly hitting the tank valve with the back of her head.
SECOND, Because she's so small the shoulder dump valve was just beside her cheek so she couldn't look on left side without hitting the valve....
THIRD, remember she's small!! even if the vest is to it's tightest settings she still finds that the vest seems to pull upward when surfacing...

Solutions: We lowered down the bladder on the vest so both valves wouldn't cause problems anymore...perfect but we still have a clip on the side that doesn't fit anymore..(see the picture) Maybe that would be a question for Scott Zeagle...

What we should do with that clip??? is it necessary for a good functionality of the BC??

Is it possible to install a crotch strap on the Stiletto to prevent the vest pulling upward when on surface?

 

[herman]

It is possible to add a crotch strap, maybe not a standard Zeagle one but they can be added. I added one to my Scout by installing 2- 3/4in straps over the bottom tank strap and putting quick releases on the other end. On the front of the BC I made 2 holders for the female parts of the quick release and attached them to the BC with sex bolts (the same ones that are used to hold the side pannels to the back section of the BC). I can shoot you some photos if you are interested.
By the way, you should check these bolts occasionally and keep at least 1 or 2 spares on the BC in the unused holes..they do occasionally come loose and fall out...the voice of experience speaking.

 

[shark_tamer]

FIRST, after 2 dives she was complaining that the tank was way too high and she constantly hitting the tank valve with the back of her head.
SECOND, Because she's so small the shoulder dump valve was just beside her cheek so she couldn't look on left side without hitting the valve....
THIRD, remember she's small!! even if the vest is to it's tightest settings she still finds that the vest seems to pull upward when surfacing...

What we should do with that clip??? is it necessary for a good functionality of the BC??

Is it possible to install a crotch strap on the Stiletto to prevent the vest pulling upward when on surface?

Hi Scuba-QC,

I own a Stiletto and I do not have this problem .... but I'm 6 feet tall ..

I bought that perticular BC because of the excellent fit it has, and I'm wondering if the problems your girlfriend has are just because she is not adjusting it properly !!

Regarding the first problem: The tank height can be adjusted by repositionning the tank bands .... Align the tank so that the top of the bladder assembly is even with the cylinder valve ( see page 19 of owner's manual ).

An instructor gave me a tip one day: use your BC handle ( top between the bladder and the lumbar pad ) to prevent the tank from going up while you dive.

Regarding the second problem: I also have noticed about the dump valve proximity ...It is not that close for me but it is somewhat in the way .... I think it can be resolved with proper BC adjustment !!

Last but not least, that extra clip you have ..... ( and I quote owner's manual page 8 )

DO NOT DIVE WITH THE TWO WINGLET SIDE RELEASE BUCKLES DETACHED !!!​

I think you should go back to your LDS and enquire about proper adjusment .... if you are looking for a good LDS, and since you are in Montréal, PM me and I'll give you the name of my LDS ... I'm sure they would be glad to help

 

[123Scuba.com]

I ran into a similar issue with a while ago. I crossed the shoulder straps (put the left into the right and the right into the left like and "X"). I was able to snug the BC all the way up and reposition the tank... May sound (and look) a little silly but it was really comfortable for me.

 

[Scuba-QC]

Hi HERMAN,

Yes it would be nice to see some pics of that crotch strap!!

123SCUBA, I'm not quite sure to understand the way you crossed those shoulder straps..have any pics??

As for those clips, not sure really if they do something special besides maybe keeping the bladder staight and prevent it to bend...the lower part of the bladder is holding by the sex bolts anyways...

Waiting Scott Zeagle for some advice there... )

 

[123Scuba.com]

Hi HERMAN,
123SCUBA, I'm not quite sure to understand the way you crossed those shoulder straps..have any pics??

Sorry, no pics... I took the left male quick release shoulder strap (let it out all the way) and clipped it into the right female and vice versa. Does that help?

 

[MichaelBaranows]

Is the bladder going to self destruct if I leave the bucket attached on the bladder?

 

[herman]

Here are some pictures of the straps I added to my Scout. All the attachment points are grommeted holes that already exist in the BC, no mods are necessary to the BC itself. The parts can be purchased at most any hiking supply (REI). The brass grommets and the installation tool is a common item at boating stores (West Marine). The only "special" part are the sexbolts which are standard Zeagle parts. I get from my LDS...any one who dives a Zeagle should keep a few in the spare holes in the BC. IMO it's the one weak link in the BC, they do work loose and fall out from time to time. The one photo of the frount attachment point was turned inside out so you could see the construction, otherwise it's folded flat. I have also used this same idea on other BC's but instead of sexbolts on the rear, I looped the straps over the lower tank band and held them on with adjustment slides.

 

[shark_tamer]

Is the bladder going to self destruct if I leave the bucket attached on the bladder?

There is no mention in the owner's manual

Mine has a tag at the back that says " JB007 "

 

[Scuba-QC]

That's a nice modification you've made Herman!! My girlfriend wants to try that!
Now we need to fix those side clips!!!