Oceanic Chute 3 for 6'5" male

[love2fishfork]

I tried an Oceanic Chute 3 in the pool the other day, but had some problems. I am 6'5" and slender. I tried on a large and it fit well except it wasn't long enough. The cumberbund hit above my waste. It was great underwater, but on the surface it was impossible to keep from going face first into the water.

Then I tried an XL. The cumberbund hit me where it should except the BC was so large in girth that it almost overlapped in front. It just didn't feel right. I could float better because the air chamber was lower on my body, but I just didn't like the fit.

I know most of you will recommend a BP/Wings. Is this really my best option, or should I consider a vest style BC?

 

[jpsexton]

I'm 6'2" average build and use a Chute 3. I could have wore a L but went to a XL for the same reason as you. I had to take in the cumberbun to keep it from overlapping. Did you try to make any adjustments to it. The cumberbun is actually two pcs. and you can make huge adjustments from the back. I could'nt find a vest style BC that fit me at all, thats how I wound up with the Chute 3.

John

 

[Doug Krause]

The cummerbund is adjustable, and you may also replace it with a smaller size.

 

[love2fishfork]

I tried adjusting the cumberbund (velcro strap), but the weight pockets almost touch in the middle of my stomach and I can't even get to the velcro. Is there another adjustment I'm not aware of?

 

[jpsexton]

The adjustment I was thinking of changes the length of the cumberbun. If the weight pockets are almost touching then maybe the XL is too large. Try some other back inflate style BC's or maybe a BP/W is what you need. I prefer a BC though because everything is integrated. Good luck finding a BC, it took me a while before I found something that I was totally satisfied with.

John

 

[PaulChristenson]

I know most of you will recommend a BP/Wings. Is this really my best option?

See...you answered your own question

It is much more adjustable...especially if you start to fill out


Paul in VT

 

[scubatoys]

I've had some folks that just won't fit in the chute... You can check out a Zeagle - that you can get to fit. Zeagle BC's have the advantage of being component made so you can put XL shoulders on a Large waist and bingo... perfect fit. It will probably raise your price up to about 400 instead of 300 - but if it fits you better it might be worth it.

 

[Chad Carney]

As Larry mentioned, Zeagle's "personal fit system" can accommodate a real wide range of sizes, and Zeagle's also tend to run bigger than most other BCs.

L2ff, you didn't mention your weight, but it's possible you might be be too slim for a large BC. I have fit many tall guys in a medium with a large shoulder. (I'm 6'1" and wear a medium/medium.)

Chad

 

[love2fishfork]

As Larry mentioned, Zeagle's "personal fit system" can accommodate a real wide range of sizes, and Zeagle's also tend to run bigger than most other BCs.

L2ff, you didn't mention your weight, but it's possible you might be be too slim for a large BC. I have fit many tall guys in a medium with a large shoulder. (I'm 6'1" and wear a medium/medium.)

Chad

I weigh 220, my waist is 36"-38". Like I said, a large feels good, it just puts the air bladder up too high and I cannot maintain a floating position on the surface. Maybe I should look at more of a vest style, although I really like the rear bladder under water!

 

[jwhitlock]

I m 5'10 210 and I into body building , I tried a zeagle but after a few adjustsments with a large Chute it fit like a glove . I haven't tried alot of BCs but I think I just got lucky , its like a pair of shoes you will have to try many pairs before you find the right one.