Problems figuring my size

[TravisT]

Okay, i'm in my OW class, i'm assuming that most brands are all standard in sizing. I'm assuming a Oceanic Medium is nearly the same size and would fit me nearly the same size as a Scubapro Medium.

Here is my delima. I'm in my OW class and have been doing a ton of research about equipment. I know most of you say test test test, well, I feel like I will really enjoy diving and want to get equipment soon after getting through my OW certification where I'll be doing my final lake dives this weekend.

Okay, I've tried 2 BC's, One a medium and one a large.

I'm 6'11, weigh about 210 (thin). The Large I had on was about right length wise, but the sternum strap on it wouldn't tighten up far enough for me and the cumberbun had about a 2 inch gap in it.

The past 2 nights of been wearing a medium. I noticed lastnight, and this is no joke, that the cumberbun in the front was about halfway between my nipples and my bellybutton. And still, the sternum buckle didn't tighten far enough, so any time I tried to lengthen the thing while standing up out of water, my tank would slide down on my back to far for me to reach back and grab my regulators and felt too loose to be be really comfortable. Also, on the Medium the cumberbun is almost too small. So the sternum strap needs more taken out of it and is too large feeling while the cumberbun is about right and close to being too small.

I'm assuming i'm a Medium-Large and somewhere in the middle, but I need one that has nearly no limitations on the sternum strap and can be tightened up quite a bit rather than having the normal 2-3 inch option.

Can anyone recommend a BC that can do this for me? I've been looking at an Oceanic Flex which actually has a Medium-Large size available. What do you guys think about this BC? Do you think this would fix my problems?

 

[CD_in_Chitown]

Check out the Dive Rite Trans Pac. It's as adjustable as a harness and as convenient as a jacket bc. I'm short and pudgy (But losing some), it's kind of the same dilemma though. I love mine.

CD

 

[ae3753]

There is no standardize size as far as I can tell, but here are some recommendations for your problem.

1. Zeagle allows you to mix and match shoulder harness and back pads for their BCs to get a custom fit. For example, you may need medium back pad, but large shoulder straps.

2. Dive Rite Trans Pac II system allows you to do the same thing.

3. Get a custom BC made to your measurements. JetHarness does this.

4. Get a BP/W combo. Some manufacturers (like FredT who is on this board) makes different sized backplates. And since the harness is just webbing that you cut to size, you can make it as long or short as you feel fit.

Also, check out this thread

 

[ScottZeagle]

If you are truly 6'11", I don't think a MD or a LG will fit you correctly. You may be able to wear a MD or LG vest section, but you definitely need a different size shoulder section. Here is a sizing chart for Zeagle BCs - to give you an idea:

Vest -Measure waist size Shoulder - Measure shoulder to waist**
SM 25"-35" SM 14"-18"
MD 33"-41" MD 18"-22"
LG 37"-45" LG 22"-26"
XL 42"-50" XL 26"29"

**Shoulder to waist measurement is done by measuring from the base of your neck, down your back to your belt line.

Keep in mind when you are measuring that you need to allow a little extra depending on the type of suit you are wearing (3mm, 7mm, drysuit)

Zeagle BCs are component based systems, which means you can mix and match sizes (for example you may need a LG Vest with an XL shoulder section)

I am not sure if the other BCs you are looking at can do that...

Good luck!!

Scott

 

[TravisT]

Yeah, i guess i'm built a little weird, the only way the Large fit on me was if i had the shoulder straps completely loose and was not wearing a wetsuit at the time. So I should give it another try. I just know that that medium was no where close to fitting me lastnight and i was forced to shorten the shoulder straps in order to compromise for the sternum strap being way to big for my chest width.

I am wearing a 5mm wetsuit in case you are wondering.

 

[waterwraith]

Most off the rack BC's are not likely to fit. If you do not want to go back plate and wings then I would recommend the Dive Rite Trans Pac II (It really adjusts to fit a wide range of people). I tried this on at my LDS (i'm 5'5 160lbs shaped like a barrel) and it fit like a glove. My wife (5'0 114lbs) took the same BC and was able to adjust it to fit her perfectly. Hope this info helps

remember the more comfortable the gear the more fun you'll have on the dive.

 

[grkmbee]

If you're looking to get a little weight off your belt while still having a great fitting BC I would recommend the Dive Rite Trans Plate...that's right, Plate, not Pac. It's closer to a BP/W and is actually, contrary to looks, very comfortable to wear! Believe me, I was very skeptical when I first had a look at it...the Trans Pac looked so much more cushy and comfortable. But, after trying it on, I was hooked, very comfortable for a hard to fit body. Plus, the fact that I could take six pounds off my weight belt (because the SS plate weighs 6#...so you're really just moving the weight to what I think is a more comfortable place) was great. Also, because the backplate is hard, I feel that my tank is much more stable and doubles wouldn't be a problem if I ever decided to go that route. So the whole point is, try the Dive Rite Trans Plate, you just might like it. Good luck finding a BC, whatever you do, don't settle cuz you'll really regret it in the end.