Question about Zeagle Stiletto weighting

[Clearwater]

Hi, I'm a new diver thinking about a Zeagle Stiletto as my first BC. I've been a bit confused between comments I've read here and at my LDS about the best way to use the ripcord pockets in front and the pockets in back, with separate pulls.

For those who use this BC, how do you manage the weighting? Heavy weights in back, smaller in the front pockets? Or vice versa? What is the emergency dump procedure?

I've heard different answers at the LDS so far, so I'd like to broaden the scope to those who dive with this BC regularly. I love the fit of the thing and I think I'd like it as a first BC, I'd just like to have some more practical information about it Thanks, everyone.

 

[JodiBB]

As far as the weighting, you'll have to figure it out for yourself and what works for you. I have the Zena (for women) and tried to put 5# in my front and 2-3# in my rear. I found my underside getting pulled down so I was diving with a / type of alignment. So I need to play around with my weighting more so that I balance myself out....

The emergency dumping procedure is to pull the ripcord, which will dump the front weights on both pockets simultaneously. The back pockets each have a red velcro tab, which, when pulled downward, will let the weights in the back drop...

Hope this helps!

 

[Splitlip]

As Jodi said you wll have to distribute the weight around to see what works for you. I had the best success by putting a pair of XS eight pockets on the upper bands.
I used the existing trim pockets for storage of snorkle and DSMB.
Ditching all your weights should never bean issue if you are properly weighted.
In fact one of the nice things a about the Zeagle is you are able to remove all or part of your primary weights by unzipping the pockets without pulling the rip cord.
The stiletto is the best BC I ever used. Having said that, I am now selling as I now dive BP/W.

 

[DiveMaven]

I also dive with a Zeagle Zena and have found with aluminum tanks that distributing the weights evenly in all 4 pockets works the best for me. With steel tanks I put weight only in the front pockets (if I need any).

 

[rakkis]

Personal trim is important. Your body's different than everyone else's; do don't expect the-one-magical-formula. Generally, you want to try a 60/40 (front/back split) when using an Al tank. And a 70/30 when using steel. Obviously this will vary depending on the size of the tank, your weight, and your BMI. However, it's a sensible starting point from which to make personal corrections.

As far as releasing the weight, if properly weighted, you do not need to release all your weight... just enough to make you positive at the surface. Hence, you're probably not likely to need to release the back weight. However, as mentioned above, you CAN by pulling down on the finger loopy-thingies.

 

[Chad Carney]

Hi, I'm a new diver thinking about a Zeagle Stiletto as my first BC. I've been a bit confused between comments I've read here and at my LDS about the best way to use the ripcord pockets in front and the pockets in back, with separate pulls.

For those who use this BC, how do you manage the weighting? Heavy weights in back, smaller in the front pockets? Or vice versa? What is the emergency dump procedure?

I've heard different answers at the LDS so far, so I'd like to broaden the scope to those who dive with this BC regularly. I love the fit of the thing and I think I'd like it as a first BC, I'd just like to have some more practical information about it Thanks, everyone.

Clearwater,

Knowing a little about a diver and their other gear makes a substantial difference in a proper weighting recommendations for a BC. (Complete your profile.)

Buoyant diver, salt water, thick suit, aluminum tank = lots of weight.
Where the weight is placed will make a fairly big difference. At least 4 lbs in the rear pockets. The more buoyant the diver the more needed in the side pockets.

Slim diver, fresh water, thin or no suit, steel tank = little if any weight. None in the rear pockets.

Do a weight test, and keep it to the minimum.

Almost zero divers ever need to ditch weight. I haven't in almost 35 years diving. The ripcord system works great if that ever happens.

The Stiletto is my all time favorite BC.

Chad
(Zeagle biased)

 

[Clearwater]

Hi everybody,

Thanks for the comments and the suggestions. Fortunately our LDS let us try out the BCs we were looking at in the pool (my wife got an Oceanic Isla). I dove with eight pounds, a two-pound weight in each of the front and back pockets. It seemed to work well that way and I was able to keep good trim. The Stiletto was a dream and more than met my expectations. Needless to say, I bought it!

Chad, I thought I had done the profile thing but I'll go back and look. It's been a while and I may have missed something. My diving will be mostly in the Caribbean. The BC is my first major equipment purchase.

 

[rakkis]

Keep in mind the weight you use will increase going pool --> sea water and decrease using a thinner suit.

 

[Skinsfan1311]

I think it depends on the diver.

The 1st time I used my Stiletto, I used 12lbs on dive 1. (4 lbs in the trim pockets and 8lbs in the front) It felt pretty good.

After a few dives, I dropped to 10lbs, (5lbs in each of the side pockets), and it felt really good!

I'm leaning towards dropping to 8lbs,(4lbs in each side pocket), to see how that feels. I don't think that I need the trim pockets. I never had an issue with a face-plant, even with all of the weight in the side pockets. It's a great BC...

 

[Chad Carney]

Clearwater,

I'm glad to hear you like the Stiletto BC!

It sounds like you have a good LDS.

Chad