Question about Zena Sizing

[Hemlon]

Yes, the add on pocket I mentioned is different than the one that comes standard. The one that comes standard is a small, mesh roll down pocket that holds very little, and what it does hold hangs in the mesh part of the pocket loosely. The new Zena pocket is basically the same as the standard sport pocket, except there's a velcro attachment on the back so you can put it on any of the straps, AND the back of it is stiff, which means it keeps it's shape, which makes it much more useable and comfortable IMO.

I don't use my pocket all the time, and that's one thing I love about it....it's super easy to take on and off based on my needs at the time (takes 5 seconds). For regular boat diving I find I don't really need it, but for night dives or shore dives, it makes my life sooo much easier since I can stash my extra light, dry box, etc. easily and conveniently.

Ohhh.....I must get one of these pockets!!

 

[DixieDolphin]

I'm kinda in a sizing pickle on Zena, too. I've had mine about a year, but after reading deeper into the older threads on here... I'm starting to think they sold me a little too small.

They put me in an XS. But the upper band doesn't sit anywhere near my natural waist... it's practically on my sternum (about an inch bellow it, actually)... right up under my ribcage. And the lower band sits on my natural waist. I'm kinda stuck, because I'm sure I can't return the thing after having it a bit over a year.. although I've hardly put more than a half dozen dives on it (last year wasn't the best diving year I've had, darn economy!). But I'm starting to see why the dang thing tends to slide up on me. I love it otherwise, but dangit.. I think I was sold the wrong size and I'm frustrated.

So, perhaps I should just switch out some components? I measured myself up last night, but I'm not sure what pieces I should think about switching out. Here's what I measured:

Bust - 31"
Waist - 29"
Hips - 33"
Torso - 15"
Weight - 105 lbs.

So... should I be swapping out the front panel? the shoulder piece? I dunno, but I'd appreciate any advice! =)

 

[ScubaSam]

Hey, I'm jumping into the game late here.

My Zena is a size small, my chest size is 36", I wear a size 6, 7mm full wetsuit, with a 5/3 hooded vest and the small size Zena is perfect for me. Bright yellow color so I'm easy to spot in the water.

Good luck.

 

[DiveMaven]

I'm kinda in a sizing pickle on Zena, too. I've had mine about a year, but after reading deeper into the older threads on here... I'm starting to think they sold me a little too small.

They put me in an XS. But the upper band doesn't sit anywhere near my natural waist... it's practically on my sternum (about an inch bellow it, actually)... right up under my ribcage. And the lower band sits on my natural waist. I'm kinda stuck, because I'm sure I can't return the thing after having it a bit over a year.. although I've hardly put more than a half dozen dives on it (last year wasn't the best diving year I've had, darn economy!). But I'm starting to see why the dang thing tends to slide up on me. I love it otherwise, but dangit.. I think I was sold the wrong size and I'm frustrated.

So, perhaps I should just switch out some components? I measured myself up last night, but I'm not sure what pieces I should think about switching out. Here's what I measured:

Bust - 31"
Waist - 29"
Hips - 33"
Torso - 15"
Weight - 105 lbs.

So... should I be swapping out the front panel? the shoulder piece? I dunno, but I'd appreciate any advice! =)

Okay, here's what I'd do (but I'm not sizing expert):
1) Put my Zena on and unbuckle the shoulder section.
2) Pull it down until it is sitting properly on my body, with the upper strap at my natural waist.
3) Tighten the lower strap, then the upper strap (it is important to always tighten your Zena from the bottom up...shoulders are always last).
4) If they tighten properly (leaving extra room for different wetsuit thicknesses) I'd then try to reattach the shoulders (fully extended).
5) If the shoulder section cannot be reattached comfortably, I'd figure I need to order a bigger shoulder assembly.

If your Zena cannot be adjusted on your body properly (with the shoulders unattached) I'd guess you need a different vest section, but honestly would call the guys at ScubaToys and chat with them first, giving them my measurements.

 

[DixieDolphin]

Thanks! I tested it out that way last night and couldn't even get the shoulder straps to attach at their longest when it was adjusted proper at my waist, heh. I think I probably will give ScubaToys a call this week.. they've been great to deal with in the past! =)

 

[DiveMaven]

Glad I could help. Please come back and post later after you've done a couple of dives with the proper shoulder section. I can't help but think you'll LOVE how your Zena feels. Also, when you call ScubaToys, ask them about getting a Zena lumbar pad. You won't believe how much more luxurious your already wonderful Zena will feel.

 

[Michael Folise]

I don't think you are in the wrong size, I think you have it adjusted wrong. these things run very big. My daughter is 5'3, 110 lbs narrow waisted, classic hour glass shape. The xtra small is just right for her and would fit someone much larger.

 

[cheetohcat]

Does anyone know how much smaller the XS vest and front panel is vs. the S? I've got about 6-7 dives on my new Zena, with both the vest and front panel in small, and I'm finding it shifts in the water on me a bit (twisting, or sometimes it rides up).

I have upper band at waist, lower band at hips. (I got the shoulder section in Med since I am long waisted, which seems about right for length). Even with my 7 MM on, I have the waist & hip bands at their tightest setting, and it doesn't feel as snug as I used to wear the cumberbund on my old rental jacket BC.

Am I doing something wrong with the fit/ adjustment, or would swapping out to XS on the vest and front panel help? On the Zeagle chart, the XS vest has the same range of inches as the small so I wasn't sure if it would make a difference...? My LDS doesn't have other Zenas in stock for me to try on, so I wanted to ask here before I talk to them about ordering extra parts...any help is appreciated!

 

[DiveMaven]

Interesting that the XS and S have the same sizing. Frankly, I'd call Zeagle directly and ask them what to do. It definitely sounds like you need a smaller vest component at the very least, but it may be that simply swapping out the front panel will do it.

As a second option, call the guys at ScubaToys...they fit an awful lot of Zeagles and might be able to easily steer you in the right direction.

At the very least, fire a PM off to ScottZeagle for a quick response here.