Scubapro BCD Fit/Shape Question

[mahjong]

Hi. A few have in passing noted that the newest Scubapro Classics (Sport and Plus) fit and are cut a bit differently from the older Classics--and more like the first Stab Jackets (the orange ones). Can anyone comment in more detail? I wore a Classic for 5 or 6 years (circa 1997 - 2003). I'm wondering how the fit and cut of the newest ones might be different?

As a footnote, does anyone happen to know how the Finseal's (often these are red outside and gray inside) are different from the Classics? I know they are both Stab jackets with hand welded seams, but I'm wondering if the Finseals had the double coated nylon?

Thanks, Mahjong

 

[Isaac-1]

I know this thread is kind of old, but thought I would reply anyway, here is a rough early timeline of Scubapro Jacket styles BCD's, perhaps someone else can help round out the details.

1978 or so original Scubapro Orange Scubapro Stab jacket with clip on pockets was released

1982 or so they introduced the Pocketed version of the Orange Stab jacket, a very close cousin to the the Classic Sport.

From about 1983 - 1986 Scubapro offered a Heavy Duty Blue variant of the Original Pocketed Stab Jacket, this was a lighter shade of blue than the finseal blue

1987 The Double-Black BCD was introduced, this was the begining of the Classic Black line, and was also the first BCD I bought, I still have it and though very faded still works and has never sprung a leak. It was an extra-heavy duty thicker material, extra stitching version of the Orange Pocketed BCD, but retained the printed on white Scubapro logo, padded cumberbund and back were sold seperately.

1988 -1990 the Finseal was introduced, Scubapro also changed sizing and cut at this point, Previous Large size apromiated XL in the Finseal (note previous XL was a major step up from the L, and would more properly be called a XXXL ) The Finseal used a then new folded heat sealed and stitched seam, the Finseal was offered in Red, Teal Green, and Blue (I think one of the colors was added a year later, but I foget which one)

1989-1991 The Classic Black replaced the Double Black (this was a cheapend, plastic vs. metal D rings, etc. but fancier looking with embroideried Scubapro logo and assorted pinstripe colors (I think the first year the options were pink or purple), they later years introduced a more subtle colors like gray. The Classic Black was built and sized along the same line as the Finseal, but with heavier material. These were built for a number of years with slight changes like padded backs, etc.