ScubaPro Glide Plus vs Zeagle Zena

[Kev's First Mate]

I will be getting my new equipment in the next couple months and had my mind set on a ScubaPro Glide Plus BCD. Today, I tried on a Zeagle Zena, and it felt great. Now I have a dilemma as to which one I should get. Do any of you ladies out there dive with a Zena, and if so, what are your thoughts on this BCD? How 'bout the Glide Plus? :huh:

 

[DiveMaven]

My best advice would be to buy the BC that fits you best and is most comfortable. However, since I'm the self-proclaimed biggest Zena fan on this board, I'll definitely pipe up and tell you all the great things about the Zena if your LDS didn't.

One of the biggest advantages IMO that the Zena has over any other BC is the ability to mix and match the modular pieces to custom fit the BC to your body. You can swap out the shoulders, the front panels, and even the wing. This ability is unique to Zeagle BCs, and one that is invaluable for fitting.

The Zena also uses the ripcord weight system, which is not only easy to rethread once deployed, but more efficient. If a rescuer needs to drop your weights, they simply pull one handle and both your weight pouches are opened at once. No fiddling with trying to find the tabs on 2 pockets, it's a simply pull and instant dump. The weight pockets are also located on the sides rather than in front. This means that your weights aren't pulling your BC forward and away from your body, they rest comfortably at your sides and balance you so you don't find yourself rolling side to side.

The lack of a cumberbun is one of my favorite features as well. The corset design holds the unit to your body perfectly and there simply are no pressure points. Once your Zena is properly adjusted you never have to think about it or fiddle with it in the water. Because it fits snuggly over your ENTIRE body, it doesn't roll or shift as you move in the water. I can literally do spins in the water or swim upside down and my Zena never shifts during the movements. Even one time when I had more weight in one pocket, the BC never shifted. You also don't have to deal with chest straps (don't know if the Glide has that or not). There is simply no bulk on your body with this design.

The back inflate/wing design of the Zena keeps your air cell behind you. It doesn't wrap around your body and it doesn't cause bulk under your arms that you have to work around. It is simply the free-est feeling BC I've ever owned or tried (I've owned a jacket-style before and tried many others) and not having the bulk means a more streamlined body.

Downsides? Yeah, the likely biggest one is the lack of pockets. Actually, I don't find this a downside at all, but others do. It's easy to clip off what you need to your D-rings and I stash my flashlight under my shoulder strap for easy access. I also don't hesitate to use my weight pockets to stash safety equipment if I'm carrying it. For instance, I carry a fold-up snorkel while on liveaboards, so I use my rear weight pockets to stow my snorkel. My liveaboards of choice use steel tanks, so I don't carry weight near the tank, which gives me room for my snorkel.

I don't know anything about the Glide Plus, so someone else will need to give you feeback on that. Again, the best piece of advice I can give you is to pick the one that FITS YOU BEST. Fit is the #1 consideration for comfortable diving.

Oh yeah, if price is a concern check with Larry at ScubaToys. He has excellent prices and gives ScubaBoard members an additional 10% discount. For me that amounted to just over a $400 savings on my Zena vs. my LDS.

 

[Kev's First Mate]

My best advice would be to buy the BC that fits you best and is most comfortable. However, since I'm the self-proclaimed biggest Zena fan on this board, I'll definitely pipe up and tell you all the great things about the Zena if your LDS didn't.

They told me most of the things you stated, but not all, so I CERTAINLY appreciate your reply!!

One of the biggest advantages IMO that the Zena has over any other BC is the ability to mix and match the modular pieces to custom fit the BC to your body. You can swap out the shoulders, the front panels, and even the wing. This ability is unique to Zeagle BCs, and one that is invaluable for fitting.

I would wear a medium, but what happens if I lose/gain weight? Is the panels (corset) adjustable?

The Zena also uses the ripcord weight system, which is not only easy to rethread once deployed, but more efficient. If a rescuer needs to drop your weights, they simply pull one handle and both your weight pouches are opened at once. No fiddling with trying to find the tabs on 2 pockets, it's a simply pull and instant dump. The weight pockets are also located on the sides rather than in front. This means that your weights aren't pulling your BC forward and away from your body, they rest comfortably at your sides and balance you so you don't find yourself rolling side to side.

I understand this to be really good due to the fact that in the Glide Plus, if you have to drop your weights, you are out the weight pocket. Whereas, in the Zena, you're only out the weights. Good point on the location of the weights. I didn't think about that part of it.

The lack of a cumberbun is one of my favorite features as well. The corset design holds the unit to your body perfectly and there simply are no pressure points. Once your Zena is properly adjusted you never have to think about it or fiddle with it in the water. Because it fits snuggly over your ENTIRE body, it doesn't roll or shift as you move in the water. I can literally do spins in the water or swim upside down and my Zena never shifts during the movements. Even one time when I had more weight in one pocket, the BC never shifted. You also don't have to deal with chest straps (don't know if the Glide has that or not). There is simply no bulk on your body with this design.

Yes, the Glide Plus has the chest straps. The idea of the BC not shifting is another good selling point. As I have not yet had the opportunity to try the Zena on in the water, I would not have thought much of this part. GREAT IDEA. It probably would be great for use in photography as well.

The back inflate/wing design of the Zena keeps your air cell behind you. It doesn't wrap around your body and it doesn't cause bulk under your arms that you have to work around. It is simply the free-est feeling BC I've ever owned or tried (I've owned a jacket-style before and tried many others) and not having the bulk means a more streamlined body.

Downsides? Yeah, the likely biggest one is the lack of pockets. Actually, I don't find this a downside at all, but others do. It's easy to clip off what you need to your D-rings and I stash my flashlight under my shoulder strap for easy access. I also don't hesitate to use my weight pockets to stash safety equipment if I'm carrying it. For instance, I carry a fold-up snorkel while on liveaboards, so I use my rear weight pockets to stow my snorkel. My liveaboards of choice use steel tanks, so I don't carry weight near the tank, which gives me room for my snorkel.

Do you ever use the mesh pocket that comes with it, and if so, how do you like it?

I don't know anything about the Glide Plus, so someone else will need to give you feeback on that. Again, the best piece of advice I can give you is to pick the one that FITS YOU BEST. Fit is the #1 consideration for comfortable diving.

Oh yeah, if price is a concern check with Larry at ScubaToys. He has excellent prices and gives ScubaBoard members an additional 10% discount. For me that amounted to just over a $400 savings on my Zena vs. my LDS.

Thanks for all the good advice DiveMaven. I appreciate your response to this post.

 

[DiveMaven]

They told me most of the things you stated, but not all, so I CERTAINLY appreciate your reply!!

Wow, I'm sure glad your LDS knew something about Zeagles...mine knew nothing and the saleslady was shocked when I told her about the modular design. :11doh: I bought from ScubaToys....they know what they're selling.

I would wear a medium, but what happens if I lose/gain weight? Is the panels (corset) adjustable?

The front panel is totally replaceable, so you could get a small or large and snap it in, depending if you gain or lose. If the medium fits you perfectly the straps should be tightened mid-way, giving you some wiggle room for thicker or thinner suits. One cool thing is that if you dive in a dry suit, you can have a bigger panel (and wing) for cold diving and smaller ones for warm diving.

I'm on a big fitness/weight loss/health improvement regime right now and I hope to have to buy myself a smaller front panel next year.

I understand this to be really good due to the fact that in the Glide Plus, if you have to drop your weights, you are out the weight pocket. Whereas, in the Zena, you're only out the weights. Good point on the location of the weights. I didn't think about that part of it.

And that can be a big expense. For instance, my husband has a SeaQuest BC and one of his pockets fell out while we were in Belize. Fortunately we were at the surface, so we didn't worry about an uncontrolled ascent. Not only did he have to put weights in his regular BC pocket after that, but we had to pay about $25 for a replacement when we got home. I teased him that if he had a Zeagle it never would have happened! :blinking:

Yes, the Glide Plus has the chest straps. The idea of the BC not shifting is another good selling point. As I have not yet had the opportunity to try the Zena on in the water, I would not have thought much of this part. GREAT IDEA. It probably would be great for use in photography as well.

I just love not having to think about my BC once I'm diving. When you go to try it in the water, there's a specific way that you need to adjust and tighten all the straps to get the best fit. Basically, you barely tighten the straps on the boat, then when you hit the water, go horizontal on your descent and pull the front panel down firmly. Tighten up the bottom straps under your ribs FIRST. Then tighten the middle strap and last the shoulder straps. It's really important to make sure that the bottom straps are under your ribs, if they aren't, the BC won't fit properly.

Make sure when you try the Zena on in the shop that it's long enough for the bottom straps to snug up under your ribs. If it isn't, you'll need a bigger shoulder section.

Do you ever use the mesh pocket that comes with it, and if so, how do you like it?

I don't carry it, sorry.

Thanks for all the good advice DiveMaven. I appreciate your response to this post.

You are more than welcome!! I don't work for Zeagle, but I sure believe in the quality and fit of their products....my regs are Zeagle too. :blinking: ScottZeagle has also provided some amazing customer support to folks on this board, and I'm all about customer service.

Good luck and let us know what you finally buy and how you like it....even if it isn't a Zena.

 

[Kev's First Mate]

That's funny! I'm on a weight loss regime too. I haven't had time to go exercise yet, but that's next.

I tried on the large, but it was too big. The local dive shop (not our regular dive shop) said I could come in and try it out in the pool, so the weekend following this one, I'm going to take him up on his offer.

I'm getting real excited now, because I only have about three more months and I'll get my new gear! I'll be sure to fill you in on it.

Thanks again for all your advice!