Sizing Issue for Tall Folks

[SVT_Tactical]

I just finished up getting my certification to dive. I love it and want to get my own gear and start diving more. My issue is I am 6'6" and large (275#). I wore an Oceanic Islander in class and it was fine with the girth but was short and didn't go down as far as I would have liked. The band went around my navel and I would like one that goes more around my waist. Anyone know what brands to look at? Dive shop up the road said they have a mares rover pro that is longer than the oceanic but i haven't had time to go up and try it on.

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

I'm 6'5", 254 lbs. I found, like you, that many traditional "XL" sized BC's were a couple inches too short. This results in the waist strap / cummerbund being too high, i.e. up around the lower rib cage.

I switched to a backplate and wing, and the improvement in comfort and function was huge.

Best wishes.

 

[tracydr]

Yes, I would suggest a backplate because you can get a tall backplate.
I'm 5'1" and I use a short backplate. So much more comfortable than any other BC I've ever tried!

 

[00wabbit]

Look at deepseasupply backplates. They make a long pattern one for tall people.

 

[SVT_Tactical]

what exactly is a backplate and wings? I'm totally new at all this. Only learned the basics in my class.

 

[BVickery]

Backplate and wing is a minimalist approach to a BCD. It consists of the backplate which you run your webbing (harness) through to attach to your body. You then attach a wing to the backplate to provide the needed lift to attain buoyancy (if needed) as well as the tank that is attached to the backplate either via a single tank adapter or cambands (if the wing design allows a STA-less approach).

I'm 6'4/6'5 and faced your problem too. Another option is to look at the Transpac XT Harness from Dive Rite since they make them in taller sizes XXL and XXL. I used this and it was actually pretty comfortable to wear.

 

[diversteve]

I'm 6'4' and have weighed more than you at times. I dive an XL Zeagle Ranger. I have pretty short legs (32" inseam) so more of my height is in my torso. They also make an XXL as a $30 option. Someone on the Scubatoys forum bought one, I believe he was 6'6 and 375. He may have been shorter though. And I believe they custom made the jacket. Zeagle has their Personal Fit System so a dealer can customize them somewhat with off the shelf components.

Ranger - Heavy Duty BCs - BCs - Zeagle Dive Systems
Zeagle Ranger BCD discounts on sale Zeagle

If you decide on the BP/W approach, DSS also sells an Extra Long Pattern Backplate. https://www.deepseasupply.com/index.php?product=117

They have their own forum here. http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/deep-sea-supply/
Tobin the owner is cool_hardware52. Call him, he's usually very willing to help sort out what you need.

This is a Hollis but here's an idea of what a BP/W looks like. http://scuba.about.com/od/equipment/ig/BuoyancyCompensatorStyles/Back-Plate-and-Wings.htm

 

[SVT_Tactical]

well after lots of trying on and looking at all options the sherwood avid in 3xl fit great and is what i am going with.