Trying on BCs...arghh!!

[cougar]

I am a size 18. The Mares and Seaquest men's large fit me nicely...the Zeagle men's medium fits. But oy the decision problems!!

I am looking for a lightweight BC that travels well and can do a lot of things.

Seaquest..Balance is light. But it has nothing for pockets...I need pockets...otherwise I'll look like a Christmas tree with my light, fish book, shears, waterproof money box and all those other little goodies I like to have with me.

Seaquest Dive LX...better pockets...though still small. But they only had an M/L for me to try on and the cummerbund doesn't close...doesn't come in an Xl and don't know if a L will fit.

Zeagle...all models are good for my ego 'cause I can wear a medium. I like everything except that rip cord weight drop system. I am an EMT...I have lost count of the weird ass things struggling patiients have done to me...ripped peices of uniform off (I practice in a really wild part of the world) The thought of helping out a struggling, frightened diver and having them grab either one of those little red toggles and dump all my weight at once gives me the willies. I KNOW that weight system isn't safe for someone like me who is likely to be in the mddle of such things.. We're talking Karma here.

Used a Mares synchro during training. Nice easy to reach big pockets...but it's bulky and weighs a ton (bad packability)

The two lonely dive shops in ABQ don't have any Sherwoods or Mares for me to try. Dragonfly looks interesting from the catalog...but who knows (please let me know if you do).

In general...almost none of the manufacturers list the weight of the BC...they tell you lift capacity...but not how much avoirdupois I gotta lug around.

I know what I want. I want the Zeagles adjustibily with Seaquest weight systmem and Mares big pockets!!! Arghh...can I get a "build your own BC kit?":loopy:

 

[NJdiver85]

Hi again couger,

Another BC you may want to investigate the Dive Rite Transpac, which is essentially a backplate and wings system, but where the backplate is soft and an integral part of the harness. It is light and fits different sizes well (fully adjustable), and you can add on pockets to fit your needs.

Regarding BC pockets, some are better than others, but you will find that the most useful pocket will be the one on your exposure suit. If your suit doesn't have a large bellows type pocket, they can be added pretty easily to any neoprene suit. Therefore, you might want to get the BC you like the best, without worrying about the pockets, and put your light and fish guide in your wetsuit/drysuit pocket.

 

[Stone]

Originally posted by cougar
Seaquest..Balance is light. But it has nothing for pockets...I need pockets...otherwise I'll look like a Christmas tree with my light, fish book, shears, waterproof money box and all those other little goodies I like to have with me.

Did the LDS show you the drop down pocket on the Balance?

I stow a safety sausage, shears, Dive alert, SL4 flashlight, and powerhead in my Balance pocket.

 

[emeyer36]

Hi! Cougar,

I have a Diva LX. I wonder if they showed you the adjustments on the inside for the cummerbund. I wear a size 24 and bought a Large Diva LX, it fits wonderfully with the adjustment set at the mid range. You might have found that the cummerbund was at it's smallest setting and, if not, you might want a size Large, which is available in the Diva LX. If I can fit in a Large I am sure you can.

It pays to ask lots of questions and try on lots of styles and sizes before you decide. If you can go to several dive shops that carry different brands. Then get what fits best.

I can say I really love my Diva LX, for me it was worth the money.

 

[cougar]

Hey emeyer36

We seem to be one year and two days apart in birthdays. I appreciate the info. Looked to me like the LDS guy didn't have a clue about the adjustment.

It does look like the possibility is pretty good that I will be in Hong Kong the end of next week. That is a city with 16 different dive shops...so I should be able to try on EVERYTHING. (I still want to design my own to the specs I listed :=] }
I a really looking forward to getting a chance to meet and dive with some of the nice people on this board. You guys are so nice. Thanks!

 

[traveltina]

When I dove with the Zeagle Escape - I felt it trapped air pretty badly. I also didn't like that it had no right shoulder air dump.

Just my opinion though!

 

[dianeg]

Hi!

Since your original post dates from March, you probably have already made your purchase decision. But here goes for others who might also read this thread:

I own an Oceanic ISLA BC and I'm a plus-size too. The size Large can fit up to probably a size 20. It has a shorter torso (more comfortable in the neck), an intergrated weight system (easier on the hips and way better weight distribution front & back) and has big enough pockets for stuff. I also like its multiple valves for better buoyancy control. I find it lightweight and compact for travel. Needless to say, I'm extremely pleased with it.

Description at: http://www.oceanicworldwide.com/Product.cfm?PL=bcs&SL=isla

The ISLA was rated "Testor's Choice" and "Best Buy" by Rodale's.

 

[art.chick]

My absolute favorite BC to date is the simplest one: an Aqualung Wave. It has huge pockets, dumps air nicley & fits me, a size 18 perfectly (xl) My Zeagle Ranger was a pain with it's complex weght sysyem. The Wave is also very light & cost-effective (not integrated).

 

[o2diver]

Have you tried on the Zeagle Zena? If you like the fit of the Zeagles you can still wear a weight belt and use the pockets on the BC for other things, leaving the weight pouches not in use.
Just a thought

 

[cougar]

I liked the fit of the Seaquest Diva LX...but that bra was a bit weird. I finally stumbled across the Seaquest Eva. No one had mentioned it. I can't see any obvious differences between it and the Diva except the Eva is "braless". I like the trim weight pockets either side of the tank...the pocket concept works for me and it is very adjustable...I won't have to buy a new BC when I get rid of some of my girth. It certainly feels good on dry land and it is ligtweight and packable. I can't report on its other qualities until June 15th when I get back to the waters of Cozumel. It met most of my criteria...although nothing met al of them (I swear I'm going to design a BC)

Does anyone else have one of these? It's already bought so...I hope I really like it. Thanks for all your help and input. I tried on almost everything this board suggested..you are gems.