Why doesn't the Zeagle Zena fit me??

[aussiescubagal]

Thanks all for your comments and suggestions.

I have contacted the Zeagle rep to see what he has to say. I went into my LDS to see what they thought, they had me try on a Seaquest Libra, which they think is better than the Diva for someone like me who wants back-inflate.

Although I seem to get the impression that bp-wings combo would be more adjustable/customisable, I don't think I'm ready to go down that track just yet - still a newbie!

Thanks again :dazzler1:

 

[Boogie711]

The first dive I did after my OW checkouts was with a BP/Wing. They're not an advanced BC, they're just a very good one.

 

[H2Andy]

Although I seem to get the impression that bp-wings combo would be more adjustable/customisable, I don't think I'm ready to go down that track just yet - still a newbie!

not sure why this misconception exists, but if there is anyone
who could benefit from BP/wings, it is a person either learning
or just having learned to dive...

again, you need to try one to make up your own mind, but
don't think you have to wait to do it

 

[aussiescubagal]

From a "newbie" point of view, I'm worried that people will look at me and say "What the heck is this little chickie doing diving with a bp&w... she's only just certified!"

I don't want people thinking I'm something I'm not... just last weekend down at Portsea where I dive there were all these guys standing around discussing the halcyon bp&w that one of them wanted to buy and they were all "oooh, aahhhhh". And these guys are hardcore divers verging on tech...

I guess it is a misconception but its one that exists down at Portsea...

 

[The Kraken]

Aussie,
My wife purchased a Libra before she even started her OW classes. She went to several dive shops and tried several different models having the shop attendant go so far as to even attach a tank.
She loves her Libra!!
I don't mean to be impertinent, but if "you're a busty wench" (please don't take offense) as is my wife, you'll love the adjustability.

 

[H2Andy]

From a "newbie" point of view, I'm worried that people will look at me and say "What the heck is this little chickie doing diving with a bp&w... she's only just certified!"

answer: using learning tools such as ScubaBoard to equip
herself with gear that will make her diving easier, at any level

 

[gj62]

Yet another recommendation for the Zeagle Escape - a great adjustable back-inflate that I (and my wife) find more comfortable than a BP/W - to each his own...

The Escape can have different size shoulder & waist sections, depending upon need, but since the cumberbund is adjustable within the shell, you'll likely not need to resort to a mixed size.

 

[The Kraken]

Aussie,
Yep, the Zeagle is good too!

 

[HammerNoMore]

My wife dives the Zena and loves it. She really prefers the zip front. As others have said, I'm willing to bet that you can get a proper fit with it but it may take a while if you're doing it by mail. You might want to PM scubatoys on this, they are not in Australia but they know the product well and can proably help with the fit. When I bought my wifes from them, we wound up sending back just the front piece for a different size.

On the BP/Wing side of things if it is possible to try one you should before you spend money. There is no reason not to and you may or may not find you like it better. I get asked about mine on every dive trip, more often than not it involes a little drool but sometimes I get the "are you a tec diver?" question.

Don't let peer pressure and common misconceptions keep you from using what might be the best BC for you. You can simply say, "no, but I like the advantages a BP/Wing has for recreational diving."

James

 

[aussiescubagal]

Thanks all for your comments and suggestions. I see what you guys mean about being educated and confident that I have bought the right gear for me.

Sadly, the Australian Zeagle rep has not responded to my email so I don't know what zeagle has to say about things.

James, I may do as you suggest and PM scubatoys.

Thanks again - this board is already proving useful!