Zeagle BC - How about the ZENA?

[Holloways]

Has anyone tried the Zena BC by Zeagle? I'm looking for a new BC (fitted for a female) which folds up well, has lots of pockets, light weight and of high quality.

It doesn't need a lot of bells and whistles because I pretty much use my BC just to hold my tank on my back (my last zeagle was nearly impossible to get air out of - so I had to learn this trick...). I'd keep my 12+ year old zeagle (very reliable) but it rides up, up, up ... which makes me nuts. The brand is of very high quality though so I'm leaning towards sticking with a winner.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Can anyone tell me why Leisure Pro would advertise it for $330 and DiveBooty for $450. Something is obviously a miss...

 

[D_O_H]

My girlfriend has the Zena and really likes it, though she just got it and only has a couple of dives with it. It's compact (especially compared to my Ranger) and seems light weight and of very high quality. As I recall, it doesn't have many pockets - I think just one expandable pocket around the waist + pockets for integrated weights. I'm sure you can add pockets to it though if that's important.

She hasn't had any trouble getting air out of it either.

If you buy it, get it from Larry at Scubatoys.com. I bought my girlfriend's there and he'll work with you on the price and give you a full Zeagle warranty (which you won't get from leisurepro). I definitely recommend calling to order it, as Larry can customize it with components of different sizes so it fits your body type (at least I hope that's why he was asking me to describe my girlfriend's dimensions).

Has anyone tried the Zena BC by Zeagle? I'm looking for a new BC (fitted for a female) which folds up well, has lots of pockets, light weight and of high quality.

It doesn't need a lot of bells and whistles because I pretty much use my BC just to hold my tank on my back (my last zeagle was nearly impossible to get air out of - so I had to learn this trick...). I'd keep my 12+ year old zeagle (very reliable) but it rides up, up, up ... which makes me nuts. The brand is of very high quality though so I'm leaning towards sticking with a winner.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Can anyone tell me why Leisure Pro would advertise it for $330 and DiveBooty for $450. Something is obviously a miss...

 

[Parrothead_Diver]

D_O_H beat me to it. I agree 100% with him.

My wife has a Zena and absolutly loves it. Especially for the reasons you have voiced concerns over, and that is that it does NOT ride up like other BCs she has tried. As for pockets... There is one (1), and that is a roll-up type mesh bag attached through the straps on the front panel.

As for leisurepro, that they are a "grey market" vendor and therefore Zeagle will not honor the warranty. But this may not be that important too you. Either way, do a search here on scubaboard and you will find alot of information both positive and negative about them and then you can make your own decision.

And again like D_O_H said, call Larry at Scubatoys.com. He may be able to get you a price you are happy with and even better you will get the full Zeagle warranty.

 

[AmyJ]

Love love love my Zena... do a search on Zena and alot will come up!!! And yes, go with Larry, LP won't do a custom fit... if that's what you need. I have a large back piece, medium front panel and extra small shoulder pieces. Not lots of pockets, but I added a sport utility one and have more than enough room for everything..... pm if you have other questions.

 

[Humuhumunukunukuapua'a]

My guess? Call Larry and he'll match LP's price. scubatoys is the way to go. I buy little stuff from LP (if Larry doesn't have it), but big items like BCs or regs, I'm not too comfortable with. Too many stories on this board about serial numbers scratched off gear purchased from LP.

Can you add a crotchstrap to the BC so it doesn't ride up? Mine makes it like sitting in a swing at the surface. Good luck!