BC for Women - Independent waist and hip bands give better balance and comfort
The greatest difficulty in properly sizing a woman's Buoyancy System is not finding a smaller size, or allowing for the bust, but lies in the fact that women's bodies have a defined waist where a waistband must fasten in order to secure the BC. At the same time, women tend to have both a shorter torso length and a lower center of buoyancy compared to men. So conventional buoyancy systems,which would ideally be worn lower for best balance and comfort, must be worn higher, around the narrowest part of the waist, in order to be secure. The Zena's twin waist and hip band system provides a way for women to securely position the weights and buoyancy below waist level, around the body's center of buoyancy.
All of Zeagle’s buoyancy systems are available with women’s sizing options and can be adjusted to provide excellent fit and functionality for women divers.
The Zena BC, however, has been designed by women as a buoyancy system specifically for women. The twin straps adjust to fit waist and hips independently, while the elastic front panels provide outstanding fit and comfort. Zeagles patented PFS sizing system allows for the waist size, chest size, and torso length to be independently fitted. The Zena is designed to be fitted with the upper waistband at the natural waist, placing the weights and buoyancy low, around the body's center of buoyancy.
The Zena closes in the front with a heavy-duty zipper for a snug and secure, yet non-restrictive fit. A Ripcord release weight system is standard.
Elastic front panels with zipper closure for a comfortable, secure fit and a streamlined profile
Dual waistbands allow weights to be positioned below waist level for superior comfort and balance.
Component sizing fits waist, torso length, and chest size independently
31-lb capacity bladder
30-lb capacity Ripcord weight system
16-lb capacity rear mount weight system
Expandable mesh 'Quick Pocket' at waist
4 Stainless D-Rings
Dry Weight: 6.2lbs
The front panel standard colors are Grape, Blue, Neon Yellow, Neon Pink, Black, Floral White, Floral Pink, and Floral Blue.
For additional full size pictures of the colored front panels please click here
Custom Sizing Available
Vest
Fit to waist size so upper band is secure around waist: Front Panel Size*
Fit to Chest/ Bust Size: Shoulder
Fit to torso length, size so upper waist band is at natural waist.
Are Zeagle BC’s worn differently?
Yes. Because of the uniqueness of the design, the Zeagle System will fit quite differently from a conventional BC. The waistband will be lower, well below the diaphragm (so it won’t restrict your breathing), the front of the BC is open, reducing restrictions further, and the buoyancy is low down on the back and sides, where it can expand outward without compressing your chest. The result is greater comfort and a more balanced attitude in the water.
Why do you put the weights in the BC?
Including the weights as part of the buoyancy system improves balance and comfort in the water- it keeps your body from being pulled in different directions by the opposing forces of lift and weights. All Zeagle BC’s since 1982 have been designed to be weight integrated.
How do you drop the weights in an emergency?
Zeagle’s patented Ripcord system allows for a single point instantaneous release of the weights from almost any position in the water. When compared to a weightbelt release or the two handed systems used on many other weight integrated BC's the Ripcord is far simpler and more reliable. Some BC's offer a more economical pull out system that requires a two sided release to drop all the weights.
Isn’t it too heavy to lift?
In most circumstances we recommend that the diver put on their BC first, then place the weights in the weight pockets. This avoids having to lift the entire scuba system and weights together.
What’s the Personal Fit System?
People come in more than five sizes- the Personal Fit System is a system of interchangeable components that allows your Zeagle dealer to custom fit a buoyancy system to your body and your style of diving. In addition to fitting waist size, chest size, and torso length independently, we can adjust the style of various components and the amount of lift in the buoyancy system to match the type of diving you do.
Do you make BC's for women?
Zeagle’s Personal Fit System was designed with women in mind. It’s very common for women to fit a size smaller in the shoulder section of a Zeagle BC than they fit in the waist size- a medium waist with small shoulders, for example. On our heavy duty BC's we offer narrower women's shoulder sections with smaller buckles that will fit women's upper bodies better. Of course the advantages of weight integration and doing away with the weightbelt are often even greater for women than for men. The greatest difficulty in properly sizing a woman's Buoyancy System is not finding a smaller size, or allowing for the bust, but lies in the fact that women's bodies have a defined waist where a waistband must fasten in order to secure the BC. At the same time, women tend to have both a shorter torso length and a lower center of buoyancy compared to men. So conventional buoyancy systems,which would ideally be worn lower for best balance and comfort, must be worn higher, around the narrowest part of the waist, in order to be secure. Zeagle has two BC models specifically designed with these considerations in mind; - The Zena is an extremely light and comfortable BC, ideally suited for warmer water diving. It is designed and constructed to be worn over a bathing suit or light warm water suit. The Zena's twin waist and hip band system provides a way for women to securely position the weights and buoyancy below waist level, around the body's center of buoyancy. - The LaZer is a heavier-duty BC with the same ideal fit for a woman's body shape. It is still considered to be a travel BC and can be worn over a bathing suit, but it is also made to be worn over a wetsuit or drysuit that might be needed in local diving conditions. It has all the features of the very popular Stiletto BC, but with a vest that is scooped at the rear to comfortably accommodate a shorter torso and wider hips than a Stiletto.
Will it float you face down?
Zeagle BCs are designed to fit low on the body so the lift is positioned near the body’s center of buoyancy. This results in a very neutral surface flotation, leaving the diver free to assume any position in the water. Many non-Zeagle rear flotation BC’s fit high on the chest, the same way most nonintegrated jacket style BC’s fit. In addition to being less comfortable, this volume of lift high on the back can cause the diver to be rotated forward when attempting to stay upright on the surface.
Can I wear a weightbelt with a Zeagle?
It isn’t necessary, and it adds bulk and weight.
Which BC is best for me?
Zeagle makes buoyancy systems for everyone– from the occasional vacation diver to the most professional Search and Recovery divers. Your dealer can help you select a system and appropriate accessories based on you size, experience, diving environment, the kind of diving you do, and the kind of diving you want to do in the future.
What about construction and warranty?
All Zeagle Buoyancy Systems are hand sewn from the best available materials and heavily reinforced at all stress points. Our style of construction is labor intensive and expensive, but it results in a more durable, better fitting BC. Individual components of the system are replaceable or repairable if damaged. This quality of construction makes it possible for us to offer a limited lifetime warranty to the original purchaser. If a defect appears or the system fails at any time while you own it, Zeagle will repair or replace the system free of charge.
For full details on product warranty please click here.
Where can I get user's guides for Zeagle Products?
We have available downloadable versions of product owner's manuals. These are in PDF format, which is a file format that can be viewed and printed from virtually any computer platform. If you don't have Adobe Acrobat Reader (necessary to view the files) it can be downloaded free of charge here.
BCs-
LIMITED LIFETIME GUARANTEE TO THE ORIGINAL OWNER, OFFERED THROUGH MANUFACTURER
Your BC is guaranteed against defects in materials and workmanship. This guarantee does not cover damages from accident, abuse, neglect, alterations, improper usage, normal wear & tear or failure to provide reasonable care. To validate your warranty you must fill out and return your warranty registration by regular mail or e-mail, within 30 days of purchase. All warranty claims will be handled through Zeagle, or an authorized Zeagle Dealer.
here is the serial number on my BC?
In 2009 we began serializing the bladder assembly of our BCs. To find the serial number look at the left side (your right if you were wearing the BC) in between the vest and bladder. Roughly where the top tank band is inserted into the vest you should see a 1.5' long white tag with the serial number stamped onto it. If you do not see this tag you can select 'My product does not have a serial number' when registering your BC.
How can I set my BC up for Twin Cylinders?
All Zeagle Heavy-Duty Ballistic BCs (Ranger, Ranger LTD, Tech, 911, SAR) as well as backplate systems, can be used with twin tanks. The easiest method is to use the Twin Cylinder Mounting Plates. Click here for a page that shows how.
Click here for an instructional video on setting your BC up for Twin Cylinders
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