[Zenagirl]

My husband switched last year from a jacket style to a Zeagle Ranger. He's a photographer and found that any air he had in his jacket BC moved around a lot and it was difficult to get into the contorted positions he sometimes does to get a shot.

He's put about 25 dives on his Ranger with his camera and is pleased as punch!! He said that the roll is completely gone and he literally no longer even pays attention to his BC while diving now. One big advantage in his opinion is that the Ranger is uncluttered on his body and he no longer has any bulk under his arms or on his chest.

I also dive a Zeagle BC (Zena with small wing) and was the reason my husband switched to a Zeagle. I started with a jacket style and found that the rolling just drove me insane. I quickly got rid of it and went to the Zena which is basically a corset with a wing attached, and have never regretted my decision. I am my husband's critter spotter so often get into contorted positions looking under ledges, rocks, and in coral for marine life. I've absolutely NEVER had a problem with air movement in my BC, though I'll admit the most air in it is usually a "puff" from my inflator hose.

If I were to do it all again, I'd likely look at the Brigade or Stilletto as a BC instead of the Zena, mostly because they have pockets and the Zena doesn't. The Brigade's pockets are a little bigger and more easily accessable than the Stilletto, but the Stilletto is lighter for travel, so it would ultimately come down to fit and comfort were I to swap out my BC now.