Any photographers using Zeagle Stiletto or other Zeagle BCDs?

[JasonUWPhoto]

Looking to update to a new BCD after losing quite a bit of weight (and my BCD is from 1992, so good excuse to update). I'm an avid photographer and dive both in the Caribbean and sometimes locally in NJ. I want a BCD that's uncluttered, easy to pack, but most importantly, one that provides excellent neutral buoyancy, NO MATTER WHAT POSITION I'm IN.

Anyone using Zeagles? Any problems with air trapping/movement from one side of the bladder to another in Stiletto or smaller wings?

Other recommended BCDs?

[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.

[ScottZeagle]

Walt Stearns uses quit a bit of Zeagle gear...from what I recall.

Underwater Journal

[DevilDiver]

I have dove the Zeagle Brigade from ST for the past 3 years and been very happy with it. Excellent construction, great range for movement and good for warm or most cold water dives. (With the Zeagle you can change the bladder out if you need larger for more weight in cold)

Never had issues with trapped air and I have no problem being pushed face first at the surface.

I carry a camera on all dives and have no issues with orientation or buoyancy for photographs.......that I know of.

I read the Cathy Church post and found it interesting but have not found the sames issue. I dove a jacket style BC when first certified and found it more cumbersome...

[JasonUWPhoto]

Thanks everyone. Your comments are helpful. I first was thinking about the Ranger, but the wing is really big and more than I need. I did try it on at BTS and was really impressed. I actually wouldn't mind getting a Ranger LTD body with the Stiletto bladder. The Stiletto seems like a decent package though. Won't go with the Brigade though because of the lighter wing - I do like going through some of the wrecks in my caribbean travels. Also don't think I'll be moving to doubles as I do want to go to rebreather and may do that soon. Hollis is making some nice strides on the Prism... maybe soon...