Tall long torsoed guy

[thezeker]

I have searched the forum for a thread matching my problem but couldn't find an exact match.

I am getting back into diving after a bit (26 yr) lay off. To give you an idea of where I am coming from my last bc was a U.S. Divers horse collar. I am moving to Florida next month and have began researching equipment. There have been a few changes to say the least.

In regards to a bc I have visited a few shops that seem intent on pushing items in stock rather than what fits. The trouble is I am 6-4 with a 34 in inseam, i.e. a lot of my height is in my torso. Things off the shelf run short. Like a cumberbund that doesn't sit low enough.

I am looking for a jacket style, but back inflate are acceptable. I have that irrational fear of winding up face down. I know, i know........don't over inflate, weight trim.......but I still have it.

I am interested in the Oceanic Probe LX, Scubapro glide pro.

Although it is back inflate the zeagler ranger or stiletto for fit are very interesting.

So if anyone has any input for the long of torso please chime in.

The type of diving is mainly going to be recreational in FL and the bahamas.

Thanks.

[tk trekers]

I'm 6'8" and using a Seaquest Black Diamond, fits me pretty well and there is still some slack to take up with the shoulder pull rings. I had tried on some Oceanic, Sherwood and a Scubapro but this one was the most comfortable for me.

[Vlane]

I have a Zeagle Stiletto and it is very well made. The great thing about Zeagle is different sections of the BC are interchangeable so that could help you out being tall. Another option, which many will suggest, is BP/W. While it is completely different from a jacket inflate, it can be used to fit pretty much any sized person.

[ektess1]

I also started diving with the horse collar. I took many years off before moving to S Florida.
I used to dive the Black Diamond. Never was happy with the fit. I now dive the Deep Sea Supply Long backplate BP/W. Love the way it fits. I am 6' 2" with a long torso. The long plate may be a little to long. I just bought the large plate to try out. I have not had it in the water yet.
The bp/w is small and light. Great for travel. It is also great for the warm waters of S Florida.
I wish that I had bought it first and saved the money on the Black Diamond. Really took a bath on it when I sold it.
Ed

[CFDAlden]

6' with a 29" inseam here. I use a Seaquest Balance, and the length is just right torso wise.

[JCAT]

thezeker said

Like a cumberbund that doesn't sit low enough.

I know exactly what you mean. That's the one thing I hate about all BCs.

[thezeker]

tk trekers: I'm 6'8" and using a Seaquest Black Diamond, fits me pretty well and there is still some slack to take up with the shoulder pull rings.

I'll put this on the list to try.

CFDAlden: 6' with a 29" inseam here. I use a Seaquest Balance, and the length is just right torso wise.

Another one as well.

Vlane: Another option, which many will suggest, is BP/W. While it is completely different from a jacket inflate, it can be used to fit pretty much any sized person.


ektess1: I also started diving with the horse collar. I took many years off before moving to S Florida.
I now dive the Deep Sea Supply Long backplate BP/W. Love the way it fits. I am 6' 2" with a long torso.

Late last night I started looking at the Transplate Harness system at divegearexpress.com. I was pretty intrigued by it.

Again my only fear about this is in case of a diver (me) emergency where the diver in incapacitated how well would these things keep your face out of the water? On the practical side if your just floating in swells waitng for the dive boat to pick you up how hard is it to lean back and relax?

Thanks for all your input.

[Diver Kat]

The DH is 6'4"+ and uses a Zeagle Escape. As already mentioned, Zeagles can be semi-customized because the sections can be put together in different sizes - he uses the XL shoulders. I'm 5'4" and had the opposite problem - BC's sat too low. I use a Zeagle with the small shoulders, and it was perfect.

[divinginn]

I am 6-2 and use the black diamond also,plenty long for me,they tend to run very large,I have a size large and it is really bigger than I need. My last bc was a mares,and a size large was almost too small for me. I think a med-large would fit me better on the black diamond,I am 195 lbs.

[divinginn]

It is a non issue floating on the surface with a back inflate,I just float on my back. As long as you dont over inflate you should not have any problems. My first bc was a horse collar too,when I used a bc.