Zeagle Stiletto - A Marriage Between Travel BCD and Workhorse
Forgive the mess - I was half way through staging my gear.
My thoughts:
When I was looking for a BCD that could handle the variety of diving I do - springs, Gulf, Atlantic, and international travel - I kept coming back to the Zeagle Stiletto. I wanted something that could trim well in freshwater caves, hold up to saltwater boat dives, and still pack reasonably for travel. After putting it through dives across different environments, I can say it has become my go-to. It is not the lightest or cheapest option, but it is built to last and feels like gear I will not outgrow anytime soon.
The first thing I noticed was how well it trims out underwater. The rear-inflation bladder gives me a clean horizontal profile without needing constant adjustment. Compared to jacket-style BCDs I have used in the past, the Stiletto feels more streamlined and balanced. I have been able to fine-tune my buoyancy with minimal effort, and the 35 pounds of lift is more than enough for my setup, even when diving with a steel tank and a 5mm wetsuit. The dump valves are easily accessible, giving me control from multiple positions, especially when I am adjusting trim or ascending slowly.
The integrated rip-cord weight system is simple and secure. I have never had anything slip out, even during backroll entries or rough surface conditions. I carry various amounts of lead depending on the suit and tank, and the Stiletto distributes that weight well. There are also two moveable pockets on the tanks straps for trim weights, which helps dial in balance, especially useful in freshwater springs where buoyancy shifts more noticeably. With the right distribution, I barely need to touch my inflator once I am dialed in.
What really sold me was hearing how trusted this BCD is in the community. My instructor has had his Stiletto for over a decade with zero issues. And on the same weekend I got mine wet for the first time, I ran into two other divers - a boat captain and the dive master leading our charter - who both swore by it. One of them uses it for spearfishing and said it is so durable he does not even bother rinsing it between dives, which I do not condone but still found impressive. The other guy said he just leaves his in the truck bed, baking in the Florida sun, and it still performs consistently.
Fit and comfort are where the Stiletto really shines. The padded backplate and adjustable straps make it feel snug without being restrictive. I am 6'2" and around 210 pounds, and the size Large fits me perfectly with room to adjust for different wetsuit thicknesses, everything from rashguard only in the summer gulf and 5mm in the springs. The storage options are practical - two zippered pockets(plenty large to hold my spare mask), multiple D-rings, and enough attachment points for accessories like my DSMB and camera rig. the daisy chain webbing up top allows me to add a spare ceramic line cutter z knife as well. It is not overloaded with features, but everything feels intentional and well-placed.
For travel, it is not ultralight, but it packs down better than I expected. I have flown with it internationally and did not feel like I was sacrificing space or weight for durability. At $699 at the time of this article, it is definitely a mid-range investment, but for the comfort, trim control, and versatility it offers, I think it is worth it. If you dive a mix of environments like I do and want a BCD that can keep up without needing constant tweaks or upgrades, the Zeagle Stiletto is a solid choice.
Specs:
Reinforced 1000 denier nylon
35lb/15/9kg lift capacity low profile retracting bladder
Personal Fit System (PFS) sizing
Reinforced 1000 denier nylon construction
Sewn on lumbar Pad
Two zippered utility pockets
Adjustable elastic waist panels
5 Stainless steel D-rings
Adjustable sternum strap
24lb/10.9kg capacity Ripcord weight system
16lb/7.3kg capacity rear mount weight system
Dry weight: 7.4lb/3.4kg
LIMITED LIFETIME GUARANTEE TO THE ORIGINAL OWNER (All models except Scout, Escape and Sport BCDs)
