My wife (5'5", 125#) currently dives an Oceanic Hera (Size S). On a shakedown trip to the Keys in preparation for a bucket list trip, she was dialing in trim and weight requirement. It became obvious that the small was too big. Tank and bcd slipping to one side from time to time. Maxing out the cummerbund cinch to try to make it better.
She's committed to back-inflate, but doesn't want to go BP/W yet. She loves the comfort/padding of the Hera, but it's a little heavy for a travel bcd. None of the local shops have the bcd's discussed below in sizes XS or S for trial. Hoping y'all can help. She doesn't even lurk on SB, so here I am asking for her...
Requirements: comfort; back inflate or hybrid; low weight for travel; at least small droppable or accessible weight pockets in addition to trim weight pockets on back next to tank; some form of accessible pocket for a DSMB (haven't talked her into pocket shorts - I'm told they're ugly).
Desires: a small to medium wing size (20-25lb) (warm water diving).
Wishes: color
Here's where we are thus far (and definitely not in any particular order):
Aqualung Lotus
Pro: Big pockets
Con: Not sure we can get a small enough waist adjustment
HOG Total Buoyancy package
Pro: Small wing 23#, padded
Con?: Backplate design - not a jacket, but looks comfy
Con: Will need to add trim pockets for weight in back; Do the front pockets hold anything beside weight?
Aqualung Outlaw
Pro: Minimalist design; appropriate 20lb wing
Con: Hard to add pockets and releasable weight
Zeagle Zena
Pro: this bcd is very popular here in other threads on SB! Seems very customizable.
Pro: lots of pocket options
Con: There appears to be no cummerbund or waist buckle - what if the zipper fails?
Almost a deal breaker for me: Rip cord weight drop can’t be reinstalled in the water. Once you use it, you're committed. (Is this a non issue? In 35 years, I've never dropped weights.)
Question: Is this as comfortable for non-full-figured divers?
Aqualung Rogue
Pro: nice drop-down pockets for SMB and can add weight pockets; looks comfy, already has trim pockets
Con: large wing - 35 lb
Oceanic Biolite
Pro: minimalist; lightweight
Con: another large wing @ 32#; no pockets beyond weight release
Oceanic Excursion
Cons: huge bladder; not sure we can make the cummerbund small enough
.
Right now, she's favoring the Rogue, the Zena and the HOG.
We could use your advice.
She's committed to back-inflate, but doesn't want to go BP/W yet. She loves the comfort/padding of the Hera, but it's a little heavy for a travel bcd. None of the local shops have the bcd's discussed below in sizes XS or S for trial. Hoping y'all can help. She doesn't even lurk on SB, so here I am asking for her...
Requirements: comfort; back inflate or hybrid; low weight for travel; at least small droppable or accessible weight pockets in addition to trim weight pockets on back next to tank; some form of accessible pocket for a DSMB (haven't talked her into pocket shorts - I'm told they're ugly).
Desires: a small to medium wing size (20-25lb) (warm water diving).
Wishes: color
Here's where we are thus far (and definitely not in any particular order):
Aqualung Lotus
Pro: Big pockets
Con: Not sure we can get a small enough waist adjustment
HOG Total Buoyancy package
Pro: Small wing 23#, padded
Con?: Backplate design - not a jacket, but looks comfy
Con: Will need to add trim pockets for weight in back; Do the front pockets hold anything beside weight?
Aqualung Outlaw
Pro: Minimalist design; appropriate 20lb wing
Con: Hard to add pockets and releasable weight
Zeagle Zena
Pro: this bcd is very popular here in other threads on SB! Seems very customizable.
Pro: lots of pocket options
Con: There appears to be no cummerbund or waist buckle - what if the zipper fails?
Almost a deal breaker for me: Rip cord weight drop can’t be reinstalled in the water. Once you use it, you're committed. (Is this a non issue? In 35 years, I've never dropped weights.)
Question: Is this as comfortable for non-full-figured divers?
Aqualung Rogue
Pro: nice drop-down pockets for SMB and can add weight pockets; looks comfy, already has trim pockets
Con: large wing - 35 lb
Oceanic Biolite
Pro: minimalist; lightweight
Con: another large wing @ 32#; no pockets beyond weight release
Oceanic Excursion
Cons: huge bladder; not sure we can make the cummerbund small enough
.
Right now, she's favoring the Rogue, the Zena and the HOG.
We could use your advice.