Advice about women BC

[aMeLie]

Hi!!

I'm a new diver and i'm looking to buy a BC... The reason why i'm so hurry is that i'm quite small and all the BC i rent or used during my diving classes were really too large. I went to almost all the store in my city and they don't rent XS BC or only have one!!

I'm hesitating between the mares dragonfly ariel and the scubapro ladyhawk. :06:

I would like to have your comments about those two women BC or any other one i should consider...

Thank you!!!

 

[capybara]

Hi aMeLie,
Welcome to Scubaboard!
I have the Ladyhawk and I like it a lot. It's very streamlined, which is good for travelling, but also has a good lift capacity so you can use it for both tropical and temperate (cold water) diving. It's a back-inflate BC, so you don't want to overinflate it at the surface or you might tend to tip forward. And there is only one pocket (the men's version has two). It's a great BC. See if you can try out both and find out which one fits you better. Good luck, and don't forget to fill out your profile!
capybara

 

[aMeLie]

Thanks!!

I forgot to say that i will dive in province of Quebec and Ontario so i need a good BC for cold water!!

 

[Jim Lapenta]

You could also try the oceanic isla.Adjustable shoulder straps they slide at the bottom to accomodate different shapes. depth compensating cummerbund, rear trim weight pockets, and yes I work for an oceanic dealer.

 

[paschen]

I don't use a women's BC. I use a Mares Chrome (no there is no chrome on it - don't ask me why they call it that). I am claustrophobic so it is nice and giving and adjustable all over.

 

[Wildcard]

The GF has a Lady Hawk and hates it. The shoulders cut into hers and the pockets are drop down so stuff dangles down. Now she wants a BP/W. Just gotta figure out where to put the pockets????
PS as a result of the small drop down pockets she wears her 8C light on her wrist. Giant stride off of a boat last weekend, she went the light stayed tangled around the rail. Ouch!

 

[Snowbear]

I've found that a backplate with a one piece adjustable harness fits way better, is more comfortable and definitely more streamlined than any BC I have tried. As a divemaster, I've seen the same thing with many other women as well.... There's no issues with body parts getting in the way of the BCD and the harness doesn't tend to restrict or put excessive pressure on certain body parts, either

As I said, the one piece harness in infinitely adjustable and when properly adjusted, is quite comfortable in the water. The whole rig, again when properly adjusted, is way more stable while being less restrictive than the conventional (jacket or back inflate) BC's I've tried.

The brand doesn't matter. Depending on your weighting needs, you can choose between an aluminum or stainless steel plate.

HTH

 

[Snowbear]

Just gotta figure out where to put the pockets????

How about on the harness? Or glue them to the wetsuit thighs?

 

[HilaryRN71]

Hi!!

I'm a new diver and i'm looking to buy a BC... The reason why i'm so hurry is that i'm quite small and all the BC i rent or used during my diving classes were really too large. I went to almost all the store in my city and they don't rent XS BC or only have one!!

I'm hesitating between the mares dragonfly ariel and the scubapro ladyhawk. :06:

I would like to have your comments about those two women BC or any other one i should consider...

Thank you!!!

Hey there, Given your size, and that you dive in cold water, give the backplate/wing a try. There should be many people in the area that dive them, and perhaps you could borrow one and see how it works. When I was BC shopping, I relied on alot of advice. Several people told me to try the backplate/wing/harness system and I didn't listen because I didn't understand it. But it's what I'm upgrading to with my drysuit. I didn't understand the concept, because I was new and just understood a BC. Now that I can visualize what it is, and that it isn't complicated or "weird" (actually it makes perfect sense), it makes sense. You can adjust it to ANY size.

I use a Seaquest Diva for warm water and it works fine, but for cold water, it just doesn't cut it.

 

[TSandM]

I'm a small woman, and I had trouble during OW with ill-fitting BCs that allowed the tank to shift. I bought a Seaquest Libra because it fit better than anything else the LDS had, but it was a mistake. I should have gone with a BP/W from the get-go. When I finally got to try one, it was such a relief to have the tank absolutely stable, and the straps in the hollows of my shoulders where they were COMFORTABLE.

I also like having some of my weight on my hips, rather than all of it hanging from my shoulders.

I haven't solved the pocket issue yet, although I will undoubtedly eventually put some on my drysuit.

Anyway, I think the harness is the answer for women of small frame.