bc for "large" women
- Thread starter grits61
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hnladue
Contributor
I have a zeagle ranger, xl. We added short shoulder straps to fit it right. Go somewhere where you can try on all different BC's. Try even the mens ones. You'll get lots of different ideas here.
A backplate and wing may work very well, as there is nothing on either the front or sides. As there is nothing across the front other than at the waist, they also work well for women with a large bust.
Because the wing (buoyancy cell) is separate, you can get the size you need for your body type, and also the type of diving you do (warm/coldwater).
MD
Because the wing (buoyancy cell) is separate, you can get the size you need for your body type, and also the type of diving you do (warm/coldwater).
MD
diver_paula
Contributor
I recommend Dive Rite's Transpac II with wing. It's basically a backpack with cushioning for the shoulders, padded waistband and lumbar support. Because it's built with webbing it is extremely versatile and size adjustable. I dove with the same bc for several years and had trouble finding a replacement. The Transpac was just the thing.
Paula
Paula
grits61:
The backplates are all quite similiar. Oxycheq or FredT would be my choices as they are excellent and very cost effective. I prefer the Halcyon webbing kit with an addition or two, and the Oxycheq wings.
I don't care for the Dive Rite as the harness is too convoluted and busy. You can add shoulder pads to any harness if you really think you need them. One of the great things about bp&w is the ability to configure them for the type of diving you do. For coldwater, you can use a SS plate and weighted single tank adaptor, then take that much weight off your waist (weight belt). Adjustment is almost infinite, as are options.
Look at www.oxycheq.com to see some of the options and sizes. You would most likely be using a standard size plate and 36 to 45 pound wing for single tanks.
There are also hundreds of posts here concerning sizes, fitting, pros/cons, prices, etc. I personally don't see any cons to the system, but some do.
MD
Try the Diva LX from Seaquest
grits61:
Congrats on your certification!! I agree with some of the other women here-- I believe you'd be happy with a harness & wing setup. I have an OMS wing with the IQ pak harness & I LOVE it!! It's very comfortable and doesn't feel tight or restrictive.
Whatever route you choose, happy diving!!
H2Andy
Contributor
let me second (or third) the BP/Wings set up. if you try one on, you will immediately
see they are infinitely adjustable and very comfortable (doesn't feel like you're
wearing anything).
see they are infinitely adjustable and very comfortable (doesn't feel like you're
wearing anything).
I'm another fan of the backplate/wing BC's. I started with a SeaQuest Quick Draw jacket BC which was a nightmare. Next was a Zeagle Concept which I loved. You could get different modules for a better fit, ie. small shoulders, large waist, etc. But it wasn't until I tried a BP/wing that I got a truly custom fit. I have a FredT alum BP and Deep outdoors 30#wing, a DiveRite Deluxe harness. It fits like a glove for less cost than a 'regular' BC.
I've recently lost about 60#. In a regular BC, that would have meant buying a new one. As it is, I've adjusted the shoulder and waist webbing to keep that custom fit. Another plus for the BP/wing set-up is I can add the kind of pockets and integrated weight system I like, not take what someone else decided I would use.
Another plus is after you've been diving awhile, your tastes and needs will change. This usually leads to folks having to totally replace their BC. If you're using a BP/wing, you just add or subtract D-rings, pockets, etc. to address your current needs. You do NOT have to be a 'technical' diver in order to use a BP/wing.
I've recently lost about 60#. In a regular BC, that would have meant buying a new one. As it is, I've adjusted the shoulder and waist webbing to keep that custom fit. Another plus for the BP/wing set-up is I can add the kind of pockets and integrated weight system I like, not take what someone else decided I would use.
Another plus is after you've been diving awhile, your tastes and needs will change. This usually leads to folks having to totally replace their BC. If you're using a BP/wing, you just add or subtract D-rings, pockets, etc. to address your current needs. You do NOT have to be a 'technical' diver in order to use a BP/wing.
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