BCD for a very petite woman

[Iralub]

I'm starting a search for my first BCD and was hoping to pick up some advice.

I'm a very petite woman (150cm, about 45kg), likely to only do warm water diving (if I need more than a 5mm wetsuit or a hood, it is too cold!). I definitely have no plans to do any tech diving or dive doubles or anything of that nature, so recreational only. Pretty much all my diving includes air travel (local water is too cold), so the bcd would need to be reasonably light and transportable. Would like to have a couple of small pockets as I carry a small camera that I like to leave in a pocket on descents or ascents, as well as a basic safety kit (safety sausage, etc).

Have been looking at back inflate BCDs and was especially thinking of Zeagle Zena as I really like the idea of just being able to zip up the front and be ready to go. I find getting into the gear a bit difficult. Also bcds tend to slide around my body a fair bit in the water and so I and wonder whether the corset-type front would provide a better fit (if it is a small enough fit). I also need the bcd to be "kind" to my back, as my posture is not great, so I think lumbar support would help. I'm yet to find a local supplier that stocks the extra small size of Zena (or of other bcds for that matter) and may end up having to buy online, which is making me nervous.

Any feedback or suggestions of bcds that I should look at would be gratefully received.

 

[tbone1004]

where in Oz are you?

With the BC sliding around on you, you need a crotch strap, it is truly a game change with how rigs fit. If you have a Dive Rite dealer close to you, I would HIGHLY recommend going to try to put one of the new Hunterpacs and Travelpac on. The XS Travelpac is designed for people shorter than 5'0" and under 105lbs. You will likely find the Hunterpac a bit more comfortable if you are gifted in your natural buoyancy devices. Either way it would be highly recommended to go try those if one of your local dealers stocks them.
SCUBA Diving Equipment for Technical, Sidemount, Rebreather, Wreck and Cave Diving: Dive Rite, Inc - Product Catalog - HunterPac BCD
SCUBA Diving Equipment for Technical, Sidemount, Rebreather, Wreck and Cave Diving: Dive Rite, Inc - Product Catalog - TravelPac BCD

The following dealers should have them in stock
Tingalpa, Queensland
Dive Dive Dive - Dive Dive Dive

Perth
Dolphin Scuba Diving | Learn to Dive | Perth's Friendliest Dive Shop

Melbourne, Victoria
Melbourne Diving - Go Scuba Diving Melbourne and Dive Victoria Waters

Portsea, Victoria
Learn to Scuba Dive - Technical Diving - Portsea - Melbourne - Victoria

 

[Peter Guy]

There is another thread on this very topic with a lot of information -- http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/womens-perspectives/498185-what-bp-w-petite-diver.html

 

[dive_more]

Get an backplate wing, with dir harness so you can adjust it perfect for yourself


Enviado desde mi rebreather utilizando Tapatalk

 

[Iralub]

where in Oz are you?

With the BC sliding around on you, you need a crotch strap, it is truly a game change with how rigs fit. If you have a Dive Rite dealer close to you, I would HIGHLY recommend going to try to put one of the new Hunterpacs and Travelpac on. The XS Travelpac is designed for people shorter than 5'0" and under 105lbs. You will likely find the Hunterpac a bit more comfortable if you are gifted in your natural buoyancy devices. Either way it would be highly recommended to go try those if one of your local dealers stocks them.
SCUBA Diving Equipment for Technical, Sidemount, Rebreather, Wreck and Cave Diving: Dive Rite, Inc - Product Catalog - HunterPac BCD
SCUBA Diving Equipment for Technical, Sidemount, Rebreather, Wreck and Cave Diving: Dive Rite, Inc - Product Catalog - TravelPac BCD

The following dealers should have them in stock
Tingalpa, Queensland
Dive Dive Dive - Dive Dive Dive

Perth
Dolphin Scuba Diving | Learn to Dive | Perth's Friendliest Dive Shop

Melbourne, Victoria
Melbourne Diving - Go Scuba Diving Melbourne and Dive Victoria Waters

Portsea, Victoria
Learn to Scuba Dive - Technical Diving - Portsea - Melbourne - Victoria

Thanks for that Tbone. I'll check those places out.

Does the crotch strap only prevent bc from riding up or also from twisting around the body (that's what bcds seem to do with me and then the tank slides sideways and it's all a bit unpleasant).

 

[tbone1004]

crotch strap will help with that somewhat, but the backplate by nature will be pretty resistant to twisting. The wing being above the rig and even on each side of the tank helps greatly compared to a normal bcd where the lift is around your waist and is constantly in a state of imbalance...

 

[Wingy]

Iralub I am about the same size as you and the best fit I could find for my latest bc was the aqualung zuma which I bought for travel purposes but have fallen in love with it and use it as my go to bc now. The scubapro XS was too big and finished on my hips not my waist. Id suggest going into the shops listed above - although in Perth I got my zuma from Perth Scuba. You may also find looking at adreno.com.au gives you some ideas and prices - great site. If your tank is slipping and your body is rolling around inside your current bc its too big and/or not correctly adjusted.

 

[Iralub]

Thanks for the tip, Wingy. I hadn't considered that one before. Will take a look.
Good to know that there are other super-small sized divers around.

 

[Pullmyfinger]

My wife is the same size as you. She uses a Halcyon Eclipse with aluminum plate (regular size). It's very easy to adjust a backplate webbing harness to any sized person.

Cheers,
Mitch

 

[wgw04024]

My wife who is 5'3" and 120 just bought a zena today, xs. Wow does that fit like a glove. The zipper in the front and double straps around the hips/waist seem to hold it in place really well.

Bill