BCD for women - almost BP/W ?

[stargost]

Would it be possible to use a BCD for 2 women, mother and daughter, almost same size but right now one using mostly samll version, and the other Xs or junior ?

Ideally, a BC for cold water, with decent size pockets, which can be adjusted for both person easily.

I'm seriously thinking of a BP/W set up, as that may provide the easiest and best adjustement, but both divers are not experimented and may prefer the comfort of a jacket or hybrid bcd. We will try...

There are few BC like the zeagle ranger which may represent a good compromise as they avoid the full set up, but clearly fit the cold water diving, and i've seen how they fit people well (woman as well ?).
but they are expensive ...

any hint or help very much appreciated !

 

[tstormdiver]

The one issue to consider also is to make sure your BC has enough lift for the cold water diving (thicker exposure protection, of course, means more weight). Make sure the BC can handle the amount of weight you'll need. You might consider separate backplates with harnesses for each of the divers & share the wing, since it's modular. That way the harness on each pack plate has a customized fit for each diver & no further adjustment back & forth. Pockets & such can be added & customized to each person. A basic back plate & harness shouldn't cost you a mint. The back inflate of the wing may take a little learning curve, but shouldn't be too bad at all.

One female BC I've used & found to be highly adjustable & very comfortable is the Oceanic Hera. It is a hybrid & padded in all the right places for us ladies.

Just a couple ideas for you there.

 

[fnfalman]

Go rent the BPW setup at Hollywood Divers and let them try out the rigs.

I have personally put four brand new divers into Dive Rite Transpacs (not BPW but close enough) and they all loved the Transpacs as opposed to the jacket BCs that they have used before.

 

[TSandM]

Well, that strategy won't work if they ever want to go diving together . . .

If they dive infrequently, you could use a BP/W and adjust it each time. If they dive frequently, they'll get tired of doing that, because it's not as simple as pulling on a strap.

On the other hand, the plate and harness are the smallest part of the cost of a BP/W purchase, especially if you buy Al and accept that you will need to use camband weights. It would be QUITE possible for them to buy two plates, adjust each properly, and share a wing.

 

[stargost]

If we dive all together, we'll rent the third setup ! But it seems it won't happen that often, and the chance of having a BC size exceeded within a year by the girl is very high. So this is when the idea of sharing one came !
Good point about sharing the wings. That seems to be an excellent approach. I didnt know you can rent the BPW, so will definitly try.

I looked at the diverite transpac (and the Hera, which has outstanding reviews), but there is again the issue of the size (XS or S won't fit both). Best is to try of course. But it is not easy to find shops who offer these 2 models in my area.

With the Transpac, would the wings still be required, and what else would be needed (pockets, weight integration) ?

thanks for your advices