pinkbubbles
Guest
I'm 5'3'' 125lbs. I'm ready to buy a BCD. Any input on the best ones out there for my size? Thanks:mean:
BC's for petite women?
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Lost Yooper
Guest
I've been hearing many women rave about the comfort of the simple backplate, harness and wing. It's completely adjustable for any size person. Many are customizing them in their own way by using neon green or pink webbing.
Try e-mailing Pina Porceddu at pina3@bellsouth.net. She is 5'4" and 110-115 lbs and member of the most extreme group of cavers in the world. She really knows her stuff and will be able to help you with your questions.
Mike
Try e-mailing Pina Porceddu at pina3@bellsouth.net. She is 5'4" and 110-115 lbs and member of the most extreme group of cavers in the world. She really knows her stuff and will be able to help you with your questions.
Mike
TexasMike
Contributor
A big HOWDY!!! to you PinkBubbles! Welcome to ScubaBoard. We hope you will stay for a long time and we look forward to your contributions
A friend of mine, Artsprite, sounds like she is of similar size to you. I've messaged her and she should post something soon.
A friend of mine, Artsprite, sounds like she is of similar size to you. I've messaged her and she should post something soon.
My wife has a Zeagle Zena and she loves it. The front part is detachable and you can change it out with different sizes (smaller or larger) without having to replace the whole BC. When you get them, your LDS can configure it to fit whatever size you need. The front piece sort of reminds me of a bustier that zips up the front (or whatever you call them... those lingerie things that look like a bra and a girdle blended into one with all the lace...you know, those things Madonna used to wear...black is my favorite!...uh..sorry, got sidetracked...). Anyhows, when she first tried it on in the store, she was particularly impressed with how light it is and how snug it fit her. The small rental BCs were too loose and would always shift on her underwater. Now that she has her Zena, she doesn't have that problem anymore. It's worth checking out. Good luck in your search.
artsprite
Contributor
Welcome pinkbubbles!
I'm 5' tall and weigh 121 lbs. I happen to be somewhat busty, too. The men's xsmall that I wore in classes was about the most uncomfortable thing I've ever worn. For that reason, I bought a BC very quickly after certification.
A friend ask me to reply to your thread because I'm about the same size, but I'll tell you that very few people on this board agree with me about the comfort of the BC that I chose.
I bought a Sherwood Luna and am very happy with it. I tried about 3 other kinds, and cannot comment on a lot that's out there. I am limited as to availability where I live. I like several things about the Luna. It floats me in a great position on the surface of the water. I think that's important for comfort and safety. It is so comfortable in the water that I hardly notice that I have it on. It has a chest strap that is removable if you don't like it. And the part of the BC that inflates in front (jacket style) is only at the bottom sides, and when it inflates, it expands away from the body so as not to squeeze you. Some small women really like the back flotation BCs becasue they don't expand in front at all, but I tried two different models of back flotation, and I didn't like either one's fit. They were the Genesis Athena, and the Scubapro women's model. (I think it was Scubapro) This one had a very uncomfortable cummerbun. I didn't try the Zeagle that Zagnut's wife uses, so I can't comment on that one, but I didn't really think the fitted front would fit me very well because of my relatively large breast size. And, I didn't think I'd like something else that tight on top of a wetsuit. I can't stand a lot of tight clothing because I have Fibromyalgia, and things like that are uncomfortable to my sore muscles and sensitive trigger points. I don't expect you will know what that means, but I've added it just for your consideration. I don't know if this helps you, but if you have any questions for me I'll be happy to try to answer them.
I'm 5' tall and weigh 121 lbs. I happen to be somewhat busty, too. The men's xsmall that I wore in classes was about the most uncomfortable thing I've ever worn. For that reason, I bought a BC very quickly after certification.
A friend ask me to reply to your thread because I'm about the same size, but I'll tell you that very few people on this board agree with me about the comfort of the BC that I chose.
I bought a Sherwood Luna and am very happy with it. I tried about 3 other kinds, and cannot comment on a lot that's out there. I am limited as to availability where I live. I like several things about the Luna. It floats me in a great position on the surface of the water. I think that's important for comfort and safety. It is so comfortable in the water that I hardly notice that I have it on. It has a chest strap that is removable if you don't like it. And the part of the BC that inflates in front (jacket style) is only at the bottom sides, and when it inflates, it expands away from the body so as not to squeeze you. Some small women really like the back flotation BCs becasue they don't expand in front at all, but I tried two different models of back flotation, and I didn't like either one's fit. They were the Genesis Athena, and the Scubapro women's model. (I think it was Scubapro) This one had a very uncomfortable cummerbun. I didn't try the Zeagle that Zagnut's wife uses, so I can't comment on that one, but I didn't really think the fitted front would fit me very well because of my relatively large breast size. And, I didn't think I'd like something else that tight on top of a wetsuit. I can't stand a lot of tight clothing because I have Fibromyalgia, and things like that are uncomfortable to my sore muscles and sensitive trigger points. I don't expect you will know what that means, but I've added it just for your consideration. I don't know if this helps you, but if you have any questions for me I'll be happy to try to answer them.
My first recommendation is to try on a Seaquest Diva. They come in two models, the current LX and disontinued, but still around QD model. The Diva is the number one rated and top selling women's BC in the market. Most women find this the most comfortable BC on earth.
I said most women. Some women do not. If you do not find this exceedingly comfortable, try a Dacor Extremelle. For some reason they fit differently. I don't know why. If one fits perfectly, the other doesn't.
I use to also recommend the Zeagle Concept. Now, even better, Zeagle has their own woman's model, the Zena. It is a back inflate model. Give it a try.
The ScubaPro LadyHawke is also getting rave reviews, although I haven't seen it. It is also worth a try.
It's just a matter of trying one on for comfort.
I said most women. Some women do not. If you do not find this exceedingly comfortable, try a Dacor Extremelle. For some reason they fit differently. I don't know why. If one fits perfectly, the other doesn't.
I use to also recommend the Zeagle Concept. Now, even better, Zeagle has their own woman's model, the Zena. It is a back inflate model. Give it a try.
The ScubaPro LadyHawke is also getting rave reviews, although I haven't seen it. It is also worth a try.
It's just a matter of trying one on for comfort.
artsprite
Contributor
The Scubapro Ladyhawk is the one that I liked the least. It didn't have a cummerbun that came all aroung the waist, so it left a stretch of webbed strap. It also was uncomfortable to me at the shoulder straps. Each to her own, but I thought I'd add that.
It looks like the bottom line is (as usual) try several and see what fits you best. One point I'd like to add for everyone, when using a jacket style BC, they fit better and are much more comfortable if you don't use the chest strap. It's not necessary and without it you won't get squeezed. I haven't used mine in decades.
DSSW,
WWW
DSSW,
WWW
OP
pinkbubbles
Guest
WOWThank you all so much for your responses. I'm so excited to have my own stuff soon.
There's so much info. out there, and I was afraid of making a big $$ mistake.
Thanks again. I'm so glad I found you.
scubabunny
Guest
Hey bubbles, I have an orange Diva QD I'd sell you REAL cheap!
Yes, I'm still trying to get rid of it! But, I really don't know if I can let it go...it may be ugly...but DAMN, I love that ugly thing! Its my buddy...*wipes away a tear..feeling very sentimental*
And here, I always laughed when men just can't part with their first car!
Yes, I'm still trying to get rid of it! But, I really don't know if I can let it go...it may be ugly...but DAMN, I love that ugly thing! Its my buddy...*wipes away a tear..feeling very sentimental*
And here, I always laughed when men just can't part with their first car!
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