Best And Worst Bc For Women

[tbone1004]

unfortunately not me, have to give that one to Jim Lapenta i believe. My usual one for this is much less brief, but to look at the end goal of your diving and buy equipment for that type of diving instead of where you are now.

 

[KatieMac]

Thanks everyone. My biggest concern is that if I don't feel stable on the surface, I may quit diving altogether. As mentioned earlier, last year I wouldn't go in the ocean at all. I have since discovered that my fear is ON the surface, not UNDER the surface.

I have done 4 dives so not a lot to go by but trim was not a problem at all. I had no issue getting and staying horizontal. But I'm anxious on the surface. And yes I keep on my mask/regs until I'm getting out but that hasn't helped. I don't have a problem buying a second BC later IF I get past this surface thing. I just don't want to be beaten by feel out of control on the surface.

I should have probably told you all this first. . Also, I'm 5'2" with a short torso. I don't have particularly large hips, butt or breasts and have a small waist. I'm usually in petite xs clothes and had a really tough timing finding a wet suit that was small and short enough and fit my not-so-plentiful curves.

 

[diversteve]

Maybe an Aqualung Pearl? - women's BC and they mention stability throughout the dive as a feature:

Pearl

A unique, hybrid air cell combines a back inflation wing with a wrap around jacket. The benefit is increased lift in a small package as well as stability throughout the dive.

You're also right in the middle of their XS size: BC Size and Lift Chart

 

[BDSC]

Thanks everyone. My biggest concern is that if I don't feel stable on the surface, I may quit diving altogether. As mentioned earlier, last year I wouldn't go in the ocean at all. I have since discovered that my fear is ON the surface, not UNDER the surface.

Then for me that settles it. You need to buy a jacket bc if you are going to buy your own gear. There is no doubt that you are going to feel more stable at the surface with a jacket bc and there are thousands upon thousands of divers who dive nothing but jacket bc's and are exceptional divers. As a matter of fact, the three best divers I have even been in the water with all had ratty torn looking jacket bc's.The only reason I switched from a jacket bc to a back inflate was because I have some issues with my right shoulder from time to time. In a jacket bc I was having to reach back a little to put it on and my BI has shoulder clips. So I no longer have to reach in a backwards motion to put it on.

Just try on as many as you can and find the one that fits you best.

 

[teknitroxdiver]

I would not write off back inflates without at least trying one. You'll be surprised how stable they are.

 

[ScubaJill]

Katie, I just purchased my first BC - a Zeagle Zena - after about 100 dives. I held off buying one because I wasn't sure what I really wanted, the dive shop where I did most of my dives almost always had the BC that fit me and the rental cost was very cheap, and I didn't want to spend a lot of money for something that I ended up hating. I finally bought one because I had enough "meh" dives due to buoyancy and trim issues brought on by ill-fitting rental BCs at new dive locations.

I like the Zena because it is a snug fit and I don't feel encumbered, awkward, or weighed down. For me, this translates into being better able to manage myself on my dive - buoyancy, trim, descent and ascent, hanging out on the surface, and getting on and off the boat. There are other BCs that would have given me the same sense of control as the Zena, but I opted to buy it because of its reputation for durability, and I purchased it on sale.

I did try a BP/W, but it was exceptionally ill-fitting and I wasn't able to figure out my proper weighting. I was also using a steel 100, when I had only dived with AL80s until that point. I would be open to trying a proper fitting BP/W in the future.

I bought a Small/Small, expecting I would have to swap out one of the components, but it fits perfectly (5'6", 37-30-40, smaller body frame - in other words, I have the squish factor).

 

[chillyinCanada]

KatieMac, you need to do visual exercises seeing yourself in your mind's eye on the surface, calming yourself and also some real dives in less threatening environments. You need to do these things in an attempt to desensitize yourself and train your mind (and body) to help you relax.

How are your swimming skills in a bathing suit and a swimming pool? Perhaps feeling like a more strong and confident swimmer would help too.

All of this advice is assuming you really want to become a "scuba diver" and if you do, we want that for you too! However, if you're not sure about it, don't go and buy a bunch of gear only to quit after a couple more dives. Scuba diving really isn't for everyone and there's no shame in that.

 

[Pedro Burrito]

I'm usually hesitant about posting in the women's forum but ...

My wife loves her Scubapro Ladyhawk back inflate BCD and will not try anything else.

I recently taught two regular size Japanese women using BPWs. They had not done any diving beforehand so they had no preconceived opinions about BCDs. Their trim was very good from the start and they had no problems on the surface. By regular size Japanese women I mean regular size for Japan - small - about 45 kg / 100 lbs and 152 cm / 5 feet tall. They used a regular 6 lb plate and a 7mm semi-dry suit with maybe 1 or 2 kg of ditchable weight.

I generally use a BPW unless I'm with my wife when I use a Scubapro back inflate BCD. I've been on the surface a long time with both, either doing exercises with my students or waiting for a boat to pick me up. Neither one is uncomfortable nor is it a struggle to keep my face out of the water.

I liked the quote above about buying your second BCD first. I wish I had done that.

 

[Scuba Christine]

Hi Katie,
First, kudos to you for addressing and working to overcome your fears. I'm proud of you for trying diving in the first place. Great job! I hope you are getting lots of positive feedback for your bravery.

I've already said my piece on the Zeagle Zena, but didn't address stability on the surface. I've never thought about it because I'm one of those happy to be in the water folks. But, now that I think about it, I think that the Zena helps me feel comfortable on the surface because it is easy to float on your back for a long surface swim and in general you feel very snug and stable in it. Basically, you aren't aware of it once it's on except to adjust your boyancy to be exactly where you want, on the surface or below. I felt a bit like I was wearing a life jacket in the jacket style BCs on the surface, but with my Zena I'm just where I want to be when I'm on the surface or underwater.

I hope you have wonderful dives whatever gear you choose!

 

[KatieMac]

Thanks @Scuba Christine. It feels great to have conquered that. I absolutely LOVE being underwater and can't wait for my next dives. My dive instructor has known me for a while and, based on my fear, didn't expect me to get through day 1 with first skills session and discovery dive. He was surprised that I did but once he saw me under the water, he had no doubt that I would complete the cert. My family has been wonderful and very encouraging as well. I'm still not comfortable on the surface of the water and not sure I ever will be but I don't think it really matters that much when it comes to progressing as a diver.