Finding BC that fits...

[Amazon]

I'm having trouble finding a BC that fits me. Unfortunately, I'm a heavy woman (working to change that). My husbands large Nighthawk BC fits me - but since I need the extra width, the torso of the BC is too long. Any suggestions? If I look at women's BC's, it's a joke.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[diver_paula]

Hi Amazon.

I have the same 'build' situation. Large with a short torso. I dove with the same BC for years and years because I couldn't find a newer one that fit. In order to make the old BC work I had to use a cummerbund extender.

I tried a few new BCs over time and was actually in tears from the pain. All the weight of my tank, pony and weights was on my shoulders. The BC lengths went below my hips and thus the weight was not distributed between my shoulders and hips.

I finally found the perfect solution for me in a Diverite Transpac II. I was able to purchase the wings that were correct for my type of diving. And the harness and straps are totally customizable. Check it out! You will also have the option of using a weight belt, weight pockets or a combination of the two.

Good luck and happy shopping!
Paula

 

[SteveFass]

ooh! ooh! I know! I know! A back plate and wing!

With that setup you wear a harness, which is extremely adjustable.

 

[herman]

Take a look at the Zeagle line- Escape/Ranger or a Brigade (From Scubatoys )
They use a 3 piece system that allows you to join any shoulder size with any waist size with any back section. You could for example, get a small shoulder assembly and an extra large waist section. They are adjustable over a wide range and if you need to change to a different size later on, it's a simple matter to order a different size and swap it out.
http://www.zeagle.com/index.php?sub...rc=gendocs&link=buoyancysystems&category=Main

 

[uberspeed]

Good call Herman, I was going to suggest Zeagle as well. Even within one size the adjustment range is very large. Case in point, I bought the Brigade in Medium (I'm 5'8" with a 31" waist and wide shoulders with a pretty big chest and arms since I work out a lot) and it fit my like a charm since I adjusted the straps everywhere to suit me. I'd venture to say it could fit someone much, much larger than me with the amount of room to spare it had left on the adjustments.
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?product_id=ZeagleBrigade

From the above link, chart:
Brigade BC Sizing

Vest
Waist Size
XS 23”- 31”
SM 28”- 35”
MD 33”- 41”
LG 37”- 45”
XL 42”- 50”


Shoulder
Shoulder to Waist
XS 11”- 15”
SM 14”- 18”
MD 18”- 22”
LG 22”- 26”
XL 26”- 29”

Hope this helps.

 

[H2Andy]

i would second the backplate and wings

since you can adjust the harness to fit YOU exactly, it's about as custom-made
a BC as you can get

not to mention less drag, easier trim, etc. etc.

 

[PerroneFord]

Backplate and Wing. Not only will it fit you now, it'll STILL fit when you lose weight. And it will fit your husband too.

 

[RonFrank]

Call Larry at Scubatoys, he will hook you up!!

The good news is if you do drop some lbs, you can purchase a new cumberbun, and the torso length which remains constant will still work.

Zeagle has an awesome fit system, and my Medium Range stock will fit anyone from a 170lbs 5'5" guy to about a 220lbs 6'2". Then you can start swopping parts like the cumberbun, shoulder straps, and you end up with a heck of a lot of options.

I'm guessing a Medium BCD with a large cumberbun (or maybe even the medium) and small shoulder straps could do the trick.

Talk to Larry at Scubatoys, see what he thinks, take any measurements as he requests, and then I'm betting the BCD when it arrives will not only fit you now, but also will, or can be modified at a reasonable cost (parts are modular) to fit you even if you drop 40lbs.

 

[Amazon]

Wow - you guys are FAST

I'm heading to the pool tonight with my LDS. Try a few BC's. See what happens...

 

[herman]

Sounds like a good plan but I would still suggest you at least try one of the Zeagles and/or a BP before making up your mind. Better to try them and know you are not interested than to have a LDS convince you what they have is best only to find out later you prefer a different brand/model/style.