ladies vs unisex bcds

[Schlafmanko]

I would have to reccommend something along the lines of a backplate and wing. I personally have not gone that route all the way, the unpadded harness looked too rough.

I was worried about the same thing, but haven't had any problems (I have an Oxycheq bp/wings). I've never tried diving in less than a 3 mm wetsuit, though. As H2Andy said, the backplate and wings set up has the advantages of ueber-adjustability and good trim. I also like that you can get a 5 or 10 lb backplate and take that weight off your belt.

 

[scubawes1]

simple problem to fix, just go to a different dive shop, who ever wants your business will be more than happy to help you with your individual needs with out the guilt trip. heck, you might even get a better price too !!

 

[divemistress]

i just replaced my five-year-old women's oceanic isla with a new men's dive-rite transPAC. and while i've used the transpac a whopping two times, i have to say it fits me and my chesty self infinitely better than the isla ever did. it's much better designed and of higher quality -- and, i believe, significantly more expensive. (i didn't compare prices, that's just a feeling.)

otoh: when i was a new diver, i NEEDED the feel of a jacket BC for security. now i embrace the freedom of a back inflate.

just my $.02.....

dm

 

[H2Andy]

you can get into a DiveRite backplate and wings (single-tank setup) for under $350, that's including everything you need (aluminum plate, harness, crotch-strap, d-rings, wings, single-tank adapter).

i believe that's comparable to many BC's out there.

i think unfortunately many people get intimidated by the
backplate set-up because it seems too complicated, with
too many parts and so on... it's actually very easy, and
with a minimum of research, you can have what i truly feel
is the best diving rig out there today.

 

[dancingtortuga]

I have the Oceanic Isla & really like it. Of all the BCs I tried, it fit my body the best. The LDS where I became certified had a very limited supply of women's BCs & acted reluctant to order any for me to try. So... I took my business elsewhere. Just kept looking & I trying them on till I found the one that was "just right". Just because someone else likes a BC doesn't mean that it will fit your body as it should. So be picky & take your time - you'll know when you've found the right one.

 

[jonesydive]

I went to a dive shop to specifically look at a Luna and other female friendy models. I was talked out of it by a quick talking dive shop owner. He pushed a mens back wing style BCD in a size small. I was able to try it out in their pool and was not opposed to it, but was not convinced either. My boyfriend was and we bought one for each of us. The more I use it, the more I love it. It is very comfortable and I have no regrets. The most important thing is comfort. I wouldn't recommend buying anything that expensive without trying it out first. Do not feel bad if you choose against it. I believe in supporting your local dive shops, but if you buy something your feel pressured to buy and end up displeased, no one wins. Good luck!

Morning ladies!

I am new to this wonderful sport...and as I'm sure most of you have noticed, there is a very scarce supply of ladies dive gear available to try on---at least in most shops around here.

Seems everyone has to "special order" something in, since it is not part of their standard stock. I know that I shouldn't feel obliged to make a purchase after having an item ordered in, but the shop owners tend to give the impression that there is such a small market for these products (again, could be my area) that they will be stuck with whatever item I don't care for. This always makes me reluctant to ask, obviously.

So...in looking for BCDs, I have had the opportunity to dry-try a libra, and a luna in ladies styles, and several in men's (although the supply of men's x-sm is not great either) For the most part, the ladies definitely felt less restrictive.

That being said, I like the sound of the features on the new Morphos Pro w/MRS and airtrim--and the diveshop owner felt that I would find the fit as unrestrictiveas the ladies models I tried. He ahs ordered an x-small in for me and it should be about a week. It's pretty pricey, so I am hoping that the owner is correct about how much I will love it, or I will feel VERY guilty that he now has an XS in a more expensive BCD, at this time of year. He says he cannot return it to Mares, if I don't want it.

Has anyone (lady) tried this particular model?

Suggestions for what to look for?

Anyone feel strongly about another system? Backwing seems to be quite a topic of discussion in the BCD forum.

:06:

Any wisdom from the ladies think-tank would be appreciated

Thanks!