Looking for good women's BCD

[scubadiv]

I now wear a Hera but have a Diva I'm selling because it's too long for my very short torso. I wore it twice. (Long story made short: bad weather on a trip to Cozumel meant more shopping than diving but much fun anyway!) contact me if interested, will sell for half retail price plus shipping.

 

[scubadiv]

contact at sarah_johnsons_cats@yahoo.com

 

[Amphiprion]

My wife doesn't have a women's BC per se, but she has a Zeagle escape and loves it. It is actually back inflate, but doesn't seem to be a problem for her.

We bought it at the local dive store and they swiched out straps and custom adjusted it just for her. She is long waisted and busty. The sternum strap on her fitted BC fits above her breasts so that there is no squeeze.

My local dive store suggested the escape over the zeagle zena as they said the torso zipper can sometimes be sticky. They had to place an order for either BC, so it wasn't the shop trying to sell their stock.

 

[ScottZeagle]

My local dive store suggested the escape over the zeagle zena as they said the torso zipper can sometimes be sticky. They had to place an order for either BC, so it wasn't the shop trying to sell their stock.

That's odd, because we have had almost zero issues with that zipper.

The Zena is our third most popular BC, behind the Stiletto and Ranger - and it is only sold for women. I don't recall ever seeing a forum thread about any zipper issues...

For what it's worth...

Scott

 

[Amphiprion]

That is just what the dive shop suggested Scott. Perhaps if you don't wash the zena after diving in salt water and hang it up for a few weeks the salt crystals could be a problem? I don't actually have first hand knowledge. I do know that my wife is happy with the escape and I have 6 of your regulators so this is certainly not a bash on your products.

 

[Divedoggie]

That's odd, because we have had almost zero issues with that zipper.

The Zena is our third most popular BC, behind the Stiletto and Ranger - and it is only sold for women. I don't recall ever seeing a forum thread about any zipper issues...

For what it's worth...

Scott

My wife has been diving the Zena for a number of years and she really likes it.
All of the female instructors and shop employees in our shop dive the Zena and swear by it.
Its completely adjustable for many shapes and sizes, with shoulder straps and zipper panel that can be switched out for a body hugging custom fit.

When my wife gets her Zena on and adjusted, I can pick her up by the shoulder straps and the BC doesn't slide an inch up her body.

I've never heard a complaint nor seen any indication of a zipper problem with the Zena.

 

[MissCassidy]

I use the Pearl by Sea Quest. It's quite comfortable and has quick release weight pockets and ballast pockets for extra weight (if needed). The only draw back is that it does not have a "handle" so to test the hold of the tank it's a good thing to do so by holding it by the shoulders. The other draw back is that the "fastener" on the strap is not easy to redo once it's been unbuckled completely. (Learned that one the hard way) Still it's a good BC and made for women. Also a portion of the profit goes towards Breast Cancer Research so there's another bonus.

 

[jemmini6]

I don't mean to hijack this thread, but it seems appropriate rather than starting a new one...

I am looking for advice on purchasing a BC also. I am a pretty petite person (5'4 and 110lbs) so I would like to find a somewhat more streamlined BC that's not too bulky. I mostly plan on doing tropical diving, which would require a lot of travel, so that's another reason I don't want a really bulky BC. I would also be using it at a local lake for intermittent dives between trips. I like the weight integrated styles. I would prefer to get a BC that I can "grow" with (eventually plan to work my way up to DM), so something with good pockets/D-rings. If feasible, I do want something a little "stylish" I suppose, mostly to be able to tell it apart from other peoples gear without having to go searching for markings. Lastly, I would like to keep it somewhat economical (under $500).

I was looking at the Cressi Aquaride Lady BC, but I haven't found too many reviews on it, so I'm a little apprehensive about it. I would ultimately prefer to actually try them on in person before ordering also, but I'm looking on any suggestions of where to start. Thanks in advance for the help!