Looking for my first BCD, but problems with sizing.

[teas]

So, I'm looking into purchasing my 1st BCD (YAY!), I'm doing my Divemaster next year and thought I might as well get my own kit.

One BCD that has really taken my fancy is the Aqua Lung Pearl (not the i3 version), alas when I look at the sizing I hit a spot of bother. I am 5' 8.5" and around 126 pounds. When referring to the charts, I need a M for my height but a S for my mass?

Which one do I need to buy?

 

[Scared Silly]

Well the obvious answer is to go try them on, especially as they have female accouterments built in. You might also consider looking at Zeagle BCDs as one of their features is modular pieces so you could get a medium shoulder with a small waist.

 

[starrlamia]

especially as they have female accouterments built in.

Sorry but that line made me laugh lol

I would also go try it on first!

 

[scubajo007]

Which size do you use when you rent a BCD? that should give you an indication of the size required.
If you buy it in a shop then obviously you will try it first. If you order online then start with the size small if you dive with 4mm wetsuit or thinner, if you use 5mm wetsuit or thicker then start with the medium size. Needless to say that you should try it with your wetsuit. If it dosen't fit then you can always return it.

 

[teas]

I normally use a Small male's when diving through shops.
I believe my LDS is over an hour away, so trying on is not an option.
I use 5mm+ To dive in, always!

Does it matter if I buy the small when I exceed the height range, and the same if I am underweighted for the medium?

I'll look into the Zeagle as well!

Thanks to all Inputs so far!

 

[scubajo007]

You have roughly the same building as my GF, she use a male small size, she tried mine which is a medium and that was too big and had a tendency to slide overhead of her. This was in tropic water with a 2/3mm wetsuit.
I don’t think you should be too concerned about your height; you are only about an inch above (male) small size, and also do not think being underweighted for a medium size is a big issue, snug fit and necessary lift capacity would be more important.
Because your weight and height falls within two different sizes, then you should use your waist and chest size as guidance.
Even without knowing your waist and chest size, my guess would be a small size.
I hope that helps.

 

[teas]

Thanks, I think I am going to go for the small. I can always return it if not

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Here's an issue you may not have considered. What lines does the shop you'd be doing your DM carry? Some have fixed ideas about you only using the ones they carry.

With me that would be a HOG BPW or Edge BC. BUT if I was requiring you to use them then I'd supply them to you at my expense. I would never make any one buy something they did not like, did not fit, or was not suited to the diving they normally do. If either of those brands did not work then you would be free to use whatever you wanted. I want a DM that is an advertisement for the skills and knowledge they gain by training and working with me. NOT as a gear billboard.

Before you buy a BC check on that matter. If they don't care then I;d get a blate and wing with a simple one piece harness that you would not have to try and fit in. It would fit YOU. Every time.