Seaquest Libra vs Mares Aliikai

[Tigermoth]

Hi ScubaBoard

I live in Malta, where female BCDs are pretty hard to find. The two that I have managed to track down are the Seaquest Libra (used, about 20 - 30 dives) and the Mares Aliikai (new). And the Kaila, but I'm more interested in back inflation. Both are close enough in price to not make a difference.

I'm small, wear 4kg, and dive very regularly. Male BCDs aren't an option for me, as I have a short, narrow back. I don't travel to dive, so the Aliikai being portable isn't important. I like pocket space and D rings. Style doesn't matter at all. I just need something that will last a long time through all my deep and wreck dives.

I've dived once with the Libra and like it a lot, but won't have a chance to dive with the Aliikai without purchasing it.

Any opinions on these two BCDs? Are there any female BCDs that are much better that I should make an effort to track down?


Thanks!

 

[Zak OHara]

Hi Tigermoth,

Well you've narrowed it down to 3 quality BCD's. As you mention, you've got some specific likes. Back inflate, pockets, and D Rings. With most back inflate bcd's you compromise pockets. The Aliikai has 1 zippered pocket that rolls up when not in use for a low profile; easy access when needed, and ample room for storing lots of things. Aliikai also has 4 heavy duty stainless d rings for attaching a multitude of accessories. I'm not sure, but it appears the libra has only 2 d rings and I don't see a pocket. Not sure though. Both BCD's will have plenty of storage between the ditchable weight pockets and trim weight pockets (non-ditchable).

The Aliikai and Kaila were actually designed by women divers for women divers, so we know this is a very comfortable bcd for women. I have had nothing but positive feedback re: the comfort and diveability of the Aliikai and also Kaila. Hopefully someone will chime in with their experience re: either of these two BCD's.

As for the Kaila, it is a wonderful BC, but is a hybrid of sorts. It does have some side flotation as well as some back flotation properties with our innovative "dragon air cell". Kaila has 2 zippered pockets for storage. 4 Stainless D rings. Heavy duty construction.

Both Aliikai and Kaila have a wide range of adjustability for comfort and fit. Both offer rolled collars, plush lining, adjustable and self compensating cumberbunds. The list goes on. I know you wont be disappointed should you decide on either of these two. You just need to narrow down what you deem more important. Back inflate vs. Jacket and go from there. If you have any specific questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

I hope this helps.

Best,

 

[Offroad]

My wife dives a SQ Libra and I dive a Balance mens version. The Libra is cut high and fits her very well. The one RH side pocket on them fits small items fine when rolled up (backup light etc) but gets fairly large when rolled down.

Her Libra has one D-Ring below the waist on the LH side (we clip our SPG's to it) and another on the RH shoulder strap. The balance adds another D-Ring on the LH shoulder strap as well. We try to put about 1/3 of our weight in the rear weight pockets (non-ditchable) and our UW trim is very good. The straps are very comfortable but not obtrusive and the whole BC seems well streamlined.

They do have a small amount of positive bouyancy even when empty but I think most BC's do (except for a BP-W). No experience with the Mares you mentioned.

Hope this helps.

 

[Strahd]

An instructor friend of mine has recently purchased the Aliikai (curiously for replacement of a Kaila), she sais is the best BCD she has ever had! I've inspected it and seems to me very well built with high quality materials.

 

[raviepoo]

I have a Libra and a Dive Rite Transpac. The Libra works well for me, but doesn't have enough D rings. Also, I don't like it for cold water diving in a drysuit. There's not much to it, but I feel much more restricted in it than I do in my Transpac.

If you have access to Dive Rite products you should check them out. They are made in a range of sizes. THe smallest WILL fit a petite woman. The Transpac is the most comfortable BC I have ever used.