Solaris Sherwood, Mares Kails, Ladyhawk?

[Marina2006]

Hi everyone,
I'm knew to diving and this forum. I've looked in the archive, but did not find a response to my question. I'm planning to buy my own gear. I'm pretty sure about the regulator and gauge, but I hesitate for the BC.

There is not a lot around my place. I tried the Diva, which I did not like because of the "bra" in the front. My choices are between Kaila (Mares), Solaris (Sherwood) and Ladyhawk (Scubapro). I cannot try them in a pool (won't let me). I will be diving in cold water (2 X 7 mm), and also traveling in the Carribeans.

Anyone had tried them, pros and cons?

Thank you!

 

[SangP]

Marina2006,

I think the best solution for you would be to test out as many rigs as you can before you make any purchase otherwise you'll be buying and selling bc a lot.

Perhaps you can contact scubatoys and let them know your situation as they might be able to loan you a rig for a test?

SangP

Btw, are you willing to consider a bp/w?

 

[DiveMaven]

SangP is absolutely right!! Do not settle for a particular BC because it's the only one available....you will be unhappy. Been there, done that.

I also agree with SangP about calling ScubaToys. However, I'd strongly suggest that in addition to the BCs you've mentioned, that you give the Zeagle Zena a try. The Zena is a back inflate BC with 34 pounds of lift on the wing, so it's good for both warm and cold water. It's also the only women's BC I've seen that doesn't have a cumberbun, instead it has a "corset" design that zips up the front, and once properly adjusted, never moves or shifts. The integrated weight system is great in that the weights are at your sides, don't rest on your hips, or pull your front down like many jacket style BCs do. Added to the fact that it weighs less than 10 pounds, and you have a winner for travel too!

The Zena is the most comfortable BC I've ever worn, in or out of the water.

 

[SangP]

The only reason I didn't recommend the Zena is cus Marina2006 mentioned the bra thinny or whatever and the Zena has something like that too.

SangP

 

[spacemanspiff1974]

Might have a little insight after talking with a female friend and my LDS about BCDs. First, if you are long waisted, you could consider the scubapro knighthawk instead. From what I gather it is very similar to the ladyhawk but designed for a shorter torso. Also, my LDS usually sells the Zeagle escape to women. I was told that because of the ability to switch out shoulder straps you can get a good fit and keep the sternum strap from making you look like a four breasted sea monster. Then there is always a bp/w setup which can eliminate a sternum strap entirely.

In summary:
Check out scubapro knighthawk if torso is long
check out zeagle escape
check out bp/w

 

[DiveMaven]

The only reason I didn't recommend the Zena is cus Marina2006 mentioned the bra thinny or whatever and the Zena has something like that too.

SangP

I can see why you might think that, but take it from someone who started with a Diva and HATED the bra thingy, the Zena is a totally different design.

 

[c-monkey]

Good fit is so important - dont rely on others opinions - try them if at all possible! My first bc was a bad choice due to lack of lift and poor fit so I chose very carefully and tried quite a few before purchasing #2 which is a Scuabpro Ladyhawk. I have used the Ladyhawk on about 150 dives over the last 3 years -- love it and have never regretted the purchase. I did try the Diva & the Zena but prefer a more simple & open front --- which is why my next choice will be a bp&w (if the Ladyhawk ever wears out).

 

[Damselfish]

I know it's hard to be able to try BCs in the water many places even though it's the common advice, but you can tell a fair amount about fit and stuff by trying them on dry over whatever suit(s) you will wear and really paying close attention to where things would fall if you were in the water, if you can reach things ok, maybe even put on a mask while you're doing this to restrict your field of vision. Other people's opinions can give you ideas what to look at and warn you off complete junk but that's about it.

You list a jacket and 2 back inflates, it helps to try BCs of both styles in the water even if you can't get the specific ones you might buy, maybe they have something else in rentals at your shop that will be close enough? (If you wind up looking into something with a U-shaped bladder like many (all?) Zeagles (rather than complete O-shape) this is another thing where I think it's really worth trying out something like it in the water. Most people seem fine with these but I despised it.)

I like my Ladyhawk alot except for the lack of pockets. I really miss pockets. (The drop down hidden one I consider completely useless.) I make do with a small pocket I slipped on the front webbing belt that goes over the cumberbund.

 

[SangP]

Hi ladies,

Please don't take it the wrong way but I'm curious if a bp/w would fit a lady that was large chested. I got curious after seeing the Hammerhead model, won't the straps kidda push your.. em them together and make them uncomfortable?

SangP

 

[Marina2006]

Thank you everyone,
they only have the jacket style in rental, but I think I would prefer a back inflates. I'll go check at scubatoys, or maybe a wing would be an option. Everybody seems to like them here. I'll keep shopping...