What BC to use?

[cobaltbabe]

I am looking at buying my first BC and need some advice. Which one, in anyones opinion, is best for someone (female) who is petite? I have been in an aqualung and that is what the dive shop is going towards, but wanted some suggestions before I put out the money. Thank you in advance.

 

[leadweight]

Seaquest Diva LX
Seaquest Libra
Scubapro Lady Hawk
Dive Rite Transpac II with Travel Wing
Scubapro Classic

Try posting in the Woman's forum. Lots of lady divers up there have been through this. Be careful with jackets. In XS size some may have really minimal amounts of lift. Pay attention to comfort and fit. Don't get distracted by too many features. Aqualung BC's are not all that special.

You may want to tell us more about where you intend to dive (warm or cold water).

 

[No Fish]

The diva LX is a top notch BCD and has a lot of features you may like. Buy high quality and you won't be buying another better one next year. With that said, make sure you get one that fits well. The integrated weights are a plus too.

 

[cobaltbabe]

I am going to be diving in Ontario, so I am assuming that is considered cold diving. Right now it is very cold. I do like the integrated weights though. One less thing to worry about packing.

 

[No Fish]

It does pack "big" but not too bad. It has a bit of extra insulation in the vest part that can't hurt. My wife says it is really comfortable. There is a nice intrgrated lifting handle so you can move it around easier when a tank is strapped to it. The features are real handy.

If you are near Newmarket there is one at Colt Creek Diving. Ask for Brad or Jeff.

 

[cobaltbabe]

Thank you, I will have to take a trip with my PD (Canuckdiver) and check it out soon. I appreciate the help.

 

[leadweight]

Partner Domestique or something like domestic partner?

 

[cobaltbabe]

DP means dive partner. Sorry about that.

 

[scubaredneck]

I have a ScubaPro Classic. Although nothing fancy, it is a good, general use, recreational diving BCD. I have had no major complaints with it. It has plenty of lift and I love the strap a lot over the typical "cam" buckle thingie.

The ScubaRedneck

:scuba:

 

[Waterborne]

Ok, I know that this highly debated subject comes up all the time. I'm am not trying to push my views on anyone. The call for "any suggestions" was made. They do make backplates in smaller sizes for smaller framed people. My girlfriend is 5 feet tall and weighs 95# and the small size Hoadley plate fits her great. He makes the smaller sized plate with the singles slots in it so you don't need the single tank adpter. For what you would spend on a mid to high range bcd, you could have a nice bp/wings setup. I live and dive in Michigan and use my bp/wings for everything. I think all total I spent $250 or so for her bp/wings. Just food for thought.