womans BCD, Wetsuit

[vf84pc]

My girlfriend is very petite 5 foot 90 lbs she wears rental gear buit it is big. The only wetsuit that would seem to be her size is a large childs. Would it be better to go with an extra small womens? The BCD is the small womens size adaquite? She wears a small Mares rental, I guess it is okay. She wants to purchase her own gear anybody have ideas?

 

[chrispete]

If the large child's wetsuit fits, go with it. You are looking for comfort and utility, not who they were made for. Look around for a BC, it took a while to find a BC that fit my wife and that she liked. Don't settle for "good enough" as she'll always be uncomfortable with the equipment. Rent from different shops if possible and see if the shops will let her try before buying.

 

[spectrum]

Bare has a youth line that is on par with the adult suits and they have depth in the adult sizes as well. Don't compromise on fit and if need be go custom for a small premium. Much can be read about custom in the exposure protection forum.

Same with the BC, fit is very important to her comfort and security. I know the Zeagle Zenna is VERY configurable and may be something that can be configured for her. There is no substitute for her trying the gear n the water, preferably open water before buying.

Pete

 

[pt40fathoms]

I wouldn't worry too much about the "label" on the item. If it says "childs" or "youth" size, but it fits like it should.....buy it. When your underwater, being happy and comfortable in gear that fits well is as much a safety issue as having well maintained gear.

 

[tjmills]

100% Agree. Go with what fits regardless of what is printed on the tag. The equipment is under the same standards and the same liabilities as Adult versions. (they are the same except for size). Just positively make sure it fits. There are many "womens" versions available that she can look at but it all comes down to fit.

 

[Bobbin-along]

Just remember for her to try the BC on with whatever she's going to wear while diving. You want to make sure her BC still fits well when the gear is included. Some of the girls in class tried on and bought BC's while in a T-Shirt and forget to include the 7mm wetsuit and farmer john, or dry suit space allowances necessary for a good fit.

 

[Scuba Brad]

We sell an Oceanic line just for women. My daughters fit fine in them.

Happy Diving

 

[Cold_H2O]

It is all about the fit. My daughter is not 5' tall.. very petite.
We had to try on a lot of gear to find things that worked for her.

She is now in commercial diving school. They are customizing things for her daily.

It was worth all the time and effort. More fun to dive in things that fit.
Don't look at sizes or lable.. just go by the fit.