Women's BC Hunt!

[MerMare]

I am looking for any advice I can get on purchasing a women's BC. I tried on a Seaquest Diva this weekend with a tank, and it actually couldn't have fit worse. My shoulders and back are sore and a bit bruised from wearing it for about five minutes. This is super disappointing because I've read such positive comments about the Diva here on scubaboard and thought this would be a perfect match for me. I've only been certified for a couple of months, and am anxious to find the perfect BC so that I can begin my diving experience in earnest. I'm about 5'8" and have a small frame, so it's been difficult to find a BC small enough, but tall enough! The extra small Diva fits great in the girth, but is way short. The Diva small is too big in the shoulders.

Any words of wisdom from some more experienced mermaids out there??

 

[Tom Winters]

My wife used an Aqua Lung Malibu that she found very comfortable, but she sure doesn't have what one might consider a small frame. Hers was a medium. For her daughter, she got the same bc in an extra-small that worked pretty well also.
My wife tried my backplate rig but found the shoulder straps too uncomfortable. Then I got her a tech harness with the backplate shoved inside so she could get rid of the weights.
This she loved since the sterum strap could be moved higher on her chest to accomodate her, uh, ample chests.
A plain old steel backplate with the Hogarthian harness might really be comfortable for you since you're 5'8". A lot of people initially look at a slotted steel plate and think you're nuts to even suggest something that looks like a torture device.
It's still the most comfortable diving rig I've ever used. Good luck with the fit.

 

[ScottZeagle]

Check out the Zeagle Zena BC. It has our personal fit system, which allows you to change the vest section, front panel, and shoulders to "custom fit" the BC to your body. You can do a search for Zena and you will find some testimonials from women on the board...

Scott

 

[JulieannevZ]

Hi MerMare,

I've had my Zeagle Zena for about 9 months now, and really like it.

The front is quite different from the men's BCs. It has a zip which goes up almost to my sternum. It's great for short women and it doesn't matter what size the chest is because the zip stays below.

It's Really comfortable and can be adjusted with straps at the side and with shoulder adjustments.

 

[MissyP]

Have you tried the Seaquest Libra? Its similar to the Diva, but less constricting on the chest. I'm 5'6 with a small frame also, and I've been very happy with the fit, comfort, and features of the Libra.

 

[marcella1188]

I had a Seaquest Diva and liked it but tried the Zeagle Ranger and loved it. It fits like a backpack, completely clears chest area (no sternum straps, etc.) and dives great. I tried on every ladies bc and went with this, a unisex size.
Some will say back inflate is a pain for surface but if you don't over inflate, you will have no problems. I love the way it freed the squeeze, underarm constrictions, etc.
Its worth a look, these are great for rec divers but highly recommended for tech if you keep advancing.

 

[Lukiedukie]

My girlfreind loves her zeagle zena!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She is around your height and wears I belive a small and loves it. Hope this helps once you try it one you will not want another one. That was her expeirence

 

[DiveMaven]

Definitely try the Zena! Once I did, I immediately sold my Diva and ordered a Zena from Larry at ScubaToys (last year's model and saved big $$$). I find that the zip front is extremely comfortable and because the tank weight is distributed across my entire front, there isn't the discomfort I had with my old cumberbun design BC. It also had two bands to adjust the BC around your middle instead of just the cumberbun (which I found ineffective for my body type).

I also love the fact that it has a modular design and you can replace panels. I am in the process of getting back into shape, with weight loss and muscle building being part of the program, and although my medium fits me like a glove now, I know that if I shrink out of it, I can simply replace that front panel and not the whole BC. That's a whole lot cheaper, and gives you tons of flexibility as time goes by for weight gain OR loss.