Womens BCD recommendations for XS

[lisagreen01]

Hi all, just wondering if you can recommend some women's BCDs.

I've been looking at the ScubaPro Bella and Ladyhawk, also Cressi Travelight and Aqualung Pearl

I'm 52 with a fairly small back and looking to start my divemaster/instructor next month so I want something that'll be suitable for experienced levels of diving.

Thank you

 

[Saniflush]

I believe you will find that it comes down to personal preference. There are a multitude of makes, models, and types. Do you not have a local dive shop where you may could test drive a few before you purchase?

 

[Neilwood]

As @Saniflush has said, I would go for testing a few (including test dives if possible). Especially at the ends of the sizing spectrums (I was an XXL BCD when I was using one - now BP&W) I find that there is no straight answer as the way a pocket sits or a strap sits on you might make the difference between a good one and a bad one and the only way to know that is to feel it on. If that is true for me as a man, then it is probably more true for a woman where (not to put too fine a point on it) there are a couple of extra issues to thing about.

 

[SeaDreaming]

I'm a similar age, and likely size, too, and I love my Zeagle Zena in XS. If your LDS has them, try one on. Finding the right BC is a personal search to see what feels right to you and comfy.

 

[Laurie S.]

Zeagle Zena

 

[rhwestfall]

You stated you are going the rout of DM/Instructor, and one big question is where you plan to use that skill? Many instances, DMs & Instructors must use the shop's brands when in a working role. Buying something you then can't use isn't a great plan....

 

[KatieMac]

Hi all, just wondering if you can recommend some women's BCDs.

I've been looking at the ScubaPro Bella and Ladyhawk, also Cressi Travelight and Aqualung Pearl

I'm 52 with a fairly small back and looking to start my divemaster/instructor next month so I want something that'll be suitable for experienced levels of diving.

Thank you

I'm also short (and 52). I bought the Cressi and returned it - too cheap, didn't fit right. The one I chose isn't relevant. I tried a batch and selected one of the ones you listed. But I could have gone with any of them or even the Mares Kaila. If you can find a shop nearby that carries a batch, try them all.

 

[shurite7]

rhwestfall brings up very significant point. If you know where you are going to do your DM training talk with them. Some shops/lds/resorts want the staff to wearing the same brand of gear that is being sold.

Do keep this in mind too, many XS BCDs are fine for diving in the tropics, but not so great in colder water due to a lack of lift capacity. Many XS BCDs do not have enough lift to hold a diver comfortably above the water when using more weight compared to the tropics. Of the three you listed the Ladyhawk does have enough lift to hold a diver up when diving in cold water.

 

[JohnnyC]

No one's mentioned it, so I might as well be the one that starts waving the matches around the gasoline spill, but Deep Sea Supply makes a short plate if you're willing to look at a BP/W. If you want to stay with a jacket BCD, by all means, but you're quite likely to be able to perfectly fit a short pattern plate, plus your wing of choice. I say this because you it's fully adjustable, once you've got it adjusted you won't have to readjust it, and if you want to add things like weight pockets, you'll be able to.

The recommendation comes not from an "OMGWTFBBQ BP/W master race, " but they offer more flexibility and better adjustability of fit. You can also swap wings around and go from a higher lift, cold water, steel tank type of wing, to a smaller, low lift travel wing as desired.

 

[rhwestfall]

pertaining to DSS (and I truly like them and the BP/W platform) - unless you can find one used, they are unavailable for a minimum of 6 months as DSS has shut down its retail store due to a move.....