Women's BCD

[Robertson]

Here is a beginner question:

I did a search of the board and it seems that the most popular women's BCD is Zeagle Zena.... but I'm wondering whether it's worth it to get a woman-specific model or not. I'm tall (180 cms) but my shoulders aren't very broad. I know lots of women dive in men's BCDs (not sure about vice versa... haha) and it's personal preference but I'd like some imput.

Any women (or men who know about this???) who can suggest the best model? If you use a women's model, why is it better?

 

[Vie]

Just pick a BC that fits you well, I guess. My gf (a rather small person) tried many and finally settled on a Mares (Dragonfly) Arial—she loves it but it’s probably only suitable for warm water/single tank diving. The Arial IS a women’s BCD and my gf feels that it fits her better than other BCs (women’s and men’s) that she had tried.

You could also try a BP/wing? (sound of can of worms being opened...)

 

[Tobagoman]

My wife recently switched to a Tusa "Selene" BCD. She loves the fit compared to the unisex models that she has owned before. Best thing to do is try on many and choose the most comfortable.

 

[Rick Murchison]

My bride, The Lovely Young Kat, bought a Seaquest Diva and swears it is the finest thing since sliced bread. She bought one for out 30 year old daughter who agrees. Several of the other women in our diving community have bought the Diva and concur as well.
That said, our LDS sells the Diva, so I have no substantial testamonials from ladies who've bought other brands.
Bottom line, based on what I've been told by the ladies, it's worth it to get a BC designed to fit the female body shape; try it out in a pool before you buy one.
S

 

[DiveMaven]

I have a Diva and wish I had bought the Zena. That said, I like my Diva enough to keep it and not change since there's really no reason to get the Zena yet.

I agree with the above recommendations to buy what is comfortable, whether it be made for a man or a woman. Comfort is the most important thing, not brand or what everyone else is wearing.

 

[Scuba65]

I dive with a Scubapro LadyHawk and it's great..wouldn't trade it for nothing. very comfy

 

[Nay]

I love my LadyHawk. I tried on the Diva as it was highly recommended but didn't particularly like the fit. I didn't like the zipper on the Zena so I didn't bother.
Are you asking if the concept of a "woman's BC" is a marketing gimick? No. Women's BC's are designed to fit a female figure. So, if you're generally female shaped (some ladies aren't) then look to them first. But there's no saying you can customize a Zeagle Ranger to fit you just as well. Whatever fits best is what you want, and theoretically, a woman's BC should fit a woman better. Most of the time.

 

[Ann Marie]

I have the AquaLung Libra (the female's version of the Balance). It does fit better the curves of a woman then the Balance. It has a sternum strap that fits across the right spots where the Balance strap sits differently (how's that for politically correct?).

My recommendation is to try on as many BCs as you have access to (men's or women's) and get the one that fits and feels the best.

 

[ScubaDoobaDo]

I have the SeaQuest Libra (back inflate) and love it! I tried on and would have bought the Zena but it hit my hips funny, I really did love the zipper front and the way it looked and felt other than that. I too would definately suggest trying on as many as you can to see what fits your body right, taking into consideration the wetsuit too.

 

[ScubaTexas]

My wife dives a Sherwood Luna and really likes how it fits. It travels well given its small compact size. She also liked the Zena and Scubapro Ladyhawk.