Women's BCD
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My wife dives a seaquest Diva LX. In fact she has two of them now. No BC has ever fit her better nor been more comfortable.
redrover
Guest
"I'm wondering whether it's worth it to get a woman-specific model or not."
It might be even more helpful folks would add a few details:
-users size, height, wt, or general descriptive body type like athletic, busty, willowy, sturdy, thin, tall
-how they operate and/or limitations such as minimalist, love pockets to store stuff, bring the kitchen sink, mostly travel, short waisted, men's clothing fits well or have trouble reaching accross to a zipper pull, can't feel a thing with thick gloves
-what specificaly they do like - comfortable how compared to what and why, hate crotch strap
-what specificaly they didn't like about - seemed too heavy, wanted intregated weight
I was lucky to have comparable size shape women's opinions.
It might be even more helpful folks would add a few details:
-users size, height, wt, or general descriptive body type like athletic, busty, willowy, sturdy, thin, tall
-how they operate and/or limitations such as minimalist, love pockets to store stuff, bring the kitchen sink, mostly travel, short waisted, men's clothing fits well or have trouble reaching accross to a zipper pull, can't feel a thing with thick gloves
-what specificaly they do like - comfortable how compared to what and why, hate crotch strap
-what specificaly they didn't like about - seemed too heavy, wanted intregated weight
I was lucky to have comparable size shape women's opinions.
DiveMaven
Contributor
Okay, I'll add some specifics. I'm 5'7" tall. Have a muscular, athletic build with broad shoulders (swimmer's body). Large waist, rather narrow hips, no butt in comparison. (I'm an apple, not a pear). I am a minimalist while diving, but like to have at least a small pocket for my folding snorkel and emergency mirror.
I used to dive with a Diva (recently sold it), and now have a Zena. I found that after losing some weight that my Diva no longer fit me, and even a smaller size wasn't comfortable. However, because of my rather large waist, the cumberbun design on a jacket BC can't cinch down enough to keep the BC from riding up when I'm vertical.
The design of the Zena allows me to adjust the body straps in 2 places, one at my waist and the other below my breasts. Because of this, it does not ride up while vertical and is much more comfortable for me. Although my Diva was rather minimalist (original one, not weight integrated), I find that I like the even more minimalist design of the Zena better.
I can see why the Diva is a very popular BC and know quite a few people who have and love them. But they have pear body types (typical female type), and don't have the problems that I do. I think the Diva is an excellent jacket style BC for women and don't hesitate to recommend that ladies try it on and judge for themselves. Just because it didn't work for me, doesn't make it a great choice for someone else.
I used to dive with a Diva (recently sold it), and now have a Zena. I found that after losing some weight that my Diva no longer fit me, and even a smaller size wasn't comfortable. However, because of my rather large waist, the cumberbun design on a jacket BC can't cinch down enough to keep the BC from riding up when I'm vertical.
The design of the Zena allows me to adjust the body straps in 2 places, one at my waist and the other below my breasts. Because of this, it does not ride up while vertical and is much more comfortable for me. Although my Diva was rather minimalist (original one, not weight integrated), I find that I like the even more minimalist design of the Zena better.
I can see why the Diva is a very popular BC and know quite a few people who have and love them. But they have pear body types (typical female type), and don't have the problems that I do. I think the Diva is an excellent jacket style BC for women and don't hesitate to recommend that ladies try it on and judge for themselves. Just because it didn't work for me, doesn't make it a great choice for someone else.
cowdog77
Contributor
bgi:
I had a problem with the face down position on the surface with my Zena but an experienced diver suggested I resist the urge to overinflate after ascending....and lo and behold....no more problems!
My favorite feature of the Zena is it is so streamlined. I didn't want to deal with lots of "stuff" hanging off everywhere. Especially after I saw one diver rip their regulator out of their mouth when the hose hung on the exit railing - and another knocked senseless when his light (attached to an upper D ring) smacked him in the face after a giant stride off the boat. It's nice being able to "tuck" things away in the Zena vest and it's bound to help my air consumption too...running nice and neat. IMHO it's the most "flattering" ladies' BC on the market today.
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