Womens BC's

[Heidi52]

Can anyone tell me which women's BCD they prefer? I'm diving Tasmania (Australia) in a 7mm two piece wetsuit and been using hire unisex BC's for a while but would like to get my own! Been reading about the Dacor Elite, Genesis Athena and Mares Ariel. Haven't tested any of these tho, and Tassie only has a few dive shops which don't stock many bc's especially womens, so I would need to order them in. Any thoughts?
Cheers, Heidi

 

[The Wanderer]

Wecome to SB.

Check the women's forum and BC section. If you do a search, you will find a wealth of info.

 

[Ann Marie]

I have the Dacor Elite and the SeaQuest Libra. The Libra I just got.

I think your choice should depend on what you are looking for in a bc... Do you want a jacket or back-inflated bc? Back-inflated bcs are supposed be better for horizontal bouyancy control but, can cause you to feel as if you are being pushed face forward when it is inflated at the surface. I haven't felt that way, but was told it was a possibility. My jacket bc gives all-around lift and comfort when at the surface but when fully inflated sometimes can squeeze. I have the optional 3mm vest inside my Dacor and that is a nice feature when added layers are important for warmth.

I don't think you could go wrong with either of the two I mentioned. I now dive with the Libra because I decided I wanted a back-inflated bc.

Hope that helps!

 

[Ruth Denmark]

I have a Buddy Explorer. It is perfect for me and I would never change it. It is not a women BC.

I thought I needed a women model as was the case for my wetsuit, but the BC was no problem.

I think you should just try some different ones, and you will find the match for you - women, male or unisex model.

 

[Mrs Mares]

I Dive with the Aqualung Diva lx, very comfortable both on the surface and whilst at depth. On the surface i remain in the head up position even while fully inflated, and there is no squeeze. Whilst diving it gives good horizontal positioning in the water. Pockets are easy to get to, and should you need to dump your weights the integrated system is easy to remove.As there is no chest strap, there is no constriction if you are big busted.Good all rounder. :dazzler1:

 

[verona]

Ditto what Mrs Mares says. But you should try a range on. When I was looking I had researched it down to 3 or 4 but was also willing to try on others. I wasn't actually looking for a women's BC but when I tried on the DIva LX, that was it. It fitted comfortably like no other bc did. It makes you lean slightly forward on the surface but nothing that you can't over come by leaning back a bit if you are uncomfortable. But it's not as if your face is in the water or anything - at least that's my experience. So try them on and get the one that suits you best.

 

[Scuba_John]

I got the SO a ScubaPro Lady Hawk, she loves it. Everytime we dive at least one other girl wants to try it on and then does not want to take it off. Several instructor firends also have the same, girls of course, and they love it as well.

 

[xSandman3]

My wife dives a seaquest libra. She put it on in the store one day and refused to take it off untill I agreed to buy it. She won't dive anything else.

 

[The Kraken]

My wife dives a Libra and LOVES it !!!

 

[OrlandoRogue]

Can anyone tell me which women's BCD they prefer? I'm diving Tasmania (Australia) in a 7mm two piece wetsuit and been using hire unisex BC's for a while but would like to get my own! Been reading about the Dacor Elite, Genesis Athena and Mares Ariel. Haven't tested any of these tho, and Tassie only has a few dive shops which don't stock many bc's especially womens, so I would need to order them in. Any thoughts?
Cheers, Heidi

Heidi-

I bought Zeagle's Zena and love it! It is not too bulky and I don't feel like I have to adjust constantly throughout the dive. This design might not be for every woman, though. It has a zip front, which might not be great for those who might be larger chested, but it works great for me (I reveal too much!)