Ladies BCDs

[hogen-deifar]

I have to agree with BB, PV and SS. I, too, have the Diva LX and it's soooo comfortable. With drysuit, with swimming costume, with wet suit. I think it was BB who said it's a wing hybrid. It's great across the "puppies" and doesn't crush them or cut into them because of the "cross your heart" design.

I bought mine last year. Went into LDS to talk to a lovely man there! The git showed me the LX first, which was way out of my price range. I wanted it the minute I tried it on. I even took my dry suit with me to try it with that. He then showed me the rest of the range but I'd already decided on the LX. He matched the on line price for me (see I said he was a very nice man).

Lynn, if you learnt in a BC and it's a BC you want then get it. As (and IF) your diving progresses then you can get the wing and harness. So it'll cost you the same all over again, but that's the joys of diving! Spending money you don't have! And we love it!!!!

Just after I got the LX I met up with Fiona and she showed me the reasons to go for a wing and harness. And I agree with her completely. However, I'm GLAD I got the LX and one day I may convert, but like PV said, she's had hers for 8 years and loves it. I love mine too!

If it's a BC you want then you won't regret getting the LX.

IMHO, of course!

[kath2407]

Obviously this has become a hotly discussed debate.

There are a number of single tank wings and harnesses available - the new Frog make for example.

It is strange the number fo people who have posted to say that yes they were happy to go for a lady BC but are now more comfortable with a wing style.

Wings and harnesses do not have to be any more expensive than a BC, they can be used for twins OR single tanks, uk dry suit and overseas wet suit alike. There are so many now that are fully adjustable, you don't have to go for many different rigs for many different situations

I'd suggest, try a BCD AND a wing-style before making any decision. And if you choose to go for a wing - don't be afriad. Wings and harnesses are no longer the domain of techinical twin set divers. They are available for single tanks and many can accommodate both if you do choose to progress in the future.

My advise - try before you buy and try as many different ones as you can.

K XX

[Buoyant Babe]

Originally Posted by kath2407

Obviously this has become a hotly discussed debate.

It is strange the number fo people who have posted to say that yes they were happy to go for a lady BC but are now more comfortable with a wing style.

Yes Kath, but the OP asked a specific question about ladies BCs and mentioned a particular model, which several of us have dived and been happy with.

The question was not 'what's better - a wing or a BC?'. I dive a wing now because I've gone a bit tekkie. How many times do we criticise ourselves on here for jumping on every new diver to tell them they should 'get a wing and harness as it'll do them for if they ever dive twins'?.

As Janos has several times pointed out, YDers are atypical of the diving community in general.

Hxxx

[Scubee]

Originally Posted by Buoyant Babe

Yes Kath, but the OP asked a specific question about ladies BCs and mentioned a particular model, which several of us have dived and been happy with.

The question was not 'what's better - a wing or a BC?'. I dive a wing now because I've gone a bit tekkie. How many times do we criticise ourselves on here for jumping on every new diver to tell them they should 'get a wing and harness as it'll do them for if they ever dive twins'?.

As Janos has several times pointed out, YDers are atypical of the diving community in general.

Hxxx

i typed a similar respose three times, but couldn't get the words right. Well done, H... you said exaclty what I was thinking.

Although, i wouldn't have described this as a hotly discussed debate. it is more a few people trying to help the OP. with others trying to convert the Op to a wing.

[Ratfink]

As a pear-shaped female diver I wear a Mares Kaila - narrow enough on the shoulders, enough space for my DD chest, short enough and curved over my hips, plenty of lift, adjustable enough to wear with a dry suit or swimsuit (and soft enough not to rub!).

I'm not going to comment on the wing/harness v BCD debate. I'm a PADI instructor and stick with what I show the students, even for my personal diving.

[Fiona]

Originally Posted by Scubee

with others trying to convert the Op to a wing.

I am not trying to convert anyone, sometimes people aren't always aware of the options available, Lynn said she thought wings were for techies diving twinsets. I don't blame Lynn I blame the people she is training with.

I was in a dive shop a long time ago and a lady walked in looking for a BC, the person in the shop immediately said she needed a ladies BC - why ? simply because she was female. New divers should be informed of the options and be able to try loads of different types not pigeonholed.

[Lou]

Hmmmm. Seems to me the whole point of a ladies fit BC is the fit bit. So really no-one can answer the OP specifically, as it all depends how well and comfortably the specific model fits her.

So, the same answer as for pretty much any BC for anyone.

Does it have enough lift for the diving you will do?
Does it fit you well, not have too much movement, not too much constriction and allow you to reach all the places you want to reach whilst diving?
Does it have the features you want, if any?

Try before you buy to answer the above!

[purple vonny]

Originally Posted by lynnr54

Hi all,



The one I'm most interested in is the Aqua Lung Diva LX. I like the bit about the sports bra design harness for us girls with the bigger boobs!

Has anyone any experience of these or can anyone recommend a better one?

Cheers

Lynn

I think you will be happy with it if you buy it!
Those of us who have had them or still have them - like them.

When most of the new-ish divers in my old club were buying wings they said I should have one too. I bought the one I liked and I am happy with it!

As others have said, see if you can scrounge and borrow a few different types to try. Betcha get a DIVA!

You may well find a decent priced second hand one. They last for a long time. Mine has done 700+ dives

[Lou]

ps - I tried one when I started and it didn't fit as I was too tall for the back length

[Jacq]

I've been borrowing BCs for a while now and got the offer of a Diva LX - it was so much better than anything else I had seen before - it was coincidence that a friend had shown me hers only a few days before and then this one came up for sale at the club so I was lucky enough to get it for a reasonable price and the purpose of this is to say - borrow and try before you buy - I've been diving with it for about a month now and its just so comfortable but only in the pool so far but hope it will be just as good with the dry suit in a couple of weeks.
Good luck Lynn and stick with what YOU want and what YOU find most comfortable :-)