Ladies BCDs

[lynnr54]

Hi all,

Looking to all the girls out there for a bit of advice on this one.

I'm about to purchase my first BCD and was wondering what you all thought on the ones that are specifically made for women?

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

[Buoyant Babe]

I had this before I went onto a wing, and I loved it. I know Purple Vonny and ScubaSue love theirs too.

[Silent Diver]

My wife started off with a Scubapro GlideStar which is designed for women but it was seriously lacking in buoyancy at the surface and she had to return it twice as the plastic backplate cracked, although it was replaced with no arguments or questions so cant fault them for that.

She is now diving with a Oceanic Hera which has much better buoyancy at the surface and fits her very well and is very comfortable according to her.

She is VERY top heavy, (38G), so if this fits her it should fit most people

[Richard Mason]

Originally Posted by Silent Diver

She is VERY top heavy, (38G), so if this fits her it should fit most people

Holy Sh1T!!!

I could ask you to post a photo.....but that would be rather tasteless. (So I'll leave that to Finless)

[CatB]

I have one and I like it (although you have to make sure that the crossover bit at the front doesn't prevent you getting to your drysuit inflate).

Be careful with ladies style BCD's generally though as the Diva LX is practically the only one with a sensible amount of lift. In a drysuit in saltwater I have 11kgs of lead + the weight of my kit. If my drysuit were to flood catastrophically (or I accidentally jump in with the zip undone!) and it stops providing any buoyancy, I figure that this means I'd need over 11kgs of lift to support me at the surface (someone may be along to tell me different in a minute). Lots of the ladies style BCDs are designed for warm water diving and have less than 10kgs of lift.

[purple vonny]

My trusty old Diva LX is in its 8th year. I love it. Just my personal preference. I think women's fit BCDs are better for "petite" girls as well as the chestier types. You don't tend to get the baggy shoulder effect on ascent.

Mind you, most people love their own kit and will tell you it's the best!!!

[jojac]

I have one and as a relatively new diver I have 14k in sea water, a 12L cylinder and a pony and I love mine and do not have any problem with lift, it is a very comfortable BC. the cross over does interfere with my valve slightly but does not cause any problems. I would recommend this BC to any lady diver.

[Silent Diver]

Originally Posted by CatB

Be careful with ladies style BCD's generally though as the Diva LX is practically the only one with a sensible amount of lift. In a drysuit in saltwater I have 11kgs of lead + the weight of my kit. If my drysuit were to flood catastrophically (or I accidentally jump in with the zip undone!) and it stops providing any buoyancy, I figure that this means I'd need over 11kgs of lift to support me at the surface (someone may be along to tell me different in a minute). Lots of the ladies style BCDs are designed for warm water diving and have less than 10kgs of lift.

Depending on what size jacket you need the Oceanic Hera gives the following lift:
Lift Capacity
XS 26 LBS.
SM 32 LBS.
MD 38 LBS.
LG 46 LBS.

[kath2407]

There is often a lot of discussion about "lady BC's" I never had a lady BCD, I had a standard buddy jacket.

I recently moved onto a wing and was surprised how must restriction the BCD had. The change in my profile and comfort from BCD to wing when diving in a dry suit was amazing. I personally found the bits that wrap around the sides and the pockets to be extremely restricting and I don't know how much this had to do with my "lady bits"!

My advice is go to a shop and ask to try as many different styles on as you can. Make sure you can get a full range of movement (swing you arms around like a windmill) and ensure you are comfortable with air in your dry suit AND the BCD .


Alternatively, there are many "entry level" wings where the front of your body is much free-er from clutter that might be an alternative.

If you are a member of a club, borrow other peoples kit, if you aren't any reputable shop should allow you to try things in a pool if they have one available.

K XX

[Fiona]

Originally Posted by kath2407

There is often a lot of discussion about "lady BC's" I never had a lady BCD, I had a standard buddy jacket.

My loathing of the so-called female BC has been posted many times, the kit manufacturers have tried to invent something which just isn't needed.

Dare I mention a one piece harness, BP and wing which frankly will fit anyone.

My only recommendation is try a few different items on and see which you feel is most comfortable - I know which I would prefer.