Ladies BCD

[Al1x]

I'm just starting to but my diving kit and just looking at BCD's.

Is it really worth getting a ladies BCD? When I was learning I'm sure I just used mens BCD's.

Do you have any recommendations on what to go for?

Thanks
Kerry

[countshagula]

Got to be blunt here Al1x, it depends on your shape !

If you are blessed/cursed (depending on viewpoint and preference) with big boobies then the anatomical design of a ladies BC might help.

There are a couple I think that have been mentioned before, Seaquest, Tusa Selene - can't think of any more but I'm sure others can.

Cue everyone else suggesting buying a wing instead anyway............

[Polly]

Definitely depends on your shape but I've got a Seaquest Diva and I wouldn't dive without it now....

I'm quite small on the top and found blokey BCDs to be too big and uncomfortable across the chest / shoulders. Go to your local shop and try them all on, you'll be sure to find one that feels just right, whether it's designed for women or not!

[Steppenwolf]

My wife has the Seaquest Diva and thinks it is great. As has been said, if you are "shapely", then perhaps Diva is the best choice.

If you want something lighter to travel around with, Mares Aliikai is also worth looking at.

[jo2305]

Hi,

Diva LX for me ! Really comfortable and love it - BUT i think there is a newer model out there now......

I went down the shop and just tried different things on

Hope that helps
Jox

[coldhands]

I've got a Mares but even the small size is loose on me in a wetsuit. I'm quite slim so I find the shoulder straps could do with going another couple of inches tighter but they are already on the buckle. It's perfect for the drysuit though.
Personally, I don't care about the fit as long as I get the one with the most locations to clip stuff as I never have enough. And deep, big pockets. And don't get a wing if you have floaty feet - I tried one and was all over the place.

[Jenkins]

As with most products don't think about it as a "Ladies fit" but simply as different, as others say it really depends on your figure.

I was definatly happier in a ladies model, I fitted the waist band to my waist and on the surface the shoulder straps weren't round my ears (I have a very short back length!). That said I can't say the straps on mine were perfectly positioned for the bust, my (unisex- ie mens) wing is far better in that respect.

Try different ones (ideally in your dry/undersuit) and find the model which suits you the best. Remember you will be alot smaller in a wetsuit than a drysuit and ideally want one which will fit you comfortably in either.

Also think about weight if you plan to fly with it.
In my experience BCD pockets are utterly useless, don't pay loads for features you don't need or can't use.

[EllieCee]

For my OW pool dives, and the 6 voluntary pool practice sessions I've done since, I have always used a man's BCD. I find them to be pretty ill fitting and uncomfortable. So I have since been and tried some ladies BCD's. Firstly I tried a Tusa Selene, which felt like I had a plank strapped to my back and was really uncomfortable, then I tried a Seaquest Diva LX which was so comfy you hardly knew you were wearing it. I've since tried and ordered the replacement model for it, the Pearl i3 which fits the same, but has the new i3 lever inflator valve and is quite girly looking. I'm 5'9" tall with long legs and a short body, and quite busty. Like others have said on here, its definitely a case of going and trying them, as I was convinced I wanted a Tusa Selene until I tried one. It does seem that the Seaquest Diva's are very popular and I've never heard a bad word about them, so they are definitely worth a try-on.

Ellie

[rainbowannie]

Another vote for the Seaquest Diva from me....

[Al1x]

Thanks everyone, I'll get down to my local dive shop and try some on soon.