BEST WOMEN BCD, REVIEWS/BUYERS GUIDE/COMPARISON CHART

The world of scuba diving is attracting more and more sports and adventure lovers with each passing day. In the earlier years, this was a male-dominated sport but now women are also participating in it with equal enthusiasm.
A BCD is an important diving gear and any person who has started taking diving seriously will need a BCD as an integral part of his equipment. Having your

own BCD also gives you a lot more freedom than renting one. Basically, there are two designs of BCDs; the jacket type and the back inflation type. Both types have their own advantages and disadvantages so you can choose from any of the types.

Earlier BCDs were designed for men and were marked as unisex so women used to put them on as well. Some gears like snorkels and dive computers do not need a gender-specific design, but due to the different body shapes of the male and female, the typical BCDs designed for men are not exactly comfortable for women.
With more women venturing into diving, the manufacturers of the BCDs are now making BCD designed and cut specifically for women. So with multiple choices available in the market women divers can now easily choose the beat BCD for themselves.

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Women’s BCD buyers guide

There are various points that one needs to check out before buying a BCD device as it is one piece of equipment that stays in close contact with the body of the diver. I will list down some of the points that you need to check out before you select the BCD unit of your choice.

 A comfortable fit

This is a vital point and for women, it is best to have highly placed and removable chest straps along with a short backplate design to comfort. Also, the BCD should fit snugly around the waist and the velcro band should be neither too tight nor too loose and overall you should feel comfortable after wearing the BCD.

Build Quality

The build quality of the BCD is important as you need it to last and not look worn out after a few dives. The outer material of the BCD should be tough enough to resist wear and tear and the inflating mechanism should be last long. Other weak points are the zippers which may break down so it is best to ensure that they are of good quality.

The Dump valves

The dump valves are very useful and practical while under water as they allow the diver to vent the air in the BCD very rapidly. These valves are located either at the bottom of the BCD or near the shoulders within easy reach so that they can be used quickly when a diver has lost her buoyancy.
So while buying make sure that the BCD has at least one dump valve in it.

The Integrated Weight Pockets

Most BCDs for female divers come with integrated weight pockets which makes the unit more comfortable to wear. With these pockets, one need not wear a separate weight belt, which might at times dig into your hips, making things uncomfortable.

Pockets and D-rings

The BCD unit should have multiple pockets for carrying various items along with trim pockets at the top to load a few extra weights. There should also be a few D –rings distributed over the BCD to help you attach a few items to it.
We can now come down to the review of the seven BCDs for women which are some of the best in the market. Before we start I am placing a simple comparison chart marking a few important features of the models to help you get a quick idea about them.

S no.	Product name	Style	Dry Weight	Lift capacity (Kg)
1	TUSA Jasmine Women’s BCD	Jacket type	7.7 pounds	8.6-14.5
2	Zeagle Zena Women’s BCD	Jacket type	6.2 pounds	13.6
3	Cressi Travelight BCD – Lady Pink	Jacket type	2.5 kg	6.1-16.3
4	Mares Hybrid She Dives BCD	Jacket type	3.8 kg	14.2-18.1
5	ScubaPro Ladyhawk Womens BCD	Back inflating type	6 pounds	15.4
6	Scubapro Hydros Pro w/Balanced Inflator Womens BCD	Back inflating type	11.5 pounds	16.3-18.1

 

TUSA Jasmine Women’s BCD

This is a stylish and comfortable model to provide you with the best support for your diving trips.

Overview

This is a very light and innovative model from TUSA providing a combination of a great fit along with the good utility for women with its wrap-around style fit. There is good padding on the shoulder straps and the backside to make it very comfortable to wear and the features make your diving trips totally safe.

Feature and Benefits:

Advanced Weight Loading System

The dual front weight pouches can hold ten pounds each and there is also an ergonomic quick lock release feature to make releasing the weight easy. On the other hand, there is also a safety lock to prevent any accidental release of the weights.

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Durable built

The outer material and the buckles are of high quality to ensure durability. The wrap-around air bladder is made of heavy-duty nylon so that it remains leak-proof even under rough usage.

Good design

The tank holding design is very innovative in this BCD making it extremely comfortable to use. The harness ensures that the tanks are securely held and the buckle and the strap can be used for easy adjustments.

Great comfort

The sternum and shoulder straps are very comfortable and will give you no reason to complain. The buckles are very easy to use and the overall padding makes this BCD device a very comfortable one to wear on your body.

Key Specifications:

• Product Weight:7 pounds.
• Material: Heavy-duty 500D Cordura Nylon.
• Dump Valves:2 numbers.
• Sizes: XS, S, M, L.

Pros and Cons:

This is a very good model for female divers which provides a combination of good durability and useful design features.

Zeagle Zena Women’s BCD

This is a stylish and practical BCD and very effective for all types of dives in various environments.

Overview

This BCD has the right design to secure it above the waist and hips going right around the body’s center of buoyancy. This makes it a great fit for women and the features provide very good functionality for recreational as well as serious divers.

Feature and Benefits:

Stylish and lightweight

This is a very stripped down unit and is quite light and compact making it easy to travel with. It is also available in multiple colors and if you find the black color tiresome, this will be a relief.

Great Fit

The overall fit and finish of this unit are perfect to adjust with the female body shape. The adjustable shoulder straps and the elasticized front panels make it very easy to put on and at the same time, the overall design gives a great freedom of movement.

Durable backside

The back part is very durably built,  and it has a single switch for the quick release of the weights on both the sides. The cylinder is placed perfectly to distribute the weight evenly and it is held by twin cam bands.

Easy to use

The whole model is very easy to use without any complicated bits. The integrated pockets are easy to carry the weight system and the twin buttons are for inflation and deflation are very easy to use.

Key Specifications:

• Product Weight:2 pounds.
• Pocket: Expandable mesh waist pocket.
• Bladder capacity:31 pounds.
• Sizes: 5 sizes.

Pros and Cons:

This is a light and comfortable BCD which is a great option when you are planning to travel for your dives.

CressiTravelight BCD – Lady Pink

Designed with perfection to be used for travelers, this BCD is a great choice for visiting the diving hotspots.

Overview

This model will be tick all the right boxes as Cressi has designed a well-balanced BCD exclusively for female divers. The overall looks and feature are well enough to make this BCD your favorite diving companion.

Feature and Benefits:

Lightweight and compact

This is a very compact model which is made with the lightweight but durable materials in all areas. The whole unit can be folded and wrapped very easily and it also comes with a good shoulder carry bag.

Streamlined design

The streamlined design of this jacket makes it easy for the diver to move underwater. The fit is extremely good and it hugs the body in a comfortable fashion without making you feel uncomfortable in any way.

Easy dumping

The inflator/ deflator that comes with the jacket is easy to operate and it has three dumping points within easy reach. The left and right shoulders points are easy to reach and so is the rear dump located at kidney position. The integrated weight system also has a quick release mechanism for easy handling making this unit easy to use from any position.

Multiple pockets

Storing items is never a problem with this jacket as it has two large zippered pockets and ten D rings for attaching various items. The quality of the zippers and rings are of high standard.

Key Specifications:

• Product Weight:5 kg.
• Pocket: Two numbers.
• Material:Nylon 420D + Nylon 210D.
• Sizes: XS to XL.

Pros and Cons:

This model is a great BCD which is light in weight but not in its utility and features.

Mares Hybrid She Dives BCD

Packed with high-end features, this BCD from Mares is an excellent value for money purchase.

 

Overview

The hybrid BCD is designed for the ideal female fit and is rich with various useful features. It is the compact but high end and is perfectly capable of supporting all kinds of dives. So let us check a few of the features of this unit.

Feature and Benefits:

Great suspension system

You will be surprised to know that this BCD is designed with a suspension system like a backpack! By this design, there is no contact between the backpack and the body making this a very comfortable BCD to put on.

Comfortable to use

The shoulder pads in this unit are very comfortable as they are seamless. In addition, they are also detachable and the overall build is very light yet durable. The padding all around the body is also very good to keep you comfortable for long hours.

Well-designed backplate

The backplate is hinged and hence the overall unit can be more compactly folded while you are on the move. The backplate is also designed in a honeycomb fashion which makes it light but sturdy enough to support the tanks.

A classic bladder

A good bladder is essential in a BCD and the bladder in this unit is positioned higher in the back offering a high lift capacity. The design also offers the diver more freedom of movement under the water.

Key Specifications:

• Product Weight:8 kg.
• Rings: Seven numbers.
• Material: Cordura 420.
• Sizes: XS/S, M/L, and XL.

Pros and Cons:

This BCD offers a great blend of price and features and is an ideal long time investment for divers.

ScubaPro Ladyhawk Womens BCD

This BCD has class-leading technology couples with top class fit for women, making it a great choice for scuba lovers.

Overview

This is a back floatation type BCD designed to provide the ultimate comfort and balance at greater depths. Each part is designed with care to provide the best user’s experience and greater freedom of movement to every diver

Feature and Benefits:

Durable unit

The outer materials in this unit are made up of 1000 denier nylon and 420 denier nylon giving it a very durable get up. The buckles and rings are made up of the best materials so you can be sure of them lasting for a long time.

Great design

The design of this unit is streamlined to reduce the drag while underwater and the weight of the Aircell is distributed at the back making the shoulders and chess free from all stress. This results in a great underwater experience.

Snug fit

The BCD has padded shoulders with a narrow neck yoke and thus it is very easy to put on and get out of. In addition, the waist strap is adjustable and the shoulder buckles are quick-release type providing the user with an all-around comfortable experience.

Secure weight system

The integrated weight system is very easy to use and offers full security. The buckles secure the weights very tightly and the easy release is perfectly completed by a simple squeeze and pull mechanism.

Key Specifications:

• Product Weight:6 pounds.
• Rings: Four numbers.
• Material:Nylon 1000D + Nylon 420D.
• Sizes: Five sizes.

Pros and Cons:

his is one of the best BCDs in the market and provides a great diving experience with its classic features.

ScubaproHydros Pro w/Balanced Inflator Womens BCD

Scubapro has developed a highly advanced BCD in this model, with the right balance of functionality and comfort.

Overview

This is a highly advanced BCD with great features and a very durable build. The overall experience of using this unit will satisfy any diver and this is an ideal investment for anyone who has taken up diving as a passion.

Feature and Benefits:

Great build

The unit is built to last for a long time and is resistant to abrasion, scratches, chemicals and even UV rays. It is a very lightweight model wand it does not absorb any water and hence it dries up instantly.  So when you purchase this unit, you can be sure of a lifetime of service.

Perfect Fit

The BCD fits perfectly around that body thanks to its special design made up of body grip gel. This makes sure that it is not only very comfortable but molds itself to match the specific contours of your body, without shifting

Twin system

This BCD allows the diver to use both straps and an integrated weight system. So depending on your diving needs, you can use this as a harness travel BCD or as an integrated weight BCD. This gives the unit unmatched versatility.

Customizable features

This BCD can be used with a wide range of accessories to suit your needs. You can attach or remove any pockets, rings, weight systems or bungees to customize this unit as you want. Once you are done you can just wrap this up in the backpack provided and move on.

Key Specifications:

• Product Weight:5 pounds.
• Material:PatentedInjection MoldedMonprene.
• Backpack:
• Sizes: Three sizes.

Pros and Cons:

This is award-winning BCD which most divers will enjoy using as it offers multiple top class features and great comfort.

Conclusion

I have put forward the reviews of six of the best BCDs in the current market to familiarise you with the products. With multiple good options such as these available on the market, you can now choose a women’s BCD with complete confidence. For beginners and recreational divers, the  TUSA Jasmine Women’s BCD is definitely a great option with its high quality and good features. For more experienced divers or for those who are thinking of long-term investments, the ScubaproHydros Pro is a perfect choice and is the most advanced BCD in this list. The rest of the models are all good in their own terms and you will not go wrong by choosing any one of them. So, make your choice to enjoy your next trip into the blue depths with more comfort and style.