Best BCDs For Women | Picking guide 2024

Best BCDs For Women

Wearing poorly fitting scuba equipment at least once on one immersion is a familiar experience for avid divers and women. There’s a good chance it was a BCD sliding around, riding up, and generally causing plenty of discomfort. Check out the Best BCDs for women if you want to make your diving experience enjoyable again.

It is well known among female divers that BCDs designed for men rarely fit properly, just like generic scuba gear. BCDs specifically designed for women have several advantages. It is essential to have a good fit underwater to dive safely and more comfortably. Here are our top five picks for the top women’s BCDs on the market if you’re looking for your first or just a new one.

EDITOR’S CHOICE
Oceanic Hera – Compact, Hybrid BCD
Oceanic Hera
 
9.7
  • BCD, Low Pressure Hose and Owner’s Manual
  • Built-from-the-Ground-Up Around the Female-Form
PREMIUM PICK
Cressi Sub Travelight BCD Blue
Cressi Sub
 
9.3
  • Soft, padded back, with double strap for fixing the tank
  • FAST system for folding and compacting the BC
BUDGET PICK
Zeagle Zena Women's BCD
Zeagle Zena
 
8.5
  • Dry Weight: 6.2lbs
  • Elastic front panels with zipper closure for a comfortable, secure fit and a streamlined profile

Best BCDs for Women Buying Guide

The following factors will help you find the right BCD much more quickly. The following are listed:

  1. The weight of the BCD
  2. What is the size of the BCD?
  3. The location of the straps
  4. Systems for integrating weights
  5. What is the number of D-rings or extra pockets on the BCD?
  6. What is the durability of this BCD?

Remember that quality comes at a cost. Choosing the cheapest option is only sometimes the best choice. Make sure you select the best product. Spending some extra money is worth it, even if it means paying more. You are trusting this equipment with your life, after all.

Top Best BCDs for Women 

Here is our list of the best BCDs for women based on what you should look for. We evaluated each one to ensure it met the women’s requirements. We will discuss the pros and cons of each BCD so that you can make an informed decision.

Best BCDs For Women

Oceanic Hera – Compact, Hybrid BCD

Our Top Pick
9.1/10 Our Score

Specifically designed for women, the Oceanic Hera BCD is compact and streamlined. The BC combines a back-inflated system with a jacket.Oceanic’s BC features a patented custom-fit harness. Shorter women can adjust the cummerbund length and shoulder straps with it.

Hera has an integrated system for managing weight. Weight pouches have both mechanical latches and Velcro closures. They are easily unlatched if you want to lose weight and remain highly secure.This BC has two rather large pockets. You can secure any accessories you place in them with zippers.

You can fit your dive light, pocket snorkel, etc., into the pockets. Four steel D-Rings are used, so there is no risk of them breaking.Integrated weight capacity of 20 lbs/9 kg and non-dumpable rear weight pockets for up to 11 lbs/5 kg.

Pros
  • Travel-friendly design
  • Adjustable and easy to fit
  • An easy-to-use integrated weight management system
  • Pockets of large size
Cons
  • The waist might be a little bulky if you’re very petite

Cressi Sub Travelight BCD Blue

Our Top Pick
9.2/10 Our Score

Women’s Cressi Sub Travelight BCD Blue is a back-inflated BCD explicitly designed for travel. It is one of, if not the lightest, BCD available. 4.6 pounds makes it easy to carry on a plane with a duffel bag.

The Ultralight Lady can be easily adjusted for the perfect fit. It comes with a padded back and an integrated weight management system. It is the least colourful BCD, with only a few purple/lilac stripes.

Due to its compact design, it has very little storage space. Even the D-Rings, made of plastic, are small and light.Lightness means you lose some heavier and higher-quality accessories and attachment points. Travellers should use this BCD.

Pros
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Easily adjustable and portable
Cons
  • Plastic D-rings
  • There is less durability in the material of this BCD as compared to other BCDs

Zeagle Zena Women’s BCD

Our Top Pick
9.3/10 Our Score

To properly size a woman’s Buoyancy System, the greatest challenge is not finding a smaller size or allowing for the bust, but that women’s bodies have a defined waist where a waistband must be fastened to secure the BC. Compared to men, women tend to have a shorter torso length and a lower center of buoyancy. Conventional buoyancy systems should be worn at the narrowest part of the waist, not lower, for the best balance and comfort.

Zena’s twin waist and hip band system allow women to place their weights and buoyancy below waist level, around their center of buoyancy. Women divers can adjust all Zeagle buoyancy systems to provide excellent fit and functionality. Zena BC comes with a buoyancy system specifically designed for women, designed by women.

Fit and comfort are outstanding thanks to the twin straps that adjust independently to fit the waist and hips. Using Zeagle’s patented PFS sizing system, waist, chest, and torso sizes can be individually adjusted. The Zena’s upper waistband is designed with the weights and buoyancy low, near the body’s center of buoyancy. A heavy-duty zipper closes the front of the Zena, providing a snug and secure fit without being restrictive. Weights are released using a Ripcord release system.

Pros
  • A bladder with a capacity of 31 pounds
  • Ripcord weight system with 24 lb capacity
  • Weight system with a 16 lb capacity
  • “Quick Pocket” with expandable mesh at the waist
  • D-rings made of stainless steel
Cons
  • Customizable fit means it’s also a BCD for plus-sized scuba divers

Scubapro’s Bella

Our Top Pick
9.4/10 Our Score

One popular choice is Scubapro’s Bella, which has several features that streamline the shape of women’s bodies. Comfortable shoulder buckles allow for easy arm movement. BCDs with wraparound bladders offer the classic comfort associated with jackets.

The Bella features integrated weights, but its buckle system may take longer than comparable models. Divers can customize the weights in the rear trim pockets for optimum positioning in the water. A sturdy D-ring is available for accessories and two large zippered pockets.

Pros
  • It is durable and comfortable, with an ergonomically designed bladder for comfort and stability
  • This BCD features plenty of padding, metal zippers, and welded seams
  • While it is a little heavy for travel, it is ideal for diving in rugged or cold waters
Cons
  • Its buckle system may be slower than comparable models
  • Heavy for travel purposes

Mares Womens Kaila

Our Top Pick
9.5/10 Our Score

Undoubtedly, every woman who uses the Mares Kaila will rave about its comfort. An elastic cummerbund and a plush lining complete the BC’s plush lining. A lot of female divers will also find Kaila’s look attractive. While it is lightweight, it could be better for travelling divers. With integrated weights, pocket space is limited due to the weight-lock system. The Kaila is an excellent choice if comfort is more important than weight.

A weight belt is unnecessary with the Mares Kaila SLS due to Trim-weights and the SLS system. Plush material covers the backpack, and neoprene protects the collar. Mares Kaila SLS’s high lifting capacity makes it suitable for every situation. A Dragon buoyancy device places the air primarily on the back. On surfaces, the front side stays afloat perfectly.

With Mares Kaila SLS, weight belts are no longer necessary. A Mares Dragon’s fit and comfort are excellent.

Pros
  • An elegant appearance
  • quite comfortable
  • SLS’s high lifting capacity
Cons
  • Having a bulky weight system
  • A limited amount of pocket space
  • Heavily loaded

Scubapro Hydros Pro

Our Top Pick
9.6/10 Our Score

One of the most popular hybrid styles is the Scubapro Hydros Pro. There are smaller bladders, shorter inflator hoses, and curved shoulder straps on the women’s fit.

Although the Hydros Pro is considerably more expensive than the Cressi Travel light, it is still a great travel option. It dries almost instantly, as opposed to traditional BCD materials. Its modular design allows it to pack into a cabin-sized backpack.

BCDs are also comfortable thanks to this monoprene. It sticks to your wetsuit and stays put during the dive because it has a grip-like property. It offers excellent underwater trim, as with any back inflate style.

Compared to other hybrid vehicles, Hydros lacks some features for its price. A weight is integrated as a standard feature, but there are no pockets. There is an option to add a thigh pocket and a roll-up pocket at an additional charge. Additionally, colour kits are available for customizing the BCD’s colour panels.

Pros
  • The Scubapro Hydros has a minimalist design with durable components
  • The harness is made of monprene fast-drying material with many injection-moulded plastic parts
  • The design is streamlined and highly rugged
Cons
  • Hydros Pro is considerably more expensive than other BCDs
  • A weight is integrated as a standard feature, but there are no pockets

ScubaPro Ladyhawk Women BCD

Our Top Pick
9.7/10 Our Score

Designed for comfort and balance at greater depths, this back-floatation BCD has a back floatation design. Every part is carefully designed to ensure the best user experience and increased movement freedom.These units are made from 1000 denier nylon and 420 denier nylon, which makes them very durable. We use the best materials for the buckles and rings so they will last a long time.

Its design reduces drag underwater, and its weight is distributed to the back so that shoulders and chess are not stressed. The result is a great underwater experience.It is easy to put on and take off because the BCD has padded shoulders with a narrow neck yoke. Additionally, the waist belt is adjustable, and the shoulder buckles are quick-release to provide the user with all-around comfort.

It is very easy to use and offers complete security. A simple squeeze and pull mechanism perfectly completes the secure fit of the buckles and easy release of the weights.

Pros
  • The design is excellent
  • User-friendly
  • It is comfortable and well-padded
  • Design with ergonomics in mind
Cons
  • Expensive model

Oceanic Hera – Compact, Hybrid BCD

Our Top Pick
9.8/10 Our Score

Specifically designed for women, the Oceanic Hera BCD is compact and streamlined. The BC combines a back-inflated system with a jacket.Oceanic’s BC features a patented custom-fit harness. Shorter women can adjust the cummerbund length and shoulder straps with it.

Hera has an integrated system for managing weight. Weight pouches have both mechanical latches and Velcro closures. They are easily unlatched if you want to lose weight and remain highly secure.This BC has two rather large pockets. You can secure any accessories you place in them with zippers.

You can fit your dive light, pocket snorkel, etc., into the pockets. Four steel D-Rings are used, so there is no risk of them breaking.Integrated weight capacity of 20 lbs/9 kg and non-dumpable rear weight pockets for up to 11 lbs/5 kg.

Additionally, you can attach a variety of carriers and accessories using zipper attachment systems on each bladder wing, such as Pony bottle carriers, Spare Air carriers, and extra pockets.

Pros
  • Ingenious locations for steel D-rings
  • There is a good fit of the bladder, which aids in a good trimming
  • It’s one of the most comfortable BCDs we’ve ever used
Cons
  • There are fewer pockets, but they are minor, and there are plenty of D-rings for attaching accessories

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here’s the answer to your queries regarding the best BCDs for women that will help you choose the best bcd as per your needs. 

Why are BCDs used?

Divers need to adjust to the very different ways their weight functions underwater. To accomplish this, divers use BCDs

When does a BCD expire?

BCDs should still be reliable after five years of use if the hose does not crack, there are no leaks, the buoyancy control is reasonable, and the inflator and dump valves are serviced annually.

What is the best way to dry a BCD?

When it comes to the BCD, drying the outside isn’t a problem, but drying the inside is another matter. Using the inflator hose or dump valves is the easiest method to drain any remaining water from the BCD. Once you’ve done this, leave the BCD inflated and let it dry.

Zeagle is a good BCD?

The Zeagle is synonymous with high-quality, hard-wearing BCDs. Zeagle regulators exhibit the same quality. With Zeagle’s regs, you can expect toughness, reliability, and great value.

Conclusion

There’s no specific model to recommend because they’re usually custom-made. However, some brands simplify that with fantastic BCDs. We’ve compiled a list of the best waterproof backpack. Reading the details of each Backpack will help you decide which is right for you.

Similar Posts