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BC's Just For Women

© Linda Gettmann

You’ve come a long way baby, as the old slogan says, certainly applies to the new designs and materials of 21st century dive equipment. Finally—a few short years ago—dive equipment manufacturers figured out women buy dive gear and make up a growing percentage of certified divers worldwide. This realization spawned a flurry of new equipment offerings, particularly BC’s for women recreational divers.

I’m in the market for a new BC and decided to research the current options. Here’s what I’ve found out about this new specialty equipment line:

There are now nine choices for women’s BC’s. Sizing varies among manufacturers and models, so always try on the one you’re going to buy. A medium in one line may be a small in another. All BC’s are currently weight-integrated. This has the advantage of providing increased flexibility in weight distribution when used in conjunction with weight belts, tank weights, and ankle weights. The non-ditchable trim weights on the rear of many newer BC’s help balance the positive buoyancy of aluminum tanks, providing better stability and streamlined swimming position. The downside of this is the whole setup weighs more out of the water and can be more difficult to handle. No problem, have the men handle the gear! Make sure you fully understand the weight system and how pockets attach and detach from the BC before doing an open water dive.

Mares Frontier Vera (www.htmsport.com) has a soft carrying handle, high chest strap, excellent padding, a good range of sizes and easy to use hose connectors. The weight system is complex and may interfere with the pockets. It comes in blue/black and gray/black, and is made from a heavy-duty denier nylon fabric. $479

IDI Sassy (www.seaira.com) has big pockets and an easier weight system, single or double tank bands. It offers a soft handle and backpack and vertical tank and torso adjustments. This model has more straps and the weights tend to hang down if lots of weight is needed. It features a smaller design with a 12” adjustable cummerbund and comes in a pinky-purple color. $600

Oceanic Isla (www.oceanicworldwide.com) is compact with good adjustment range and weight system. This model is rated highly by the Scuba Lab Testers and features the adjustable positioning system for the padded shoulder straps. Comes in blue, black, pink, and purple. $430

Genesis Athena (www.genesisscuba.com) has a high chest strap, dual tank straps and comes in blue, pink and purple in sizes extra small, small, and medium. This model has a good lift rating if you need to dive with lots of weight. The weight system is out of easy reach. $442