Best BCD for Women: Top 5 Picks for Comfort and Fit in 2023
Diving is an exhilarating sport and having the right gear is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience. One essential piece of equipment is the Buoyancy Control Device (BCD), which allows divers to maintain neutral buoyancy and control their depth underwater. A well-designed BCD can make all the difference in comfort and ease of use, especially for women who may have different requirements than men when it comes to fit and design.
Women’s BCDs are specifically tailored to accommodate the female body shape, offering more comfortable padding, adjustable harnesses, and a fit that is better suited for women’s proportions. This can have a significant impact on overall diving comfort and performance. But with so many options on the market, finding the best BCD for women can be a daunting task.
When looking for the perfect BCD for women, it’s essential to consider factors like fit, adjustability, weight capacity, and lift. A well-fitting BCD should be snug without restricting movement or causing discomfort, and it should have room for growth and changes in body shape. In addition to comfort, durability and functionality should be considered. Ensuring the BCD you choose is reliable and features essential components like integrated weight systems and tank bands is crucial for a safe dive.
We evaluated numerous BCDs designed specifically for women, taking into account their comfort, functionality, and user feedback to help you make an informed decision when selecting the best BCD for your diving adventures. Let’s dive into our top picks to find the perfect BCD for you.
Best BCDs for Women
We’ve carefully curated a list of the best BCDs specifically designed for women, ensuring comfort, safety, and functionality during your underwater adventures.
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Scubapro Bella BCD
If you’re a woman looking for a comfortable and secure BCD, the Scubapro Bella BCD is an excellent option to consider.
We recently took the Scubapro Bella BCD for a dive and found it to be an incredibly comfortable and secure fit for female divers. The Y-Fit shoulders with a triangular stainless-steel ring help to balance pressure across the body, providing a snug and secure feel throughout the dive.
One of the standout features of the Bella BCD is its exclusive wraparound bladder. When fully inflated, it maintains its cradle-like shape, ensuring stability both at depth and on the surface. We were also impressed by the adjustable cummerbund, soft neoprene neck, and padded backpack, all of which contributed to a comfortable and secure fit.
Scubapro Bella BCD
Scubapro Bella BCD Pros
- Designed specifically for female divers
- Comfortable and supportive wraparound bladder
- Plenty of storage and attachment points
Scubapro Bella BCD Cons
- Only available in a small size
- Limited color options (pink and white)
- Higher-end price point
The Bella BCD doesn’t skimp on storage and attachment options either. We found the two large zippered pockets to be more than enough for our cargo needs, and the multiple stainless-steel D-rings were perfect for attaching additional gear. Overall, we found the Scubapro Bella BCD to be a fantastic choice for women, combining comfort, security, and storage all in one high-quality package.
Scubapro Hydros Pro Women’s BCD
The Scubapro Hydros Pro is an excellent choice for women seeking a comfortable, versatile, and durable BCD for diving.
As avid divers, we found the Scubapro Hydros Pro BCD to be a game-changer, offering incredible comfort and fit, thanks to its injection-molded Monprene gel harness and adjustable shoulder straps. The BCD’s modular design makes it easy to add and remove weight systems, straps, and pouches in the field, which has proven invaluable during our diving excursions.
One feature we particularly appreciated was the BCD’s quick-drying capabilities. The Scubapro Hydros Pro feels almost dry as soon as it comes out of the water, making it a pleasure to handle and keeping it lightweight. However, it is worth noting that this BCD can be a bit bulky for travel, so it may not be the best option if space is a major concern.
Scubapro Hydros Pro Women’s BCD
Scubapro Hydros Pro BCD Pros
- Unmatched customization and comfort
- Modular design for easy repairs
- Dries quickly and remains lightweight
Scubapro Hydros Pro BCD Cons
- Expensive
- Bulky for travel
- Limited color options
Lastly, although the BCD is designed specifically for women with its smaller air bladder, shorter inflator hose, and curved shoulder straps, we wished there were more color options to choose from, as currently, only white is available. Despite these downsides, the Scubapro Hydros Pro remains one of our top choices for a high-quality and comfortable women’s BCD, significantly enhancing our diving experiences.
SHERWOOD SCUBA Luna Women’s BCD
The SHERWOOD SCUBA Luna Women’s BCD is a fantastic choice for female divers seeking functionality and comfort tailored to their body shape.
We recently took the SHERWOOD SCUBA Luna Women’s BCD on a dive and were impressed by its tailored fit to a female body. Unlike countless unisex BCDs, the Luna is specifically designed for women, encompassing shoulder straps, torso, waist, cummerbund, and backpad adjustments that accommodate our body shape, ensuring comfort and support throughout our dive.
The durability and functionality of the Luna are apparent, tested, and proven in our diving experience. With six stainless steel D-rings positioned all over the BCD, we were able to easily attach our accessories, streamlining our gear. The weight integration system, including two ditchable CQR3 weight pockets and two non-ditchable trim pockets, put us in control of our buoyancy throughout the dive.
SHERWOOD SCUBA Luna Women’s BCD
SHERWOOD SCUBA Luna Women’s BCD Pros
- Designed specifically for women’s body shape
- Durable and functional
- Multiple attachment points throughout the BCD
SHERWOOD SCUBA Luna Women’s BCD Cons
- Slightly heavier than expected
- Only available in one color
- Pricier than some alternatives
Though slightly heavier than anticipated, the Luna BCD still offered us excellent maneuverability underwater. The single available color option won’t cater to everyone’s preferences, but the magenta hue added a touch of femininity to our equipment. Finally, despite its somewhat higher price point, we believe the SHERWOOD SCUBA Luna Women’s BCD’s tailored design, durability, and functionality make it a worthwhile investment for any female diver.
Riptide Mira Lightweight Women’s BCD
We highly recommend the Riptide Mira Lightweight Women’s BCD for its precise fit, lightweight build, and ease of use.
We recently took the Riptide Mira Lightweight Women’s Back Mount BCD on a diving trip to the Caribbean and were impressed with its performance. The women’s cut provided a more precise fit and allowed for improved comfort and freedom of movement underwater. The lightweight design, at just 4.8 lbs, made it easy to carry and pack for travel.
This BCD has an integrated weight system that helped streamline our diving experience by eliminating the need for a separate weight belt. We found the weight pockets to be easily accessible and secure during our dives. Additionally, trim weight pockets are available for those who require extra stability.
Riptide Mira Lightweight Women’s BCD
Riptide Mira Women’s BCD Pros
- Designed specifically for women
- Lightweight and travel-friendly
- Integrated weight system
Riptide Mira Women’s BCD Cons
- Limited color options
- Only one size available
- Higher price point
On the downside, the Riptide Mira is currently only offered in Sea Blue color and Medium-Large size, which might not suit everyone’s preferences or measurements. Despite this limitation, we believe that this BCD’s quality and effectiveness make it an excellent investment for female divers seeking a reliable and comfortable BCD tailored to their needs.
Zeagle Marina BCD: Women’s Jacket Style Scuba Diving Buoyancy Compensator
We highly recommend the Zeagle Marina BCD for women seeking a comfortable, well-designed and functional diving experience.
After trying the Zeagle Marina BCD, we were impressed by how it caters specifically to women scuba divers. The wraparound jacket is designed to complement a woman’s body shape, with the bladder pattern cut higher on the back and sides. This made us feel secure and comfortable during our dives.
One aspect that stood out to us was the hard webbing backplate, eliminating the need for a bulky hard plastic backplate. This, combined with extra padding in the lumbar and neck areas, ensured a snug fit with exceptional comfort. The adjustable cummerbund, waist panel, and shoulder strap provided customized sizing, enhancing the overall diving experience.
Zeagle Marina BCD
Zeagle Marina BCD Pros
- Specifically designed for female scuba divers
- Exceptional comfort and fit
- Practical and durable with useful features
Zeagle Marina BCD Cons
- Only available in medium size
- Custom front zipper panels not included
- Slightly heavier than other BCDs at 9.3 pounds
We appreciated the practical and durable features of the Marina BCD, such as the large utility pockets on either side, knife mounting positions, octo pocket, and both shoulder and rear dump/OPVs. The simple weight locking system and easy-to-attach hose and valve made it convenient to use during our underwater adventures.
Buying Guide
Finding the best BCD for women can be a daunting task, but worry not! We’re here to help you with a few tips and points to consider while making your decision.
Fit and Comfort
The most important aspect of any BCD is a proper fit and comfort. A well-fitting BCD should be snug but not too tight, allowing for ease of movement both in and out of the water. Don’t forget to account for the thickness of your wetsuit when trying on BCDs.
Weight System
An integrated weight system adds convenience and streamlines your equipment setup. This feature allows you to ditch the traditional weight belt and instead carry your diving weights within pockets or compartments of the BCD itself. Look for BCDs with a secure, easy-to-use weight release system.
Lift Capacity and Buoyancy
| Size | Lift Capacity |
|---|---|
| XS/S | 18-25 lbs |
| M/L | 30-40 lbs |
| XL | 45-50 lbs |
Different sizes of BCDs offer varying lift capacities. Ensure you choose a BCD with sufficient buoyancy control to accommodate your needs, including any added gear you’ll be carrying with you.
Style and Design
Consider the BCD’s style and design as well. Women’s specific BCDs often feature more tailored cuts, with narrower shoulder straps and shorter back lengths that better accommodate women’s anatomies. Features such as adjustable chest straps and hip padding can enhance overall comfort.
Additional Features
Finally, take the time to consider any additional features a BCD may offer. Are you looking for expandable pockets for storage? A built-in knife? Or perhaps attachment points for additional equipment? Evaluate the importance of these extras based on your diving preferences and needs.
