Best Women's BCD 2019
Top Rated and Reviewed Scuba Diving
Buoyancy Compensators For Women
Using a women's BCD can improve the comfort of your dive. Most BCD's are not geared to the female body so chances are you have been subjected to an ill fitting BC at some point in your diving career.
Women have special "considerations" that can make purchasing a BC a bit more complicated. There are BC's now made especially for females that are designed for a more comfortable fit. If you have tried more "male oriented" BC's and weren't happy with them, you might want to give these highly rated BC's for women a try.
Buying a ladies buoyancy control device can make your underwater experience more enjoyable. No more BC's riding up or sliding around your body. Many female BCD's have higher straps and other features that make them contour better to a women's body.
Of course, even with a women's BCD there is not "one size fits all" just as there is not one size of female body. Depending on height, weight, shape, etc. you many find one particular model fits you the best.
Nevertheless, I have chosen what I consider to be the best scuba diving BCD's for women.
To this end, I have read many ratings and reviews of various female scuba diving BC's. I have only chosen those models which have received many top reviews from lots of different users. My reasoning is if it has universal good marks, chances are you will be happy with it too.
(If you need more general information on BC's, see our free Scuba Diving BC Buying Guide .)
My goal is to update this list about every 6-12 months or so, so you can rest assured you are getting the best womens bcd available right now.
So if you are planning on doing some diving and need a ladies bc, this list is for you.
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Here are my updated picks of the best womens BCD's for 2019.
Best Women's BCD For 2019
Choice #1:
Our first pick as the best bcd for females is a repeat winner in this category and it is a Zeagle model.
This BCD for women has earned a high rating of 4.6 out of 5.
As you can see from the picture, this has a zipper front which will give you a better fit and more "coverage" than the normal BC front. And it also comes in different colors and patterns - so you can do your own stylin' out there!
This BC is a back inflation model and also has twin straps which are fitted around your waist and hips independently. This Zeagle model uses a "Personal Fit System" whereas you can mix the vest, front panel and shoulder straps for the best fit for you. If you want to order different sizes of the "components" it would be best to call before you order.
It really is a flexible BC and ideally suited to fit a women's body type.
This BC offers 31 lbs. of lift and can hold up to 24 lbs. of releasable weight and non-releasable rear pockets that can hold up to 16 lbs.
This model also has 2 dump valves and 4 stainless steel D rings.
The pros and cons for this pick for best womens bcd as I see it are:
Pros:
- Easily adjusts to fit to your body
- Twin waist and hip system for best fit
- Lightweight and comfortable
- "Front" coverage with a zippered front panel
- Can mix and match components for best fit
- Adaptable weight integration system
Cons:
- One user questioned durability (some threads sticking out)
- Back inflate pushes you forward on surface (a couple users)
Choice #2:
Our second choice for best womens bcd this year is a new entrant and it is an Scubapro model. It gets excellent reviews and has earned a high rating of 4.8 out of 5 to jump into a high spot on our list.
This is one to aim for - aim for because it is expensive but it is unlike most other BC's. This model has modular components so you can exchange/replace pieces on your own, no need to bring it in. This can save significantly on repair costs and makes it customizable to you.
The harness components are made with a gel system so it conforms to your body rather than the other way around.
This model has expandable pockets and stainless steel D-rings.
Depending on the size of the BC it provides from 36 to 41 lbs. of lift.
As far as weight goes, it can hold up to 24 lbs. in releasable weight and 9 lbs. in non-releasable weight.
The pros and cons for this women's BC:
Pros:
- Modular components - customizable/easy to repair
- Gel harness - ergonomic comfortable fit
- Good for travel - lightweight, dries quickly
- Near zero bouyancy
- Good quality/durable
Cons:
- Expensive
Choice #3:
Our third choice for best womens bcd this year is another new entrant and it is an Aqualung model. It gets great reviews and has earned a high rating of 4.7 out of 5 to win a place on our list.
This is a wrap-around jacket style BC specifically designed for a female diver. Features of this model are an adjustable waistband and specially curved wide adjusting shoulder straps making for a more comfortable fit.
There are enough places to store your gear with grommets, 2 zippered pockets, 4 D rings (plastic - a slight negative) and 2 octopus pockets.
Depending on the size of the BC it provides from 23 to 44 lbs. of lift.
As far as weight goes, it can hold up to 20 lbs. in releasable weight and from 6 to 10 lbs. in non-releasable weight (depending on the size of the BC) in rear trim pockets.
The pros and cons for this women's BC:
Pros:
- Comfortable/adjustable straps - good padding
- Enough storage points for accessories/roomy pockets
- Nice fit for different body types
- Well made/good quality
- Nice streamlined profile
- Easy to use integrated weight system
Cons:
- Inflator hose could be longer & less buoyant
- No handle to help lift over tank
- Runs big (1 reviewer)
Choice #4:
Our next choice for best bcd for females this year is another Scubapro model and it is also a repeat entrant on the list. It gets great reviews and has earned a rating of 4.8 out of 5 to win a place on our list.
This BC is a jacket type configuration, unlike the back inflation of our #1 pick. Reviewers loved how it hugged their body and contoured to their shape.
It also has a padded backplate for added comfort.
There are lots of places to store your gear with 2 zippered pockets and 6 (yes 6!) stainless steel D rings.
Depending on the size of the BC it provides from 22.5 to 42.7 lbs. of lift.
As far as weight goes, this womens bcd can hold up to 20 lbs. in releasable weight and from 8 to 10 lbs. in non-releasable weight (depending on the size of the BC) in rear trim pockets.
The pros and cons for this pick for best womens bcd:
Pros:
- Adjustable for a very comfortable fit; padded backplate
- Lots of clips to store accessories
- Tank strap makes set up easy
- Jacket style that hugs body for streamlined profile
- Good for larger women
- Easy to use integrated weight system
Cons:
- Pockets a bit small (one user)
- A bit on the bulky side
Choice #5:
Our fifth choice here is another returning entrant and is also a Scubapro model. This model received a solid 4.3 out of 5.0 rating.
Like our first pick, this is a back inflation BC and is cut specifically for a female. Reviewers found it easy to get used to after a couple of dives.
Users also loved the adjustable settings on the BC allowing for a nice, comfortable fit.
This BC provides 33.7 lbs. of lift for all sizes - unlike the other ones with lift dependent on size of the BC.
Like the Scubapro model picked for #3, this BC can handle 20 lbs. of releasable weight and 8 to 10 lbs. of non-releasable weight depending on the size of the BC.
There is a little less storage with this BC than the other Scubapro model with 2 rolled up zipper pockets and 4 D stainless steel D rings.
I see the pros and cons of this BC as follows:
Pros:
- Great fit
- Comfortable, able to adjust to your contours
- Streamlined, not bulky
- Easy to set up
Cons:
- Could use more storage
- Buckles are too big
I hope our picks for best womens BCD have helped you make a decision on which scuba bc to buy. There is alot out there but hopefully we narrowed the field for you.
Have fun shopping and let us know how you like your new BC!
You might also want to check out our picks for Best BCD at different price points - though these are unisex BCD's and not specifically designed for women. You can find them here:
Entry Level/Budget BC's (Under $300)
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