By Bill Kendig & Jessica Merritt

Photography by Joseph Byrd

BCs For Women Chart--(120K PDF)|

When we were ready to evaluate this year's crop of women's BCs, we knew our regular male test divers wouldn't--make that, couldn't--do the subject justice. For this review, the test divers were all women who understand the difficulties of finding BCs that fit right, are rigged right, and are stable and easy to control in the water.

We gathered eight recently released BCs designed specifically to meet the needs of female divers--one Jacket-style, four Back-Buoyancy and three Hybrids--and we put them to Scuba Lab's standard three-phase test:

The Lab Session We assembled BCs, studied owner's manuals, counted valves, buckles and D-rings, and made sure everything was in proper working order.

Pool Tests We took the BCs to the test pool to measure inherent buoyancy (zero is best, but 3 pounds is acceptable, between 1 and 2 pounds is average, and less than 1 pound is very good) and confirm manufacturers' numbers for buoyant lift (all checked out). Exhaust valves were tested against the power inflator to determine whether the BC's deflation system could stay ahead of its inflation system in the event of an out-of-control ascent. All BCs performed to industry-accepted standards.

Open-Water Tests Once these two testing phases were completed, we took the BCs to Anacapa Island, Calif., for open-water testing. For the next two days, the test team took the BCs through their paces. Divers scored each BC in eight ergonomic categories on a scale of 5 (Excellent) to 1 (Poor), then added written comments. Test categories ranged from critical features such as ascent control, stability and weight ditching, to convenience features, such as how easy it was to access the cargo pockets.

The findings can be found in the "Performance" section in each of the following reviews, presented in alphabetical order. Charts loaded with averaged scores that support these findings, along with additional test results and features information, can be downloaded here.

Scubapro: Bella

| | Scubapro: Bella| Jacket-Style BC

Features The only jacket-style BC in this review, the Bella has a wraparound air cell that retains a cradle-like shape, embracing you like a hug from your honey. Monprene padding in the shoulders cushions the weight of the rig, and swivel quick-release shoulder buckles provide lots of range of motion so you can route the straps under your arms to best suit your body shape. The adjustable cummerbund, contoured hip indents, and neck and back padding are features that enable divers to get a comfortable fit. Downsized mechanical buckles on the Bella's integrated-weight system make them easier to handle, and two large, zippered cargo pockets and six accessory D-rings offer plenty of places for stowing stuff and attaching extra gear. Available in gray or navy.

Performance The Bella was one of only two BCs rated Excellent in valve operation. Testers found the inflate/deflate buttons to be a nice fit for small hands, and the remote exhaust valves were easy to access and dumped air fast for no-hassle ascent control. Test divers were also fans of the Bella's integrated-weight system, especially when it came to loading weights. Ballast pouches slid easily into the roomy sleeves, and the locking buckles were smaller and easier to squeeze and release than other styles. At depth, the Bella delivered a stable ride, regardless of position. This was due in large part to the range of adjustments the BC offers combined with a comfortable cut--in particular, test divers felt the BC's torso length was spot on, and there was plenty of room in the bust area. Finally, a molded lift handle and tank-positioning strap, combined with the simplicity of Scubapro's single-step Super Cinch tank band, made the Bella easy to assemble.

MSRP: $617; with AIR2, $738.
Dry Weight: 7 lbs., 11 ozs.
Inherent Buoyancy: 1 lb., 2 ozs.

Test Team Comments WE LIKE IT... • "The cut of the front is excellent. It provides plenty of chest room while maintaining a trim fit." AB • "Love the swivel buckles on the pull-down straps. A comfortable BC during a dive." MH • "Great functionality. Unique tank strap--adjust it once and if you use the same size tank, you won't have to adjust it again." SB • "Very roomy weight pouches, easy to load." RA BUT... • "When fully inflated, it squeezes a bit." MH

Cressi-sub: Lady Jac

| | Cressi-sub: Lady Jac| Back-Buoyancy BC

Features The Lady Jac is the women's version of Cressi's popular Back Jac BC; Cressi just added a little sugar and spice--and now everything is nice, including a trimmed-down harness, contoured, padded shoulder straps and a two-position sternum strap, all designed to allow a good fit. But it's not all about comfort. The Lady Jac uses a slim and trim power inflator/deflator, along with two remote dump valves, to cover all ascent control contingencies, plus the rear air cell is reined in with a bungee cord, minimizing hydro-drag. It's also armed with Cressi's rivet-cased Lock-Aid mechanical weight ditch system--the molded handles are sized and shaped for an easy grab when it comes time to ditch. A large, zippered cargo pocket on each side of the rig drops down from mesh compartments, offering plenty of storage when you need it, but no unnecessary bulk when you don't. Bonus: The Lady Jac turned out to be the lightest BC in this year's roundup.

Performance The Lady Jac proved to be a really well-behaved BC, and was one of only three models to be rated Excellent in ascent control. Test divers liked the way the compact power inflator fit neatly in the hand, along with the responsiveness of the inflate/deflate buttons. The Lady Jac also delivered a stable ride at depth, and easily trimmed out so divers could maintain a comfortable swimming attitude. When it came to comfort, testers liked the thick padding on the backpack, although this no doubt contributed to the 2+ pounds of inherent buoyancy the BC carries. The Lock-Aid weight ditch system locked in ballast weight with a distinctive snap, yet ditching the weight pouches didn't require Amazon strength.

MSRP: $599.50.
Dry Weight: 7 lbs., 9 ozs.
Inherent Buoyancy: 2 lbs., 11 ozs.

Test Team Comments WE LIKE IT... • "I really liked the choice of chest strap positions that allow for torso length and chest size. And buckle sizes are terrific, good for small hands." PS • "Easy-to-ditch weights--a very nice release system." MH • "Nicely padded in the spine area. And not one but two fold-down pockets!" SB BUT... • "More sizes would be nice to get a more fine-tuned fit." JW • "Weights pockets felt pretty stiff." PS

Mares: Aliikai MRS+

| | Mares: Aliikai MRS+| Back-Buoyancy BC

Features Designed by women for women, the Aliikai is part of the Mares "She Dives" collection of female-specific dive gear. Its harness is completely independent of the rear air cell, so you will never be squeezed by a too-full bladder. The wide shoulder straps are cushioned, and the backpack's already excellent padding is complimented by a hinged lumbar pad--you can fold it up for double padding in the lower-back area or fold it down to extend the length of the padding to suit your body shape. The sternum strap offers only one position, but if it doesn't hit you in the right place, it can easily be removed. Other comfortable features include a plush lining and rolled neoprene collar. The Aliikai has an ergonomically shaped power inflator and a pair of remote exhaust valves. To control ballast weight, there's the MRS (Mechanical Release System) weight ditch system. A handful of stainless-steel D-rings, a dual-position hose clip and a big drop-down pocket on the right side of the rig take care of cargo and clip-on accessories. Bonus: The "Quick-Pak" system allows you to fold the BC into a compact package about half its normal size.

Performance This BC's superior comfort and fit were a hit with test divers. The back padding and additional fold-down lumbar support were especially appreciated, as was the generous cut in the hip area. The adjustable suspension straps on the shoulders allow the bladder to expand backward without making the shoulders too snug. Most test divers also liked where the sternum strap is positioned. This all translates into a BC that enabled testers to maintain a comfortable swimming attitude and excellent stability in virtually all positions. While most test divers found the drop-down pocket hard to access at depth, they gave the MRS-Plus weight system high marks for efficient loading and effortless ditching.

MSRP: $550.
Dry Weight: 7 lbs., 10 ozs.
Inherent Buoyancy: 2 lbs., 7 ozs.

Test Team Comments WE LIKE IT... • "Padded flap on the tailbone helps when the tank is low, keeping it from bumping your backside." RA • "Nice, soft cut at the shoulders fits women well." AB • "Very comfortable BC, nice cut over the hips, pretty color, looks like a women's BC--plush!" SB BUT... • "Two tank straps not spaced right for a ST65 short tank." PS • "The XS-sized Aliikai is still a little too big for a XS-sized female." RA (Note: the Aliikai does in fact come in size XXS; however, it was not available at the time of testing. Ed.)

Scubapro: Ladyhawk

| | Scubapro: Ladyhawk| Back-Buoyancy BC

Features The Ladyhawk has been around for a while, but this year's version sports recut contoured shoulders that, according to Scubapro, distribute the load of the tank and ballast weight more evenly. Swivel buckles enable you to route pull-down shoulder straps exactly where you want them. A sternum strap is there to tie the package together, and a soft neoprene neck roll and velvety back pad allow you to find a comfy fit whether you're wearing a wetsuit or just a swimsuit. The rear air cell is fitted with compression bungee cords that not only maintain a low drag coefficient but assist in venting air. The quick-release integrated-weight system uses mechanical latches that lock in for security and ditch with a squeeze and pull of the buckle. A large zippered pocket drops down on the right side for stowing extras, and four pre-bent stainless D-rings are conveniently positioned for clipping off accessories. Our Ladyhawk test models came with Scubapro's balanced power inflator, but are also available with the optional Air2 inflator/reg.

Performance Test divers loved how easy it was to put this rig together: The molded lift handle makes easy work of hoisting the BC onto a tank, and Scubapro's single-step Super Cinch tank band with stainless-steel buckle is the easiest tank-band system to adjust. Test divers also raved about how easy the large, contoured weight pouches packed, slipped into their sleeves and locked into place. However, they would have preferred smaller quick-release buckles, like those used on the Bella, to simplify ditching. In the water, the BC's comfortable fit contributed to its superb stability. The inflate/deflate buttons on the ergonomically shaped power inflator fit nicely into smaller hands, responded well to commands, and worked efficiently with the remote exhaust valves in maintaining precise ascent control. Another plus: The Ladyhawk carries virtually no inherent buoyancy.

MSRP: $604 w/balanced inflator; $725 w/Air2.
Dry Weight: 7 lbs., 12 ozs.
Inherent Buoyancy: < 1 lb.

Test Team Comments WE LIKE IT... • "Love the side-cinch waist overstrap--it allowed me to get the best fit of all. Plus there's the high-cut waist and the perfect positioning of the chest strap." AB • "Like the exhaust button on the shoulder dump valve. Great for instructors with students." MH • "Just love this tank strap. Set it once, never have to change it. Fast, secure, simple." SB BUT... • "Could use more lower lumbar padding." MH • "Buckles too big and stiff. Need to downsize with a softer squeeze release." SB

Tusa: Selene Wing

| | Tusa: Selene Wing| Back-Buoyancy BC

Features The Selene Wing comes with a number of adjustments designed to enable a decent fit. The shoulder pull-down straps can be attached to the waist portion of the BC at one of two points. This allows you to either route the straps back toward the air cell or farther forward. Another shoulder adjustment, this one located at the base of the neck, lets you pull the top portions of the shoulders together, and the sternum strap offers a choice of two positions. The Selene Wing also sports a number of comfort features, including a rolled neoprene neckline, thick back padding and even thicker lumbar padding. Because of its 3-D shape and spandex-type side panels that stretch or contract during inflation and deflation, the air cell remains streamlined. The power inflator is the smallest in this test group, and three remote exhaust valves work together to control buoyancy. The integrated-weight system uses a mechanical latch that's more complicated to load than others in this review, but nonetheless keeps ballast securely in place. The semi-hard backpack is hinged in the middle, so you can fold the BC compactly for traveling.

Performance Test divers found that the Selene Wing delivered middle-of-the-road performance. On the plus side, the testers found that the BC hooked to a tank pretty easily, thanks to its lift handle, tank-positioning strap and double-tank-band system, and once the testers hit the water, they found the compact power inflator to be easy to grasp and responsive to their button commands. The weight ditch system performed efficiently too, but loading and locking the weight pouches proved to be another story. All divers struggled with what they felt was a complicated, multistep loading system. Another issue: the BC seemed to be more buoyant than other BCs in this test, with a tendency to trap air under pouches and pockets. Once renegade air bubbles were allowed to escape, the Selene Wing settled down and provided a relatively stable, trim platform.

MSRP: $519 w/inflator; $739 w/DuoAir.
Dry Weight: 7 lbs., 11 ozs.
Inherent Buoyancy: 2 lbs., 7 ozs.

Test Team Comments WE LIKE IT... • "The light touch required for the inflator/deflator is nice." SB • "I like the two lower rear dump valves for purging air in the head-down position." MH BUT... • "Weights hard to load due to weight buckle design." JM • "The BC felt buoyant. I couldn't get all the air out, but the dump valves worked OK." MH

Aqua Lung: Pearl i3

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| Aqua Lung: Pearl i3| Hybrid-Style BC

Features This BC features Aqua Lung's i3 inflation system, which replaces the corrugated inflator hose with an intuitive lever control. Lift the lever to inflate; press down to deflate. Push-rod technology simultaneously activates both upper and lower low-profile exhaust valves to deliver pinpoint buoyancy control regardless of your position in the water. Female-friendly features include high-cut sides, good lumbar padding, a rolled collar and a sports bra-styled neoprene front that attaches to an adjustable, depth-compensating cummerbund. The length of the shoulder straps can also be adjusted to match body shape. For handling ballast, Aqua Lung fitted the Pearl i3 with its proven SureLock integrated-weight system, and for storage, it provided three zippered pockets, one large drop-down, one mid-sized bellows pocket and one small pouch on the cummerbund. You'll also find plenty of D-rings, plus mounting grommets for a knife, a retractor pouch and two octo-pockets to tame that alternate second stage. The Pearl i3 comes in three color combinations.

Performance Our test divers found that the i3 inflation system took some getting used to. But once familiar with how it worked, most divers felt the inflate/deflate lever was easy to use and responded quickly to fingertip commands, providing great ascent control. The holdouts preferred the traditional corrugated hose inflator. In the comfort department, there was more consensus. The neoprene sports-bra design, which eliminates the need for a sternum strap by keeping shoulder straps in place, suited most test divers because it would be comfortable when not wearing a wetsuit. When it came to the SureLock weight system, it was unanimous: this system is easy to ditch and equally easy to load, even while wearing the BC. The Pearl i3 provides a stable platform at depth, making it easy to maintain a good attitude while swimming, and carries less than a pound of inherent buoyancy. Plus: Aqua Lung contributes to breast cancer research when you purchase the BC.

MSRP: $675.
Dry Weight: 8 lbs., 3 ozs.
Inherent Buoyancy: < 1 lbs.

Test Team Comments WE LIKE IT... • "Weight loading is dead easy!" PS • "Easy-to-use i3 valve operates efficiently in any position." SB • "Really liked that there was no need for a sternum strap." RA BUT... • "Need a clip to hook on a console." JM • "Maybe a narrower cummerbund?" RA

Aeris: Contour & Oceanic: Hera

| Aeris: Contour|

| Oceanic: Hera| Hybrid-Style BCs

Features The Contour and Hera are twin sisters that share some sweet DNA. Designed for women from the ground up, they are built around a hybrid air cell and a patented Custom Fit Harness that lets you vary the shoulder strap length to match a woman's torso. A two-position sternum strap and adjustable depth-compensating cummerbund cinches the BC down snug, fine-tuning the fit. The bottom edge of the air cell is cut with slight indents, and the back padding is thick and extends around the front to cushion the torso from the weight pouches. Each BC is equipped with the QLR (Quick Lock Release) integrated-weight system that uses mechanical latches backed up by Velcro for added security. The weight sleeves are angled slightly--the opening is slightly higher than the back--making the pouches easy to load. Both BCs come with a low-profile power inflator, six stainless-steel D-rings, a pair of zippered pockets and mounting grommets for a knife and retractor. The only difference between the Contour and the Hera is the stylish embroidery and nylon that Oceanic uses.

Performance Both BCs allowed our test divers to be in complete control of their dives, from giant stride to final ascent. Molded carry handles and tank-positioning straps made assembly a snap. The variety of adjustment choices in the shoulders, chest and waist enabled divers to get snug and comfy before hitting the water. Both BCs provided a good swimming attitude and were extremely stable. Test divers found the inflate/deflate buttons to be sized just right for smaller hands, and the pull dump exhaust vented air rapidly for nice ascent control. But weight loading proved to be a problem for most of our divers, at least at first, due to the sticky backup Velcro and narrow weight pouch sleeves. However, by the second day of testing, virtually all divers got the hang of the process (you need to slide the pouch all the way in and secure the Velcro before inserting the buckle). On the flip side, the Velcro backup gave divers a warm and fuzzy feeling because they knew they'd never lose their weights unexpectedly. Bonus: these are the only BCs in this review that registered zero inherent buoyancy.

MSRP: $539.95.
Dry Weight: 9 lbs., 3 ozs.
Inherent Buoyancy: None.

Test Team Comments WE LIKE IT... • "Nice, narrow shoulder straps, narrow cummerbund, right-sized buckles, inflator buttons good for smaller hands." PS • "The size XS fits perfectly." RA • "Weight system is a bit frustrating, but I like the idea behind it--it will be hard for these weights to slip out." AB • "Cut with lots of hip room, you can feel the freedom, especially in strong kick cycles." SB BUT... • "External pouch Velcro unnecessarily aggressive. Too hard to pull off." PS • "Too bulky around the waist." JW

What Women Want

Female divers are looking for BCs that are easy to rig on the surface, can be adjusted to get a nice snug fit, and in the water are comfortable, stable and easy to control. What works for a woman varies, depending on her size, shape, strength and personal preferences. So it stands to reason that no one BC will be able to accomplish all things for all women.

Scuba Lab's tests bear this out. With eight different female-specific BCs and seven female test divers, nearly every BC was either a favorite or a strong second-place finisher for someone. (See the top choices of the test divers in "Test Team Favorites," p. 64). Bottom line: While there is not one BC in this group that fit or performed perfectly, it turned out that every test diver was able to find a BC that worked perfectly for her. You can too. Here's what to look for:

Lots of sizes A greater range of sizes means you have a better chance of getting a perfect fit. Good news: all but one of the BCs reviewed here come in at least four sizes, and some come in five sizes (the Lady Jac comes in three). Keep in mind that women's BCs are truly sized for women. So while you may be used to wearing an extra-small in a generic BC, you might need a medium-large in a female-specific BC. Try on BCs while wearing the exposure suit you dive in.

Easy-to-use weight ditch systems All the BCs in this review come with integrated-weight ditch systems with mechanical latches (for additional security, the Contour and Hera offer Velcro backup systems to their mechanical latches). All but one can hold at least 20 pounds of ballast in its ditchable weight pouches in all sizes (the Aliikai holds 18 pounds in its smaller sizes), and all but one holds up to 10 pounds of ballast in its nonditch trim pouches (the Selene Wing holds up to eight pounds).

Plenty of buoyant lift All the BCs offer generous buoyant lift to counterbalance their integrated-weight systems, ranging from 25 to 30 pounds in the smallest sizes and up to 40 pounds-plus in the largest sizes. Along with the ballast capacities of the weight systems, this makes these BCs suitable for tropical diving and local diving.

Remote exhaust valves "Remote" is defined as any exhaust valve separate from the primary dump valve located on the shoulder. It's become the norm to have two remote exhaust valves on a BC, and all the BCs in this review come with at least two (the Selene Wing comes with three). The more options you have for bleeding air, the better your chance of overcoming an out-of-control ascent.

What Women Want

| Pictured, first row, left to right: Andrea Beck, Monica Hamblin. Second row, left to right: Jessica Merritt, Sheri Bauer, Polly Shaw, Jo Wyman. Not pictured: Riza Ayson.|
Riza Ayson

Regional Sales Director for Internet Broadcasting
Rating: Advanced/Scientific Diver
Been diving: 14 years
Favorite BC: Scubapro Bella
Second Choice: Aeris Contour/Oceanic Hera
Third Choice: Mares Aliikai MRS+

Sheri Bauer

Vending Sales Manager for Pepsico
Rating: Dive Instructor
Been diving: 16 years
Favorite BC: Scubapro Ladyhawk
Second Choice: Scubapro Bella
Third Choice: Mares Aliikai MRS+

Andrea Beck

High School Art Teacher
Rating: Divemaster
Been diving: 7 years
Favorite BC: Scubapro Ladyhawk
Second Choice: Aqua Lung Pearl i3
Third Choice: Scubapro Bella

Monica Hamblin

In The Mix (Entertainment and Event Company)/Dive shop employee
Rating: Divemaster
Been diving: 9 years
Favorite BC: Scubapro Bella
Second Choice: Scubapro Ladyhawk
Third Choice: Aqua Lung Pearl i3

Jessica Merritt

Speech/Language Specialist/Dive Instructor
Rating: Dive Instructor
Been diving: 16 years
Favorite BC: Aqua Lung Pearl i3
Second Choice: Scubapro Ladyhawk
Third Choice: Scubapro Bella

Polly Shaw

Director of External Relations for Suntech America
Rating: Advanced Open Water
Been diving: 10 years
Favorite BC: Scubapro Ladyhawk
Second Choice: Scubapro Bella
Third Choice: Cressi-sub Lady Jac

Jo Wyman

Personal Trainer
Rating: Divemaster
Been diving: 7 years
Favorite BC: Cressi-sub Lady Jac
Second Choice: Scubapro Ladyhawk
Third Choice: Aqua Lung Pearl i3

How and Why We Test BCs

The goal of every Scuba Lab gear review is helping you become a more informed dive gear consumer. Our reviews are impartial and rooted in both objective measurements of raw performance and the feedback of human test divers. On the following charts, you'll find the results of both types of testing.

Objective Performance Measurements

Inherent buoyancy This test measures how much lift the BC has when all air is dumped from the air cell. Less inherent buoyancy is always better. We consider 3 pounds of inherent buoyancy acceptable; between 1 and 2 pounds average; less than 1 pound exceptionally good.

Deflate Valve Function The full details of this test are outlined in the chart below.

Ergonomic Tests

Our ergonomic tests are designed to tell you how dive gear functions in everyday use. Test divers use a 1 to 5 rating system to score each area of performance.

Ascent Control An evaluation of how easily the BC can be used to control a normal ascent.

Attitude and Stability Evaluated while swimming underwater to determine if the BC will keep the diver in the proper swimming position without wobbling.

Weight Ditching An evaluation of how easy or difficult it is to ditch weights in a simulated emergency situation.

Valve Operation Evaluated by the ease with which a diver can find and use the oral and power inflators, the oral deflate held overhead, the pull dump and the remote exhaust valve(s).

Comfort and Adjustment Checked both in and out of the water with the BC strapped to a tank.

Assembly Performed on deck without instructions.

Weight Loading An evaluation of how easy or difficult it is for a diver to load weights and secure the system while wearing the BC.

Pockets Tested in and out of the water, this is an evaluation of how easy or difficult it is to access and use the BC's pockets.

Jacket-Style BCs

With jacket-style BCs, bladders are positioned under your arms, on your waist and to a lesser degree behind you. These BCs tend to be stable and are less dependent on trim weights to ensure a good swimming attitude. However, they are bulky when compared to back-buoyancy BCs.

Back-Buoyancy BCs

Back-buoyancy BCs put all their inflation behind you. Up front, you have nothing but shoulder and sternum straps and a couple of contoured weight pouches. You'll never suffer from body squeeze, but achieving good stability at depth requires the proper positioning of ballast and trim weights.

Hybrid-Style BCs

Hybrid BCs put the majority of your buoyancy behind you, which minimizes bulk, then balances this rear buoyancy with small air cells under your arms. The result: the increased stability and comfort of a jacket-style BC, and the unencumbered, low-profile design of a back-buoyancy BC.

Flow Rates

We test flow rates to determine whether or not a BC's deflation valves will stay ahead of the inflation valve to avoid an out-of-control ascent in the event the inflation valve sticks open. In a heads-up ascent position, starting out with the BC totally empty, the inflation valve was simultaneously activated for 20 seconds with each applicable deflate valve (those located in the shoulder areas, or the highest valve position while in a heads-up ascent position) to answer, "Can the deflate valve in question stay ahead of deflation?"

| | Inflator/deflator held overhead| corrugated hose pull dump valve| right shoulder remote valve| | Scubapro Bella| No| Yes| Yes| | Cressi-Sub Lady Jac| Yes| Yes| Yes| | Scubapro Ladyhawk| No| Yes| Yes| | Tusa Selene Wing| Yes| Yes| Yes| | Mares Aliikai MRS+| No| Yes| Yes| | Aeris Contour| No| Yes| Yes| | Aqua Lung Pearl i3| N/A| N/A| Yes| | Oceanic Hera| No| Yes| Yes|