New to scuba

[scubasue]

I am getting so many different opinions on the BCD's. I really like the Oceanic Hera and was wondering if anyone else has this one and their opinion. Thanks!

[Sansho]

Welcome to the ST Forum!

If you haven't already, you might read Scubalabs BCD tests at Scuba Diving Magazine - BCs . The August 2008 issue of Scuba Diving had a review of 8 women's BCD's, including the Oceanic Hera. If you don't have it, PM me your email and I'll scan and send it to you.

[Splitlip]

My daughter uses the Scubapro Bella. I think as far as women's BC's go, it is the greatest thing since canned fruit.

My observations: it keeps her horizontal at depth. There is not a lot of inherent buoyancy. It floats upright at the surface without squeeze so long as she does not overinflate.

Her observations the same. But also, the intergrated weight pockets don't dig into her hips. She has fredom of movement at the upper extremeties. Does not constrict her boobs.

And very durable.

[Techdiver]

Originally Posted by scubasue

I am getting so many different opinions on the BCD's. I really like the Oceanic Hera and was wondering if anyone else has this one and their opinion. Thanks!

I have an Aqua Lung BC (Malibu) I have had it sense 2003. I recommend going to shop and looking, trying them on and filling them with some air manually to see how they feel. You have wraparound and back inflation. Pros and cons to both. Back inflation gives you more freedom, but will push you forward in the water (face down). wraparound is a little more confining around the sides, but will keep you upright with out a struggle.
stick with a major brand.
Hope this helped Good luck.

[Vercingetorix]

Originally Posted by Techdiver

Back inflation gives you more freedom, but will push you forward in the water (face down). wraparound is a little more confining around the sides,

I'm going to disagree here. This is a popular myth (it really ought to have it's own page on snopes.com).

I have a BP/W; you can't get any more rear-inflate than that. On the surface, I am not pushed face forward into the water. But then, I do not fully inflate on the surface. Anybody who owns a rear-inflate (STAB or BP/W) does not fully inflate. Look at my avatar. Do I look like I'm fighting to stay heads-up?

I've tried a wrap-around. Once. When I was forced. Hated it..felt like a boa constrictor had me.

//yes, I understand, TechDiver, that you have the experience and certifications to know of what you speak (I checked your profile). You are intimately aware of rear-inflate versus wrap-around versus BP/W. I'm just disagreeing because non-BP/W divers have the wrong impression about rear-inflate.

[Sansho]

I'm going to disagree here. This is a popular myth (it really ought to have it's own page on snopes.com).

I have a BP/W; you can't get any more rear-inflate than that. On the surface, I am not pushed face forward into the water. But then, I do not fully inflate on the surface. Anybody who owns a rear-inflate (STAB or BP/W) does not fully inflate. Look at my avatar. Do I look like I'm fighting to stay heads-up?

I've tried a wrap-around. Once. When I was forced. Hated it..felt like a boa constrictor had me.

I learned using wrap around's, as that is what was provided in OW. I bought a rear inflate, which I really like ... wouldn't go back to wrap arounds. Never has pitched me forward, then again, as stated, I don't fully inflate it on the surface.

[obrules15]

Originally Posted by scubasue

I am getting so many different opinions on the BCD's. I really like the Oceanic Hera and was wondering if anyone else has this one and their opinion. Thanks!

See if you can try a couple of different BC's a lot of these decisions are going to come down to personal preference and if you like the way it feels in the water.

[Martin2]

Welcome! See what local shops have that you can try on. Rent for a bit if you can to try different styles. I have and love my Diva, but women's BCs are all about personal fit.

[scuba007]

My wife just loves her Zeagle Lazer. No matter which BCD you choose, just have to make sure it fits you well and you like it.

[junzhang]

Originally Posted by Sansho

Welcome to the ST Forum!

If you haven't already, you might read Scubalabs BCD tests at Scuba Diving Magazine - BCs . The August 2008 issue of Scuba Diving had a review of 8 women's BCD's, including the Oceanic Hera. If you don't have it, PM me your email and I'll scan and send it to you.

a good reading, thanks