Updated February 14, 2023
When you decide to make the move from shop gear and spring for your own equipment, why not get a BCD that is designed for a woman’s anatomy and figure? There are many on the market today created with you in mind.
Some of the best BCDs designed for women have been selected and presented below as an introduction to the range available. For each BCD key features and specifications are outlined with videos provided to fill in the gaps and demonstrate. At the end is a comparison table.
Please let me know in the comments section at the bottom if you have any questions or concerns. I’d love to know your thoughts.
Best BCDs for Women
- Aqua Lung Pearl
- Zeagle Zena
- Cressi Travelight
- Cressi Start Pro 2.0
- Scubapro Ladyhawk
- Scubapro Hydros Pro
- Aqua Lung Dimension i3
- Scubapro Bella
The Aqua Lung Pearl is designed specifically for women’s needs including an integrated and patented sports bra.
It utilizes a hybrid system combining features of jacket and back inflation types and an integrated weight system.
The two large pockets have large zippers and there are 4 plastic D-rings for attaching accessories.
It combines plenty of lift with a comfortable fit.
Key Features
- Best Use: beginners
- Style: jacket
- Lift capacity: 23-44 pounds (10.45-20 kg)
- Weight: 8 pounds (3.64 kg)
- Sizes from XS to L
- Integrated sports bra with Lycra panels
- 2 large pockets and 4 D-rings
- Flexible backplate for easy packing and storage
Rating: 4.7
Price: $$
The Zena is a lightweight and very comfortable back inflation model with a sizing system that allows waist size, chest size, and torso length to be fitted separately taking the female form into consideration.
The front zipping closure allows room for the largest of female chests.
There are few pockets and no shoulder dump valve on this foldable BCD suitable for travel.
Key Features
- Best Use: busty women
- Style: back inflation
- Lift capacity: 31 pounds (14 kg)
- Weight: 6.2 pounds (2.8 kg)
- Sizes from XS to XL
- Integrated weight system
- 1 small foldable and detachable mesh pocket
Rating: 4.8
Price: $$
The Cressi Travelight BCD is just what its name represents.
It is an easily and conveniently packed piece of gear ready for travel on very short notice that is much lighter and more compact than a traditional BCD.
Cressi has incorporated comfort, good balance, trim underwater, and good lift capability.
It includes a wraparound fit that is easily adjusted for the female body shape and different sizes.
Key Features
- Best Use: travel
- Style: jacket
- Lift capacity: 13.5 to 36 lbs. (6.1 to 16.3 kg)
- Weight: 5 To 6.2 lbs (2.3 To 2.8 kg)
- Sizes from XS to XL
- Integrated weight system
- 8 D-rings, 2 rear trim pockets, padded back panel
- Lightweight and easy to pack, not as durable as some BCDs
Rating: 4.2
Price: $
It’s rugged and durable with a streamlined underwater profile and strong ascension capacity with an integrated ballast system improved over previous models, making it flatter, lighter, and discreet.
It also has back pockets for additional ballast.
Key Features
- Best Use: beginners
- Style: jacket
- Lift capacity: 29.2 – 45 pounds (13.3 – 20.4 kg)
- Weight: 8.65 pounds (3.93 kg)
- Sizes from XXS to XL
- Integrated weight system
- 2 large velcro closed pockets
- Extremely affordable, simple design, lightweight, durable
- Good dive shop BCD
Rating: 4.2
Price: $
Along with swiveling buckles and easily adjustable straps, all body types fit comfortably in this BCD.
The sturdy design with welded seams and plenty of lift capacity makes it suitable for rigorous conditions.
There’s adequate storage space with stainless steel D-rings and 2 roll-up expandable pockets.
Key Features
- Best Use: all around
- Style: back inflation
- Lift capacity: 33.7 pounds (15.3kg) All Sizes
- Weight: 7.2 to 8.13 pounds (3.261 to 3.68kg)
- Sizes from XS to L
- 3 dump deflation system
- Integrated weight system
- Stainless steel D-rings
- Flexible easy to pack backplate
- Expandable pockets
Rating: 4.5
Price: $$
The Scubapro Hydros has a minimalist design of durable components that is comfortable for all body shapes.
It has a monprene fast-drying harness and lots of injection-molded plastic parts for a fabric-free and very lightweight construction.
It is streamlined and extremely rugged for daily use or travel.
Key Features
- Best Use: extra durable
- Style: back inflation
- Lift capacity: 36 to 40.5 pounds (16.3 to 18.3 kg)
- Weight: 8 to 9 pounds (3.63 to 4.09 kg)
- Sizes from XS to L
- Includes Air 2 alternate inflator
- Integrated weight system
- 2 stainless steel D-rings
- 2 dump valves
- No pockets
- Crotch strap available
- Fairly expensive
Rating: 4.8
Price: $$$
The Aqua Lung Dimension i3 has the integrated i3 single touch control inflation/deflation system that eliminates the deflator hose for more streamlined movement.
The backpack is thin and keeps the tank close to the center of gravity aiding in even weight distribution while the back inflation design further aids streamlining by placing the air cell behind the diver.
It is a bit heavy out of the water, but well-padded and very comfortable for divers of all sizes after the descent.
Key Features
- Best Use: all around
- Style: back inflation
- Lift capacity: 22 to 42 pounds (10 to 19 kg)
- Weight: 8 pounds ( 3.63 kg)
- Sizes from S to XL
- Integrated i3 control system designed for a single touch control for both inflation and deflation
- Integrated weight system
- Back inflation keeps the air cell behind the diver for better streamlining
- Flat e-valves have a one-way design to keep water out
- Multiple dump feature to empty all valves at once
Rating: 4.6
Price: $$
There is lots of padding, metal zippers and rings, and welded seams for this sturdy BCD.
It is a little heavy as a travel BCD but excellent for rugged conditions and cold water diving.
Key Features
- Best Use: all around
- Style: jacket
- Lift capacity: 22 to 42 pounds (10 to 19 kg)
- Weight: 9 pounds (4.09 kg)
- Sizes from XS to XL
- Integrated weight system
- 6 metal rings, 2 pockets on each side, and a small zipped pocket on the cummerbund
- Contoured hip indents, monprene pads in the shoulder area
- Adjustable waist and chest straps that slide up and down
- Pictured with the Air II alternate inflator which is optional and not included here
Rating: 4.6
Price: $$
Women’s BCD Comparison Table
| Picture | BCD | Type | Best Suited For | Lift Capacity | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Aqua Lung Pearl | Jacket | Beginner | 23-44 pounds (10.45-20 kg) | 4.7 | $$ |
  | Zeagle Zena | Back Inflation | Busty Women | 31 pounds (14 kg) | 4.8 | $$ |
  | Cressi Travelight | Jacket | Travel | 13.5 to 36 pounds (6.1 to 16.3 kg) | 4.2 | $ |
  | Cressi Start Pro 2.0 | Jacket | Beginner | 29.2 - 45 pounds (13.3 - 20.4 kg) | 4.2 | $ |
  | Scubapro Ladyhawk | Back Inflation | All Around | 33.7 pounds (15.3kg) All Sizes | 4.5 | $$ |
  | Scubapro Hydros Pro | Back Inflation | Extra Durable | 36-40.5 pounds (16.36-18.3 kg) | 4.8 | $$$ |
  | Aqua Lung Dimension i3 | Back Inflation | All Around | 35 pounds (15.9 kg) | 4.6 | $$ |
  | Scubapro Bella | Jacket | Cold Water | 22-42 pounds (10-19 kg) | 4.6 | $$ |
| Picture | BCD | Type | Best Suited For | Lift Capacity | Rating | Price |
Best BCD for Women Buying Guide
To outline key design features and how to use a BCD, check out this related post:
For more information concerning BCDs, please check these popular reviews:
Comments and Feedback
I hope you found this post on the best BCDs for women interesting and useful. If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to share them in the comments section. If there is no comments section directly below, click here: >>comments<<
This morning my ancient Dacor Extreme Elle died. It was the best bcd ever. Integrated vest. So snug on the body. Just in case you still know that one. Can you recommend something comparable? 5’2″ 115 lbs.
200 dives or so. I was thinking the Zena looks a bit similar
Hi Claudia,
Thanks a lot for your inquiry. It’s a sad day when a favored piece of equipment has to be retired. The Zeagle Zena you suggest is a back-inflate model that would have a different feel than your Dacor Extreme Elle. Standard configuration BCDs probably give you the snug feel you are looking for. Models reviewed that can provide this and appropriate support include the following:
Aqua Lung Pearl
Cressi Travelight
Cressi Start Pro 2.0
Scubapro Bella
Please check out the details on these and go from there.
All the best.
Joe