I live in Oklahoma and dive shops are not very abundant. It is quite a drive to one to try on equipment. I have found a BC that I would like to purchase, but I am unsure what size I would need. Is there a standard way to measure or just guess. I am 5'11" and have a medium build (175 lbs). I am figuring a large, but don't know. Can somebody help me please....
How to pick a size???
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Warhammer
Guest
Make the drive. It's kinda like trying to guess the size of wetsuits, there isn't much way you can. Different manufactors make different larges, mediums, and smalls. Some provide a measurement chart, but even then, it's just a good starting point. It's a big purchase, you deserve, and your diving experiences depend on, a good fit. Make the drive.
And try on the BC with the heaviest type of exposure protection you will be wearing. Otherwise you'll have no idea how/if it fits.
Good luck!
~SubMariner~
Good luck!
~SubMariner~
waterangel
Guest
I don't know if you are still looking and wondering, but I found a pretty good web site with great prices and I think if I were in an area that was limited like yours I would order what I thought was right and then try it at home with my other gear. If it doesn't fit, return it. They both seem to have great return policies and even if you have to pay a few bucks for shipping, it is cheaper than your time and gas. Also, the people that work there are very knowledgable and can help you guess. Hope this idea helps you. Check out http://www.leisure-pro.com (NY)
or
http://www.diversdiscount.com (So. Calif.)
or
http://www.diversdiscount.com (So. Calif.)
jasonchen2008
Registered
please try on, comfortable is the best!
diver 85
Contributor
Large would be a good starting guess, what kind is it??
sdiver68
Guest
I'm 5'10 175 "athletic" build and seem to fit right between most large and medium! Most large have any adjustments nearly all the way tightened and mediums are too tight and barely work in their loosest settings! Having said that, my sizes so far are:
Oceanic BC: Large (initially bought Med but too tight in shoulders)
Pinnacle Wetsuit: Large-Small (initially bought Med-Large but way too tight in chest)
Both BC's and Wetsuits seem to stretch when they get wet, so I maybe could have squeezed into the smaller size of both. Isn't is great being right in the middle?
Damselfish
Contributor
It's not just about size, all the brands and styles will fit differently - you can try on every size of a particular model and none of them will fit right. If you can't try them on all you can do is guess and plan on maybe having to ship some things back. So if the shop you can drive to has a decent selection, it is probably worth the drive.
Where did you find this BC you are interested in buying? Ask them for advice on fit. Some places may cut you a better deal on the shipping when you're returning stuff to get the right fit, especially if what they recommended didn't fit. Worth a shot.
Where did you find this BC you are interested in buying? Ask them for advice on fit. Some places may cut you a better deal on the shipping when you're returning stuff to get the right fit, especially if what they recommended didn't fit. Worth a shot.
Being the same size, and finding the same sizing problem, I bought a Zeagle Ranger. The Ranger is modular ( can mix sections to get a better fit ), so I used the size medium "waist section" and size large "shoulder section ". That worked out well.
While transitioning to doubles, I tried out a BP/W. I liked the BP/W's custom fit so much that I sold the Ranger. ( YMMV ) If you can, dive whatever you're considering before buying.
While transitioning to doubles, I tried out a BP/W. I liked the BP/W's custom fit so much that I sold the Ranger. ( YMMV ) If you can, dive whatever you're considering before buying.
DiveGear4Less
Guest
It would be easier to help you figure out the size if you let us know what brand/model you are considering. It's already been mentioned that there are different "cuts" for BCDs. You do sound like you would fit either a medium or large. Also, what type of diving are you planning on doing? What thickness wetsuit will you be wearing? I would tend to err on the larger size. You can always snug down, but it's almost impossible to make bigger. Another option is looking at harness/wing systems. They can be a little easier to fit. Check out my website (in signature line). We will gladly exchange if the first size you get doesn't fit properly.
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