ScubaLab: BCs - Sherwood Luna

Specifications

Style	Jacket
Warranty	Two-Year Limited
Size/Buoyant Lift (in lbs.)	XS-18, S-20, M-22, L-25
Integrated-Weight System	Yes
Dry Weight	7 lbs., 6 oz. (Size M)
Price	$550
www.sherwoodscuba.com

Features:

• 420-denier and 600-denier nylon construction
• CQR-2 integrated-weight system
• 3-D designed air cell with wraparound buoyancy
• “Halfpac” backpack
• Depth-compensating cummerbund
• Plush nylon interior with back/lumbar padding
• Less than 1 pound of inherent buoyancy

Performance:

Clearly designed for women, the Luna’s air cell, shoulders and depth-compensating cummerbund are cut to conform to female curves, plus the pink accents add a hint of color that our female test divers appreciated. The wrap-around air cell created a very snug and secure feel for test divers, both underwater and while floating on the surface. Sherwood’s unique Halfpac tank backpack — which combines the versatility of a softpack with the stability of a hardpack — held the tank solidly, contributing to its excellent stability at depth. The power inflator proved to be compact and fit perfectly into a female hand. The BC doesn’t come with a right shoulder exhaust valve; in spite of that, test divers were able to maintain efficient buoyancy control using the existing valve system. The CQR-2 weight pouches are set back from centerline, but not so much to create problems for divers when loading or ditching weights.

Bottom Line:

The Luna was our female test divers’ favorite women’s BC. The only drawback we could find might be its inability to carry more than 16 pounds of ditchable weight for some women when diving temperate or cold waters.