I am 5'1" and less than 100 lbs.  I use the DiveRite backplate with BC
junior for diving my doubles and I also use the single tank adapter for
open water, recreational diving.  The back plate does tend to cut into the
back of your pelvis, but with a dry suit and even 3 mil wetsuit, it's
pretty tolerable, except for those long jungle walks in the Yucatan - in
which case a sherpa comes in very handy.  

One modification I made re: setup with a single tank, is I cut off the
quick releases that were sewn on either side of the wings to clean up the
profile and eliminate any possible entanglement problems.  Once you cut
them off, you are left with two webbed loops, which I thread a small brass
ring through and then attach the rings to the D-rings on the waste band. 
It works out pretty well.  

A friend of mine who is also about my height, but a little shorter waisted,
got a back plate machined for her, so she could acommodate doubles and
seems the be pretty happy with it.

But 5' 6" is pretty tall (relatively speaking) your friend shouldn't have
any problems with the standard back plate.  

Julie
----------
> From: David P. Smith <dsmith@ut*.sp*.ut*.tm*.ed*>
> To: 'Techdiver@terra.net'
> Subject: Women & backplates
> Date: Monday, October 07, 1996 12:15 PM
> 
> This question is for the women on here, except maybe Pinkie ;^]
> 
> One of my friends wants to get a DiveRite backplate and harness,
> single tank adapter and BC Jr wings, but she is about 5' 6", with 
> small shoulders & waist but big hips. When I sized it for her, my
> backplate rode uncomfortably on her hips. So .... before she 
> spends any money, do you (women only, guys you can't help here)
> manage ok with a 1/4" wetsuit, and what padding works for 
> shoulders and hips for warm water diving? Has to stay in place
> walking, diving and entries and exits, which includes occasional 
> dive boats. She can get something made if she knows what works. 
> I hope something does. 
> 
> Thanks
> 
> Dave Smith
> U Tx School of Public Health  
> 
> --
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