My wife dives on the Pearl and she absolutely loves it. She finds that the added support makes the BC more comfortable than a standard BC. It was obviously designed with its users in mind, for she won’t trade it for the world. Funny enough I know a guy who dives on an older model pearl and he swears by it, says that the upper supporting is great because it keeps him warm so he doesn't need to layer as much on warm Caribbean days! To each their own right! ;) (Sorry D, if you read this, but I just had to share that info!)