The 10 Best Scuba BCDs. Comparison Scuba BCDs on AmazonStylePriceEditor RatingCressi Aquapro 5Jacket$4.5Cressi UltralightBack inflation$$4.7Seac SherpaHybrid$$4.8Zeagle RangerBack inflation$$$4.8Zeagle StilettoBack inflation$$$4.8Sherwood Avid CQR3Jacket$4.5Mares Hybrid Pro TecHybrid$$4.6Zeagle ScoutBack inflation$4.2Cressi Start ProJacket$4.0Zeagle Tech DeluxeBack Inflation$$4.9Top Rated Best BCDs for Scuba Diving, ReviewCRESSI AQUAPRO 5“Durable and affordable BCD for recreational divers”. The combines high-quality, heavy-duty construction with weight integration and rear flotation. It is definitely one of the best BCDs on the market. Thanks to its modular construction, the Ranger can adapt to tropical water diving, rugged cold water diving in wet or dry suits, single or twin cylinders, and even technical diving. It is one of the most popular and recommended wing BCDs.
FREE SHIPPING. Scubapro Litehawk BC/BCD with Balanced Power Inflator Lightweight Scuba Diving Buoyancy Compensator. Our Price: $436.00. Scubapro's X-Tek Pure Tek Wing provides unprecedented buoyancy control regardless of your diving position. Wing is manufactured using a strong and durable 1680-denier ballistic nylon outer shell guaranteeing a high-quality external bladder with maximum abrasion resistance.
Just keep in mind that is a bit heavier than other models. Maybe not the best option for travel.ZEAGLE STILETTO“High-quality and rugged”. The is a high-performance BCD available at a reasonable price.
It’s light and compact, making it a great option for travelers or people who must move between dives. It features a back inflation system that feels very stable. Adding extra rings and pockets for extra accessories would be a good idea.HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST SCUBA BCD:A BCD is an important part of your personal scuba gear. Therefore, you should choose it carefully. Take a look at the following considerations: SIZESizes may differ from one brand to another or from one model to another. Always use the manufacturer’s chart as a reference and you’ll get the right size.
INTEGRATED WEIGHTSome BCDs have integrated weight pockets or the option to store weight in special removable pockets. Keep in mind that you still need to wear a weight belt in some cases to find your correct bouyancy. LIFT REQUIREMENTSThe lift of the BCD represents the amount of negative weight the BCD can float. This shouldn’t replace proper weighting.
There are several factors to consider. Some people are naturally more buoyant than others.
A less buoyant person will need a larger lift capacity from their BCD. The type of water and the thickness of the wetsuit will also affect the buoyancy.If you’re diving in cold water, you’ll need more lift than if you were diving in tropical water.Remember that you should be correctly weighted before you dive. TRAVELIf you travel quite often, you’ll need light and compact gear. Some models fulfill these features while offering great resistance and comfort. Keep in mind that these models usually don’t offer as much lift capacity as other models (due to their compact size).In general, they work well for travel and recreational dives in tropical waters. If you’re a technical or cold-water diver, travel BCDs may not be your best option. BCD STYLES: Jacket / Vest StyleThis is the most common type of BCD for most divers.
There are numerous models, but the idea is that the bladder inflates on the sides, the front and behind the diver. Most are equipped with pockets for storage or weight integration.It’s the most popular option for recreational divers. Back Inflation (Wings BCD)Unlike the jacket BCD, the back inflation BCD or wings BCD inflates only the back side. This makes it easier for the diver to maintain a horizontal position.
Most people also find them more comfortable to wear. On the other hand, it’s more difficult to keep a vertical orientation, like kneeling on the bottom if you are using this type of BCD.Mainly used by intermediate and experienced divers.
Hybrid BCDThis is a combination of the BCDs mentioned above. This style of BCD helps you control bouyancy and keep yourself comfortable in both horizontal and vertical positions. LADIES’ BCDsBCDs for women have a reduced length of the torso, which makes it more comfortable to carry the cylinder. The chest straps are also removed to avoid constriction.You’ll find most of the models available for men and women. BUDGETEven though it is a very important piece of your scuba gear, this won’t be the one that will break your bank. You can get a very good BCD starting from $200.
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WHAT ARE THE PARTS OF THE BCD YOU SHOULD KNOW? AIR BLADDERSAir bladders are probably the most important part of a BCD. As you can imagine, bladders are designed to hold air.
You can inflate or deflate them to achieve neutral buoyancy. The bladders can be located in the back of the BCD, at both sides of the jacket, or distributed along the jacket sides and back. (These are called hybrid models.) INFLATORSThere are two types of inflators: manual and power.Power inflators are connected to the tank via low pressure from the first stage. It’s a simple system. The air gets into the BCD when the built-in button is pressed; you can easily control the amount of air you let in.The manual inflator lets you add air inside the BCD by blowing into a mouthpiece on the inflator hose. DEFLATORSAs its name suggests, this simple mechanism allows the air to get out, helping you reduce your buoyancy. The deflate button is usually right next to the inflate button.
DUMP VALVESIn addition to the deflator, another system is available to remove air from the BCD. Most BCDs have several dump valves. The main one is located next to the left shoulder.You can also deflate your BC by pulling the inflator hose. For some people this is a little more comfortable and faster than using the deflator.The other dump valve is located at the lower back of the BCD. It’s very useful when you must deflate your BC while diving in an inverted position (when you’re slightly or totally inclined with your head down). STRAPSAll models are equipped with resistant straps that go around your torso to secure the jacket. In addition, they use buckles to provide the right fit.
POCKETS AND RINGSMost jacket-style models feature several pockets and rings; however, not all models (like back-inflation BDCs) do this. Pockets are useful for storing your accessories or even for extra weight storage.
Rings might also be useful for hooking a dive light, camera or other gear. BEST BCD BRANDSHundreds of models are on the market. This year, Cressi, Seac, Zeagle, Sherwood and Mares are the ones that have stood out for their quality and performance. As you can see, they are world-renowned brands that have been offering great diving equipment for years.I think Zeagle and Sherwood offer the best models on the list, though they tend to be more expensive and sometimes heavier.
Cressi and Mares are well-known for providing great performance and durability at reasonable prices. HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR BCD:Before you dive:– Check the inflator hose and valve connection to ensure there are no signs of damage, corrosion or cracking.– Fully inflate your BC; let it sit for a few minutes and make sure it has no leaks.– Have a look at the backplate, tank band and buckles.After you dive:– Soak the entire BC in fresh, clean water.– Gently clean it; remove any debris or sand from the harness, pockets, etc.– Press the manual inflator and fill the bladder half full. Blow some air and then shake it to wash the interior.– Use the dump valves to drain all the water.– Partially inflate the BC and let it dry in the sun.– Store it in a dry place.A FEW EXTRA THINGS TO CONSIDER:.
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A good BCD must have easy access to the pockets, the rings and the inflator that connects the regulator’s hose. Choose a comfortable BCD. This selection is based on the feedback of real users. I have listed only those jackets with the best reviews and features, including comfort. Many models are equipped with extra padding to improve comfort in the lower back and shoulders. Choose your jacket depending on the purpose. Some models are well suited for travel.
They are compact, light and easy to carry. On the other hand, some models are designed specifically for technical divers. Back inflating jackets are usually used by experienced and pro divers.Other divers were also interested in.
The Scubapro Hydros Pro is the latest and greatest BCD by Scubapro and we got to say that it’s quite different then a regular BC. From the get go Scubapro set out to design a BCD which can be used both in local water and which you can bring along on your travels. So did they achieve that? Find out in our full Scubapro Hydros Pro review below.With a price point of $ 889,00 you can safely state that the Hydros Pro is set in the higher segment of the BCD spectrum.
And when you take a look at it you can see why. Everything looks well build and the overal quality is great.
The shoulder bands feel solid and the Hydros is fitted with the excellent power inflator which we have seen before on the. BladderThe Scubapro Hydros Pro is fitted with a backmounted bladder with a 180 newton lift capacity.
This goes for all sizes except for small on which Scubapro mounted a bladder with 159 newton. Also the two smaller sizes for the female version of the Hydros have this smaller bladder. This shouldn’t be a problem since you will carry less weight when rocking these smaller sizes. The bladder has several bungees running across it’s entire length which are there to distribute the air.
With a normal wing getting the air out of the bladder can be quite a hassle, you have to be upright entirely or use the dumpvalve on the bottom. Thanks to the bungee’s the Hydros Pro is easy to deflate and a large portion of this problem is tackled and I’m sure you won’t have any trouble releasing air out of the BC. Unlike the the Hydros Pro has got a dumpvalve on the shoulder.The rubber HarnasUnlike so many other BCD’s the Hydros Pro has virtually no padding.
The entire harnas is made out of monprene-gel, which is a sort of rubber. On first glance this sounds and looks terrible but the rubber is fairly flexible and feels very comfortable.
Both shoulder straps are easy to adjust and there is no separate cummerband, just a click on strap. For my taste the backplate is a bit thin and you can definitely feel the thank through it when you’re underwater. It’s not uncomfortable but just different.On the Hydros Scubapro implemented a BC 4 life system.
This basically means that you can replace any broken part easily without ripping open any stitching. All the clips, d-rings, weightpockets, so basically everything is made this way. They truly went out of their way to ensure you won’t have to buy a new BC ever again.WeightsOn either side you will find the rather big weightpockets which, according to the spec sheet can house up to 16 lbs each. On the back there are two small trim weightpockets which supposedly houses 8 lbs each. More realistically the main pockets can take up to 12 lbs and the trim pockets 5 lbs which still brings the maximum load up to an impressive 34 lbs.Something which makes the Hydros stand out is the fact that you can remove the main weight pockets.
This greatly reduces the weight and it makes the BC a lot smaller and therefore easier to take along on travels. An extra set of straps comes with the package and there quite easy to install. It transforms the Hydros into a harnas only with a bladder on the back.Something we don’t care for is the fact that the weightpockets still aren’t quick release. You first have to unclick the buckle after which you can pull out the weightpocket. Almost all other brands have found a reliable way to one; secure the pockets and two; ensure that they can be removed easily in case of an emergency. It’s a shame Scubapro hasn’t found this solution just of yet.
Diving with the Hydros ProIn the water the Hydros Pro is stable and very comfortable. Thanks to the backmounted bladder you get pushed into the diving position and you can stay in it easily.
As said before the inflator is simply incredible and a pure joy to use. All d-ringsare there and easy to reach except we are missing two on top of the main weight pockets. These would be nice to secure the octopus and console on. Now we have to put them on the lower ones with the risk of dragging it through the sand. All the dumpvalves are also easy to reach and operate and the overall diving characteristics are simply great.Optional Extra’sThe Scubapro Hydros Pro is pretty much a basic version if you buy it. Want to attach a knive?
You will have to buy the optional knive holder. Want to have a cargo pocket? Buy the optional small or big cargo pocket. Want to attach some single- or double-enders?
Buy the optional d-ring holder kit. To me this is pretty ludicrous.
The BC is already one of the most expensive BCD’s out there and still you won’t have the full package. Sure you might not need some of the parts as described above but for this price you should get everything included.Scubapro does include however a carrying bag and a seperate strap set to take of the weightpockets and transform the BC into a travel BC. Maybe left the bag and include all the other accessories? Let us know what you think in the comments! So is the Scubapro Hydros Pro worth a buy?So you want a BCD which has great build quality?
Which you can use on your local dives and abroad? And you don’t mind paying a bit more for a BC?
Then the Scubapro Hydros Pro is the best choice for you! With the BC 4 Life system you probably won’t have to buy a new BCD ever again. The diving characteristics are great and you will love every dive with it.