Review of 10 popular BCD's (Jacket-,Wing- and Hybrid style)
If you are looking to buy a BCD you probably want to find out what the best BCD is. The answer is quite simple; the one that fits your needs the best, is comfortable to wear and fits your budget.
Things you should consider when buying a BCD:
- Lift; this is the amount of weight the BCD can compensate for, a BCD with too little lift can cause extra stress during surface swims or while waiting for a boat at the surface because your face will be very close to the water. Underwater it will also cause issues because you will become less buoyant at depth, this affects especially divers that use a lot of weight.
- Fit; a BCD that fits well should not rotate or twist around your waist or shoulders when empty. When inflated it should be snug, without squeezing you. A proper fit is very important, make sure there is plenty of room for adjustment on the straps and clips.
- Style; Most divers choose for the "Jacket" style, "wing" and "Hybrid" style BCD's are popular with technical divers (and those that travel, because they are compact and easy to pack). The Jacket style BCD is stable, easy to control and supportive. The Wing is a slim harness and bladder, the Hybrid combines features of both other styles. Wing and Hybrid are less restrictive and promote good trim and streamlining underwater, they are often used by wreck and cave divers.
- Weight system; Most of the modern BCD offer some kind of integrated weight system, either zippers or buckles with a quick release system or plastic trays with locking handles to keep the weights in place.The most important consideration has to be that you can easily release your weights at depth in case you need to do so. Some of the very basic Jackets, and some Wing and Hybrid style BCD's Don't include weight integration systems, in that case you'd use the classic weight belt.
- Dry weight; This is often a major consideration when doing a lot of dive-travel, but the weight of your BCD will also affect the amount of lead you need. Lighter is not always better, a heavier and stable jacket style BCD is more comfortable, specifically for beginners or when diving a lot in rougher conditions.
Review of some of the most popular BCD's in 2021:
Cressi start.
If you are new to diving or on a budget this is a good choice, it is easy to use and can take a beating, they are popular with rental shops for those reasons.
It is a jacket style BCD that weighs 6.2 lbs, and has a lift capacity of 29 - 44 lbs.
The Cressi Start is used in combination with a traditional weight belt, it has an internal handle for easy carrying. It has utility and hose pockets.
Enjoy a best price guarantee on the Cressi Start BCD at Leisurepro.
Cressi Scorpion.
This back inflation BCD is streamlined, stable and comfortable, it weighs from 5.3 to 5.8 lbs, depending on the size, it provides over 40 lbs of lift. The integrated weight system can hold 20 lbs, and the 2 pockets are placed near the body's center line and provide stability at the surface as well as under water The cargo pockets provide ample space for stowage. It has 3 pressure relief valves. The Cressi Scorpion is one of the best back inflation BCD's available.
Check the best price (pricematch -5%) at Leisurepro.
Zeagle Express Tech.
This back inflation BCD weighs 6.5 lbs, has a lift of 24 lbs. This harness and wing set up is ideal for travelling. Twin cylinders can be mounted easily via the nut and bolt system. The modular set up allows for changes depending on your needs. The bladder can be attached directly to a water hose which assures easy cleaning.
This BCD is ideal for warm waters, check the best price guarantee offer from Leisurepro.
Scubapro Go.
This 6 lbs Jacket style BCD has a lift capacity fro 22 to 42 lbs. The folding backplate makes for easy packing. It has an integrated weight system (internal pockets), The Scubapro Go has ample place to stow your accessories.Because of being one of the lightest in its class it is ideal for travelling, and folds neatly in the provided bag. Leisurepro offers a best price guarantee (pricematch -5%).
Dive rite Transpac Voyager XT.
This Wing style, 2.8 lbs BCD is popular with cavern, Cave and wreck divers, it offers 35 lbs of lift capacity. It is a modular system and can accommodate twin cylinders. The interchangeable bladder can be customized depending on climate and diving conditions. Once assembly and set up are done you'll have on of the most comfortable BCD's for technical diving. Check Leisurepro for the best price guarantee.
Apeks Black Ice.
This Hybrid style BCD weighs in at 9.7 lbs, withalift capacity of 52 pounds it is popular with colder water divers that use thick wetsuits or dry suits.Compact packing is ensured with the folding backplate. It has internal pockets for the weights, and gets extra points for storing accessories (Mounting Grommets and metal D-rings). Because of the padding the sides and back are not digging in.
Get the best price guaranteed on the Apeks Black Ice at Leisurepro.
Oceanic Oceanpro.
This 7 lbs, Jacket style BCD has a lift capacity of 20 to 48 lbs. Internal weight pockets are big enough, even for cold water divers. Mounting Grommets for external, and utility pockets for internal storage of accessories. The padded interior and flexible backplate offer a comfortable fit. The high lift capacity will keep you comfortable at the surface, even in challenging conditions. Leisurepro offers a best price guarantee.
Hollis HD 200.
This Hybrid style BCD with integrated weight system (internal pockets),weighs 9.4 lbs and has a lift capacity of 35 to 45 lbs. It has Mounting Grommets and metal D-Rings for storing accessories. The Hollis HD 200 will keep you comfortable at the surfacewith it's wrap around design and the back inflating bladder will give you near perfect trim while diving. The crotch strap improves the trim and avoids the kit from riding up. Check the best price guaranteed (price match -5%) at Leisurepro.
Aqua Lung Wave.
This 5 lbs, Jacket style BCD has a lift of up to 49 lbs.Although it is not the most stylish BCD nowadays it is a very popular model, it is durable and the easily changeable parts are the reason therefor. It is used with a traditional weight belt, it has utility pockets and hose pockets for accessories and secondary air source and gauge. Find the Aqua Lung at the best price guaranteed at Leisurepro.
Scubapro Hydros Pro.
This 8 to 9 lbs ( depending on size), back inflate BCD with a modular design has a lift of 36 to 40 lbs. Because of the Monoprene harness it will outlast any competitor. It has internal pockets for the weights. As good as every piece of the Hydros can be removed and replaced without going to a service center. This is really one of the best on the market. Leisurepro has a best price guarantee on the Hydros.
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