Looking for a new scuba BCD this year? We’ve ranked the best scuba BCDs to help you find the perfect one. No matter what your experience or skill level!
Whether you know it as a BCD or simply as a BC. It does not stop this piece of kit from being another important part of your scuba diving gear. After all, it’s all in the name – Buoyancy Control Device.
As one of the pricer parts of scuba equipment, investing in a BCD isn’t usually the first thing on a divers list. Unless of course, you are opting for a scuba gear package. However, as with most scuba equipment, it’s always going to be best if you invest in your own stuff. Rather than relying on what can be ill-fitting rentals! We hate those, but don’t get us wrong, rental gear has it’s place!
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10 Best BCD Reviews of 2020
Do you know how a BCD actually works? Aside from the obvious functionality of this indispensable piece of kit. As well as being a buoyancy aid a scuba diving BCD can also provide a handy storage piece of kit. It also comes in handy and helps keep your tank from feeling too cumbersome and weighing you down.
The market is flooded with various types of BCDs, so how do you choose the best diving BCD for you? We have put together a guide for what we believe are the best BCD brands available right now.
1. Cressi Start Jacket Style BCD
Our Review Score
Do you still consider yourself to be a beginner diver? Getting used to controlling your buoyancy? If so, then the Cressi Start BCD is a good place to start. Cressi is a very popular brand when it comes to Scuba Diving equipment. You can tell a lot of thought has gone into making this BCD a quality product.
These scuba diving BCDs have been constructed using both 1000 Denier Nylon Cordura on the outside panel and 500 Denier Nylon Cordura on the inside layer. This material is durable and resistant to scratches and damage. This is why these models are often used in diving schools and centers etc.
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Your air cylinder secures easily and securely onto this scuba BCD, and once it is there, it won’t budge. It also benefits from having a larger air bladder than some others making it easier to float. As you get a lot of lift capacity from it, also meaning it suits beginners.
Featuring two large pockets with velcro closure which can be used as a weight pocket where needed. Above each pocket, is a compartment for holding a divers pressure gauge and octopus. There is also a carry handle for divers to move the scuba BCDs with ease.
The only downside with these models is that they lack an integrated weight system. Divers will need to wear a weight belt or place weights in the pockets. But we feel that makes this scuba BCD a better option for beginner divers rather than the more experienced divers.
2. Genesis Drift Jacket Style BCD Compensators
Our Review Score
BCDs and BCs are some of the more expensive pieces of kit you need to get when diving. The best scuba BCD can be hard to find, even among the wide variety of products out there. Especially one that offers real value for money at a low price. Apart from, possibly, the Genesis Drift jacket-style model.
At a relatively low price, you might think there are a lot of compromises made. However, this still features most of the essentials and is comfortable to wear. Including an integrated weight system with two large easy-release weight pockets.
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The integrated weights are relatively easy to use, which is important in the event of an accident or emergency. This option also features good quality, easy-to-use harness system consisting of an adjustable waist strap, adjustable shoulder straps, and buckles. With the addition of a removable sternum strap within the chest area being included.
Made from 420 denier nylon so it is durable and robust on the exterior, with the interior having a urethane lamination. This may not be your top-of-the-range scuba diving BCD, if you are on a tight budget, this is still a quality option.
3. Cressi R1 Weight with Integrated BCD
Our Review Score
Cressi BCDs have had some of the best-selling BCDs on the market for a while now, and with reason. Having the best lightweight travel BCD helps make transportation easy. It benefits from a design that is functional, but also simplistic providing a seamless and enjoyable diving experience.
If you travel and dive frequently, the Cressi R1 weight integrated model might be your best BCD choice. Cressi has done it again, by producing a scuba BCD that has been made for divers and end-users firmly in mind.
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It has an ergonomically-designed harness that can give a secure and comfortable fit and consists of robust integrated weight pockets that can be easily removed. With active power inflation, you can maintain buoyancy and stability when you are on a dive.
One of the biggest selling points, aside from being one of the best BCD for travel, is the tough materials used. This scuba BCD will be able to cope with dives in various water conditions. Considering its low price, it is a great bargain that will easily fit in your travel bag.
4. Sherwood Avid Weight Integrated Jacket Scuba BCD
Our Review Score
The appealing thing, we feel, about the Avid Scuba Dive BCD from Sherwood is that while it is undoubtedly one of the best scuba BCDs on the market. Yet it is still an incredibly affordable piece of scuba gear. This model features an improved integrated weight-release system, making it easier and more convenient to add weight pockets and remove them.
Thanks to its special design, you are essentially diving with something that provides your body with air wrapping around it. Making floating in the water more enjoyable.
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There is virtually no squeeze, as Sherwood included suspension chest straps and a 3D air cell made from 1000 denier nylon, with a urethane lamination. While inflated fully, the Avid gives you a continuous and secure fit.
There are so many things to like about this BCD. It comes in a variety of sizes from XS all the way through to 3XL, something for everyone.
5. Apeks Aqua Lung Black Ice Scuba BCD
Our Review Score
If you are looking for a feature-full scuba BC that will stand up against regular use in the water. Then the Apeks Black Ice scuba BCD from Aqua Lung with back inflation is worth considering. With an appealing weight integration system and a tough design that will meet the needs of the most experienced diver.
Although it has a very compact structure, you won’t feel as if you are missing any of the crucial features. It even has extras that help it be a convenient and comfortable piece of kit.
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This Aqua Lung BCD diving model features a SureLock II Mechanical weight release system providing divers with a safe, single-pull release. With its integrated weight system inserting weights is as simple as insert and click.
Thanks to its modular-style design, these Aqualung BCDs can be fully customized to meet your specific needs and comfort. It also comes in three different sizes, making it easy to find suitable chest straps for your body type and size.
6. Zeagle Ranger Scuba BCD
Our Review Score
When choosing the right BCD for diving you need to choose the right one for the type of diving you are doing. One that will provide the right amount of comfort, durability, and floatation. This Zeagle Ranger model covers all three aspects well. Featuring back inflation, a weight integration system, and heavy-duty construction.
What makes it stand out is the versatility it provides that is simple and easy to set-up. Its modular style enables you to switch between technical diving, cold water diving, twin or single cylinder or tropical travel diving.
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This hybrid BCD is ideal for seasoned divers in various water activities and environments. It is constructed from a superbly tough 1050 denier ballistic-style nylon that offers unparalleled durability and strength.
The back inflation on this BCD jacket makes it a great choice for cave divers. It’s ruggedly built for overhead diving environments and has a streamlined design that allows precise trim control. This can be crucial when it comes to cavern diving.
You can easily use it with a full range of different accessories. Such as hard backplates customized gear components, utility pockets, and air bladders. Yes, it may have a higher price tag than others, but it’s with good reason. Don’t be too quick to dismiss this great scuba BCD.
7. Scubapro Litehawk Scuba BCD
Our Review Score
Scubapro has one of the best reputations for its scuba diving gear and divers accessories. We have featured them numerous times in our various lists. Their reputation is safe with the release of this Litehawk buoyancy compensator with a back inflate. The name itself is very apt because it is incredibly light.
It is not only the weight, but the design itself has been streamlined making it easier to maneuver in. Despite its size and weight though, you still feel incredibly secure when it’s all strapped up. This means you can enjoy your diving experience without worrying about the BCD.
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That’s not to say that it’s flimsy, as it is tough with 1000 Denier Nylon material to increase its life-long durability. With back inflation, the air cell to the read of the design also benefits from a low profile. Giving you the best range of motion and lift capacity in the water.
Included are two utility pockets and four D rings constructed from toughened aluminum allowing you to take everything you need with you. From your dive computer to your dive light, and have it where you need it. There are three sizes available, all suitably designed to accommodate and fit six body types and sizes.
8. Hollis HD200 Scuba BCD
Our Review Score
As anyone who has been diving for more than a year will know. It can be difficult finding a comfortable BCD that provides the right amount of functionality, versatility, and floatation. The level of comfort provided by a BCD is dependent on the material used, how adjustable it is, and the design in general.
The Hollis HD200 BCD excels in all three ways. It features a 2-inch waist strap and a robust stainless-steel buckle. In addition to this, it also has a 2-inch SS D-ring that can accommodate various attachments. With a sophisticated molded back inflate pad, you will have the right level of support on your back. Along with cushioning to make your dives safe and comfortable.
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Its outer shell has been designed and constructed of an outer shell made from a PU-laminated Cordura 1000 denier material. This BCD features interchangeable quick-release weight pockets with new pinch and pull buckle technology.
The air bladders are on the interior and have been made from high-grade urethane. Both sections of the BCD combine to produce one of the best BCDs that will handle regular dives. This will also handle some of the harshest conditions.
9. Mares Prestige 2 Scuba BCD with MRS+
Our Review Score
Mares are another company known for making well-designed items that have been constructed using high-grade materials. The Prestige BCD, as its name suggests, is no different. Material quality is an aspect of any BCD you should be interested in. When it comes to the Prestige though, it benefits from a combination of different tough materials to make sure it is functional and high quality at the same time.
Mares have also crafted a BCD that will last a long time without requiring much in the way of maintenance. Not only is it easy to put on, but it is also incredibly easy to wear. There is even a handle that gives it an increased level of stability. While its dual-adjustment chest and abdominal closure ensure the BCD stays exactly where it needs to be.
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In terms of storage space, there are large zipper pockets and can be drained when used on longer diving expeditions. With enveloping fit-style air bladders, your diving apparatus will always feel secure. Its padded shoulder pads enable you to cope with it on for those longer periods under the water.
There is space for a non-releasable weight system in addition to the fixed weights system. Along with four stainless-steel d-rings and two high-grade d-rings made from techno-polymer for attaching your essentials. This is one that experienced divers should consider, particularly when you factor in its competitive price.
10. Scubapro Hydros Pros BCD Air 2 Scuba BCD
Our Review Score
Last on our list is our second Scubapro choice. The Hydros Pro BCD is one of the best BCDs for women divers. Now, we realize that this may be out of many divers price ranges, but it is too good to omit. What we can say is that it provides an almost guaranteed level of comfort over a long lifespan, even when used regularly.
Premium-grade materials have been used in its construction to ensure this is the case. With the UV- and chemical-resistant superbly-durable fully-patented, injection-molded Monprene gel. All that provides protection against abrasion from underwater structures, rocks, and coral.
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With a near-zero inherent buoyancy, it requires less lead, resulting in even better stability underwater. Giving a much more enjoyable experience to divers. The dual-compound backplate helps to provide ultimate stability and comfort. These models feature single tank band adjustment systems that allow for easier assembly.
The harness is well-made and does not rely on Velcro or zippers. It benefits from a similar modular design making it easy to customize. Adding or removing pouches, straps, and weight distribution depending on your needs, no problem.
If you are looking for travel BCDs this has an ‘instant-dry’ feature. Meaning you can just pack it up and go when you are out of the water. If you are a seasoned diver and can afford it, you should give this one some serious thought.
In need of a quick recap? No worries! Here are the 3 most popular Scuba BCD picks:
- Lightweight Travel BCD
- Weight Integrated System
- Easy to Use Power Inflation
- Ergonomic Harness Design
- Easily Customizable
- Single Tank Band System
- Ultra Durable
- Dual-Compound Backplate
- Affordable
- Quick Release Weights
- Easy To Use
- Anatomical Shoulder Straps
Frequently Asked Questions about Scuba BCDs
So, there you have it folks, our top 10 best scuba BCD reviews. If you are still a little confused about this piece of scuba diving equipment, take a look at the different parts of a BCD – this may help you further in finding the best BCD for your style of diving.
We have tried to showcase models suited to divers of all experience levels. Hopefully, you will find the perfect BCD on the market. Ultimately helping you improve your buoyancy control too!
Before ending this post, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about BCDs. Here you’ll be able to understand what exactly a BCD is,
What is a BCD in scuba diving?
What is a BCD? A scuba diving BCD stands for Buoyancy Control Device. This piece of scuba diving equipment is worn during dives to help control your buoyancy underwater.
There are three different types of BCDs, jacket, backplate, and semi-wing. The most common BCD worn is the jacket style which is equipped with pockets, a tank strap, and in some options an integrated weight system.
How long does a scuba BCD last?
Just like most diving gear, how long your BCD lasts will depend on your diving style and also diving conditions. Some scuba divers like to have different styles of BCD for different occasions. Travel BCDs, for example, are more compact and easy to travel with.
Whatever the type of BCD you choose, ensure you take good care of it by rinsing with cold water after each dive and storing it appropriately in your gear bag. Whether you have a garden hose or a bucket of cold water it’s important for a scuba diver to rinse all of the salt water off of your dive equipment after dives.
What is the best BCD?
What the best BCD is will always come down to personal preference. With so many high-quality brands of BCDs on the market, it’s best to familiarise yourself with the components and the features of a BCD along with the different types available.
The jacket style is most common, and many models feature an integrated weight system. Some BCDs provide more lumbar support for those that need it and others simply offer back inflation to provide easier movement in the water. There are also different choices of dump valves, shoulder straps, weight pockets, and even waist buckles to choose from.
Having integrated weights within your BCD jacket will not only make things easier when lugging dive equipment around but also increase comfort for divers. Although some divers prefer the old weight system that you get from using a weight belt, integrated weights are becoming more and more popular.
