Most entry-level divers tend to rent equipment for the first few dives and also when they are traveling. However, once you get into scuba diving, having your own BCD is one of the best investment you can make.
There are many models with different features and it might be difficult to make the right decision. That’s why I’ve reviewed the Top Rated BCDs along with those I’ve tested myself, to create this list of the Best BCDs.
Check out other gear reviews to find the best dive computers, scuba wetsuits, full face masks and scuba fins!
Top 10 Best Scuba BCDs
CRESSI AQUAPRO
“Durable and affordable BCD for recreational divers”
USE: Entry-level, intermediate divers
STYLE: Jacket
MATERIAL: 420 Denier Laminated Nylon
WEIGHT: 2.8 kg – 6.2 lbs (M)
FEATURES: Releasable weight pockets, lightweight, economic, comfortable.
The Cressi Aquapro is a very functional and well-featured jacket BCD with a good price. It has rigid back support for good cylinder stability and is also very comfortable. It comes with two external wraparound weight pockets and lots of D rings for bringing along extra accesories.
CRESSI PATROL
“One of the best BCDs for travelers”
USE: Intermediate level, travel
STYLE: Back inflation
MATERIAL: 420 Denier Nylon
WEIGHT: 2.7 kg – 5.9 lbs (M)
FEATURES: Soft, padded back, travel friendly, quick deflation, Flat-Lock-Aid integrated weight system, super lightweight, highly compact.
The Cressi Patrol features special anatomical shoulder straps and a practical and comfortable back. It has one of the best buoyancies of the Cressi range. Also, it’s a fully-featured, lightweight BCD at only 5.9 lbs for the M size.
SCUBAPRO HYDROS
“Top-quality, comfortable BCD”
USE: Intermediate, advanced divers
STYLE: Back inflated
MATERIAL: N / A
WEIGHT: 5.1 kg – 11.4 lbs (L)
FEATURES: Costumizable design, instant dry technology, near-zero inherent buoyancy, it’s not lightweight.
The ScubaPro Hydros is a top-end, fully-featured BCD. The padded backplate features extended lumbar support that transfers the tank weight onto the hips, relieving the stress on your shoulders, while providing great stability. It’s highly resistant to UV rays and abrasion. Highly durable, most components, including buckles, can be easily replaced when needed. It comes with a BPI (balanced power inflator) that provides an efficient way to maintain perfect buoyancy control.
ZEAGLE RANGER
“High-quality BCD for serious divers”
USE: Advanced divers, technical divers
STYLE: Back inflation
MATERIAL: 1050 Denier Nylon
WEIGHT: 3.8 kg – 8.4 lbs
FEATURES: Two resistant utility pockets, 4 stainless steel D-rings on shoulders, elastic waist panels, durable construction, comfortable design, top-end performance.
The Zeagle Ranger 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. 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”
USE: Intermediate, advanced divers
STYLE: Back inflation
MATERIAL: 1000 Denier Nylon
WEIGHT: 3.4 kg – 7.4 lbs
FEATURES: Resistant, high quality, adjustable sternum strap, lightweight but rugged, high protection against abrasion and punctures, travel friendly.
The Zeagle Stiletto is another great wing BCD for both warm and cold waters. Unlike the Ranger, the Stiletto is not compatible with twin tanks, but it’s a lightweight, fully-featured BCD with a more affordable price. It comes with two zippered utility pockets and five stainless D rings.
SHERWOOD AVID CQR3
“Great performance and comfort”
USE: All levels
STYLE: Jacket
MATERIAL: 1000 Denier Nylon
WEIGHT: N/A
FEATURES: Comfortable straps, great performance, affordable, 9 D-rings for additional accessories, two tank bands for extra tank stability.
The Sherwood Avid features a special adjustable shoulder strap system to give you a better fit, a 3D designed air cell that wraps around the body for exceptional stability and useful zippered side pockets. It’s available in 9 sizes to ensure the right fit.
MARES DRAGON
“Great weight-release system”
USE: All levels
STYLE: Jacket
MATERIAL: 420 Cordura Denier Nylon
WEIGHT: 4.5 kg – 9.9 lbs
FEATURES: Confortable, stable and highly rugged, it has 5 stainless steel D-rings for extra accessories, two zippered pockets, and two non-dumpable trim weight pockets.
The Mares Dragon combines padded shoulder straps with a cushioned lumbar system for extra comfort, while the cushioned back pad distributes the weight of the cylinder . It’s a really versatile BCD that features the SLS (slide and lock) system for easy weight release. The SLS system is easy to use, the pockets are really secure, and you get a visual confirmation of the correct weight insertion. You have to pull the handles in case you need to release the weights. Due to its sturdy, resistant construction, it’s not lightweight.
ZEAGLE SCOUT
“Back inflate BCD perfect for travelers, good value for the money”
USE: All levels, travel
STYLE: Back inflation
MATERIAL: 1000 Denier Nylon
WEIGHT: 3 kg – 6.7 lbs
FEATURES: Inexpensive, good quality, lightweight, sturdy nylon construction, sewn-on lumbar pad, adjustable waist panels, two zippered utility pockets, 5 stainless steel D-rings, 20-lbs capacity weight system.
The Zeagle Scout is a great back inflate BCD with a reasonable price. It’s full-featured, durable, comfortable and ultralight. It’s available in 4 sizes for a perfect fit.
CRESSI START PRO 2.0
“One of the best BCDs for entry-level divers”
USE: Great for beginners
STYLE: Jacket
MATERIAL: 500 and 1000 Denier Nylon
WEIGHT: 2.1 to 2.8 kg – 4.8 to 6.2 lbs
FEATURES: Resistant, affordable, ultralight, travel friendly.
The Cressi Start Pro is a simple, comfortable and practical jacket BCD. It features external weight pockets and two large pockets with Velcro closure. It’s a rugged and durable BCD perfect for beginners or entry-level divers. It’s one of the most affordable options on the list.
ZEAGLE EXPRESS TECH DELUXE
“Great overall performance”
USE: Intermediate, advanced scuba diving, traveling
STYLE: Back inflation
MATERIAL: 1000 Denier Nylon
WEIGHT: 2.95 kg – 6.5 lbs
FEATURES: Lightweight, it packs up small, good quality, it can use two cylinders.
The Zeagle Express Tech Deluxe is a high-performance BCD available at a reasonable price. It’s lightweight 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:
SIZE
Sizes 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 WEIGHT
Some 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 REQUIREMENTS
The 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.
TRAVEL
If 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 Style
This 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 BCD
This 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’ BCDs
BCDs 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.
BUDGET
Even 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.
WHAT ARE THE PARTS OF THE BCD YOU SHOULD KNOW?
AIR BLADDERS
Air 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.)
INFLATORS
There 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.
DEFLATORS
As 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 VALVES
In 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).
STRAPS
All 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 RINGS
Most 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 BRANDS
Hundreds 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:
- 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:
- A fantastic PADI beginners guide to buying a BCD
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Hi, I’m Miguel; Adventure traveler, scuba diver and hiking lover. I have been traveling the world for the last 12 years and I hope my experiences, photos and hiking routes inspire you to travel the world too.
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