1. Hollis HD-200
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Specifications:
- Available sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Material: 1000-denier Cordura
- Capacity: 34 lbs, 36 lbs, 38 lbs, 38 lbs
- User weight compatibility: 120 – 155 lbs, 150 – 185 lbs, 180 – 210 lbs, 195 – 240 lbs
- Style: Jacket
- Weight: 9.4 lbs.
- Best use: Travel/tech diving/recreational diving
- Warranty: Lifetime
The combination of the latest features possible and the heavy-duty construction are only some of the elements that make the HD-200 one of the most sought-after products in its niche. It features a total of
8 D-rings, 2 shoulder bent rings, 2 lower hip rings, and 4 rear rings. For you to be as comfortable as possible during the diving sessions, the sternum strap can be adjusted to your specific needs.
The large zippered pockets on both of its sides are perfect for gear storage, these side pockets even featuring knife mounting grommets so that you are prepared for any situation that could emerge. Other great features it comes with include the lumbar support that prevents back pain from appearing and the quick release buckle that makes it easy to separate the BC from your body.
PROS
- Sternum strap can be adjusted to your liking
- Comes with 10-pound quick-release weight pockets
- Provides lumbar support
- Features large zippered pockets on both sized to provide convenient storage
- Side pockets feature knife mounting grommets
CONS
- Costly acquisition
- Some found it to be too bulky
VERDICT
Perfect for experienced divers, it provides everything you could ask for in terms of comfort and functionality through its intelligent combination of features.
2. Scubapro Litehawk
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Specifications:
- Available sizes: XS/S, M/L, XL/2XL
- Material: 1000-denier nylon
- Capacity: 29.2 lbs.
- User weight compatibility: 119 – 170 lbs, 150 – 209 lbs, 194 – 271 lbs
- Style: Jacket
- Weight: 5.2 lbs.
- Best use: Travel/recreational diving
- Warranty: 2 years
Freedom of movement is the most important aspect for any diver, yet protection is needed and there is plenty of gear that should be taken underwater for safety and other purposes. As the Litehawk is designed to provide thermal protection without feeling bulky or heavy, it is a
back-flotation BC that we recommend to all divers, ensuring complete freedom of movement underwater. It ensures comfort and stability as you go deep, and it is designed to suit tropical and temperature water diving experiences.
Manufacturing
With the wearable, it is important to ensure long-lasting durability without feeling heavy as you want to enjoy maximum mobility when you dive. Since it is made with 1000 denier nylon, the Litehawk ensures just this as the material is durable and light. It features a soft backpack that ensures diving for prolonged periods with it on will feel comfortable. It comes in 3 different size options that you can select between, including XS/S, M/L, and XL/2XL.
Features
- Two-position sternum strap ensures comfort during use.
- Features 2 non-ditching pockets where you can store various accessories.
- As it features a 3-dump deflation system, you can dump the air in different positions when you are underwater.
- As it features 4 D-rings that are made with aluminum, it provides a convenient manner to clip additional gear on it.
- Stability at depth is increased, as well as the security of the tank by the multiple band and strap system it comes with.
Adjustability
Adjustability is important with any wearable, especially gear that you put on when you go diving. As the design of this product allows adjustability, you are set to have a pleasant experience when using it. The belt-style waist strap that has a nylon buckle ensures a snug fit regardless of how your weight shits as it can be adjusted to your needs. There’s the rotating quick-release featured for the shoulder buckles that allows you to customize how the straps sit on your shoulders to ensure a perfect fit as well.
PROS
- Adjustable waist strap allows a snug fit
- Does not come in as many sizes as other products
- It does not carry inherent buoyancy, so not a lot of ballast weight is needed
- Rapid release shoulder buckles allow you to route the straps conveniently, under your armsv
CONS
- Colored material fades quickly
- Comes at an expensive price
VERDICT
Perfectly suited for recreational diving sessions, this BC back inflator style wearable is a must-have for any passionate diver. It is made with quality 1000-denier nylon, and it comes with a plethora of features, including pockets where you can store accessories and an adjustable waist strap that allows customization, so there only positive aspects to purchasing it.
3. Mares Prestige 2
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Specifications:
- Available sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL
- Material: 1000-denier Cordura
- Capacity: 28 lbs, 36 lbs
- User weight compatibility: N/A
- Style: Jacket
- Weight: 9.3 lbs.
- Best use: Recreational diving
- Warranty: 2 years
A sought-after product for its revolutionary design, the Mares Prestige 2 features a neat Cordura bladder with an increased lift capacity of 20.5 kg per 200N. It is padded for your comfort and
made with 1000-denier Cordura. It is available in 6 size options to suit all body types, more precisely XXS, XS, S, M, L, and XL.
As it features 4 stainless steel rings and 2 techno-polymer rings, you have more than enough options when it comes to attaching clips. The 2 zippered 3-dimensional auto-draining pockets are quite large and easily accessible.
The power inflator nests just perfectly in your hand so that you inflate it conveniently when you put the Prestige on. As it features a cummerbund over strap and easy to adjust buckles that swivel on the shoulder straps, it ensures a proper fit regardless of your body type. Additionally, it features 10-pound integrated trim weights and boasts a 28-pound capacity for sizes XXS to S and a 36-pound capacity for sizes M to XL.
PROS
- 4 stainless steel rings and 2 techno-polymer rings
- Features self-draining 3D pockets and rear trim weight pockets
- Designed to keep you in a comfortable position
- Weighs only 9.3 pounds
CONS
- Size compatibility issues
- Some have complained that customer support services need improvement
VERDICT
Secure and comfortable to wear, the Mares Prestige offers great lift capacity for your underwater adventures to go smoother than ever before.
4. Cressi R1
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Specifications:
- Available sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
- Material: 500-denier Cordura nylon
- Capacity: 16.9 lbs., 20.2 lbs., 23.6 lbs., 33.7 lbs., 36.0 lbs.,
- User weight compatibility: 99 – 132 lbs., 110 – 154 lbs., 143 – 187 lbs., 176 – 209 lbs., 198 – 254 lbs.
- Style: Jacket
- Weight: 6 lbs.
- Best use: Recreational diving
- Warranty: 2 years
A jacket style buoyancy compensator you will become dependent on after the first time you use it, this Cressi entry is our favorite, by far. It comes in
5 different sizes –
extra small, small, medium, large, and extra-large –, and there are two color options put at your disposal as well, more precisely black grey, and a combination of black, grey, and red.
In terms of chest size and weight compatibility, it is quite versatile, each size option for the wearable being suited for a certain body type. Thus, you will have an easy time finding the right size option for you. Furthermore, it has received a great reception from customers, most of them reporting a perfect fit that complied with what was promised to them.
PROS
- Features two large side pockets where you can place diving accessories
- Great reception – customers were very pleased with this acquisition from all points of view
- The cummerbund can be adjusted to fit you perfectly
- Features adjustable shoulder straps to ensure a good fit
CONS
- Expensive acquisition
- Weights are not included
VERDICT
As comfort is one of your main searching parameters when looking for a buoyancy compensator, the apparition of the R1 in this top comes as no surprise. Made with 500-denier Cordura nylon and boasting an ergonomic harness design, it exceeds expectations as it allows unparalleled freedom of movement.
5. Sherwood Avid
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Specifications:
- Available sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
- Material: 1000-denier nylon urethane laminate
- Capacity: 16.9 lbs., 20 lbs., 26 lbs.
- User weight compatibility: 120 – 145 lbs., 140 – 175 lbs., 170 – 210 lbs., 205 – 240 lbs., 235 – 270 lbs., 270 – 300 lbs.
- Style: Jacket
- Weight: 9.8 lbs.
- Best use: Recreational diving
- Warranty: 2 years
A jacket-style BC that ensures you will float easily due to the
3-D air cells and suspension strap system it features, the Avid provides a stable and secure fit that ensures safety when you are exploring the waters without squeezing you. It is made with heavy-duty 1000 denier nylon urethane laminate, and the adjustable sternum strap ensures you can fit it to your body size in case you lose or gain some weight after buying it.
As it comes in 6 different sizes ranging from S to XXXL, you are sure to find a perfect fit for your body type. The lift capacity it offers ranges from 16.9 to 26 pounds, depending on the size model you opt for. Furthermore, it features three dump valves that are strategically placed to make dumping air a breeze.
PROS
- Features webbing that makes shoulder and waist strap adjustments go a lot smoother
- 6 different size options ensure you will find the right fit for you
- Removable and adjustable sternum strap ensures a great fit
- Features three dump valves that make it easy to dump air
CONS
- Costly acquisition
- Some users complained that the double tank strap is cumbersome
VERDICT
Not necessarily the cheapest option to go for, but one made with high attention to detail and so durable that you won’t regret spending your money on it, the AVID is a jacket-style BC we recommend to any water enthusiasts who want to stay safe on their journeys and adventures underwater.
6. Mares Bolt SLS
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Specifications:
- Available sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
- Material: 420-denier Cordura
- Capacity: 26 lbs., 34 lbs.
- User weight compatibility: N/A
- Style: Jacket
- Weight: 8.6 lbs.
- Best use: Recreational diving
- Warranty: 2 years
A comfortable wearable that professionals and hobbyists alike will love putting on, it provides a
46-pound lift capacity that is unparalleled and quite impressive considering it weighs only 8.6 pounds. It features shoulder straps to grant a comfortable fit, a roll-down cargo pocket for storage, and adjustable straps with side-release buckles for the chest and waist areas so that you customize the fit to your body type.
As you insert the proper weight in the pouch, visual confirmation lets you know, so you won’t have to compulsively check this aspect before your diving session. The dump release valves activate via pull cords, as well as an internal cable (this is the case with the integrated valve). To provide complete and convenient accessory attachment, it features 6 stainless steel D-rings.
Another highlight stands in the 420 Cordura material used in its manufacturing that endures exposure and holds up the test of time. Separation is provided between the air cell and the harness so that you enjoy unrestricted freedom of movement. In terms of backing, expect the manufacturer to cover it for 2 years after the acquisition is made.
PROS
- Made with 420 Cordura that withstands the test of time
- Features a pocket for convenient storage
- Allows complete control over accessory attachment
- Backed by a 2-year warranty
CONS
- Some find it to be too bulky
- Costly purchase
VERDICT
It supports single or double tanks and it features a convenient slide and lock system. It stands among our favorites as it provides unrestricted movement when you wear it and feels comfortable as the adjustable chest and waist straps let you customize its fit to your body type.
7. Cressi Start BCD
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Specifications:
- Available sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
- Material: 500 and 1000-denier Cordura
- Capacity: 29.2 lbs., 31.5 lbs., 33.7 lbs., 38.1 lbs., 44.9 lbs.
- User weight compatibility: 121 – 143 lbs., 139 – 172 lbs., 165 – 187 lbs., 176 – 220 lbs., 243 – 265 lbs.
- Style: Jacket
- Weight: 8 lbs.
- Best use: Recreational diving
- Warranty: 2 years
We end our listing with the Start BCD, a diving gear piece you will love using as it presents a comfortable and snug fit in all points. Furthermore, the cheap, affordable price makes it a viable option even for those who are on a tight budget. It features
two large pockets with Velcro closures where you can conveniently store the accessories you need for the diving session.
Additionally, it comes with adjustable sternum straps and torso straps that ensure you will be able to produce a tight, snug fit every time you wear this jacket. Five different size options are put to your disposal, more precisely extra small, small, medium, large, and extra-large. Moreover, it is made with the highest quality materials, more precisely 500 and 1000-denier Cordura that ensure excellent buoyancy for years on end.
PROS
- Adjustable sternum strap allows a snug, comfortable fit
- Padded back support panel makes it convenient for you to wear it for prolonged hours
- Comes with 2 D-rings and 2 snap-hooks that allow a fast and easy attachment of scuba diving accessories or instruments
- Features two large Velcro closure pockets where you can store various accessories and items
- Independent cummerbund is suspended from the air cell to allow it to inflate conveniently
CONS
- The tank strap system is faulty
- Lacks pockets for weights
VERDICT
When it comes to affordability, this is the BC we recommend the most as it comes at the cheapest price among the top entries on this market. Furthermore, it presents you with everything you need from a buoyancy compensator, the price tag not reflecting its quality at all.
8. Genesis Drift DRT507
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Specifications:
- Available sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Material: 420-denier nylon
- Capacity: 24 lbs., 28 lbs., 34 lbs., 40 lbs.
- User weight compatibility: 120 – 145 lbs., 140 – 175 lbs., 170 – 210 lbs., 205 – 240 lbs.
- Style: Jacket
- Weight: 6.5 lbs.
- Best use: Recreational diving
- Warranty: N/A
Unlike most BCs out there, the DRT507 does not skip on quality regardless of the design or construction element we are focusing on. It features two gravity style pockets that you can easily ditch by simply pulling on some release handles, pockets that can
fit up to 8 pounds of items/accessories in them each.
It is available in 4 different sizes, more precisely small, medium, large, and extra-large, and all customers praise the wearable since it fits as expected. Another noteworthy highlight is the 2-year warranty offered by the manufacturing company for it, a company that shows how much trust is put in it. Furthermore, it is quite affordable, thus presenting an appealing and approachable option for most customers.
PROS
- The manufacturer offers a 2-year warranty for it
- Allows easy control over buoyancy due to the power inflator mechanism it features
- Radio frequency welded seams ensure airtight integrity of the wearable
- Gravity style pockets allow you to place accessories in them and can be easy to ditch in case of emergency
- Reasonable price makes it affordable for a wider range of customers
CONS
- Only comes in 4 different sizes – the industry standard is of at least 5 different size options
- Costly purchase
VERDICT
In terms of convenience in use and buoyancy control, few BCs come close to this Genesis entry. It is reasonably priced, thus being accessible to a wider range of customers, and the 2-year warranty ensures product durability and trustworthiness.
9. Cressi Aquapro 5
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Specifications:
- Available sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
- Material: 420-denier urethane laminated nylon
- Capacity: 17 lbs., 20 lbs., 23.5 lbs., 34 lbs., 36 lbs.
- User weight compatibility: 121 – 143 lbs., 139 – 172 lbs., 165 – 187 lbs., 176 – 220 lbs., 243 – 265 lbs.
- Style: Jacket
- Weight: 6.6 lbs.
- Best use: Recreational diving
- Warranty: 2 years
Made with
420-denier urethane laminated nylon and mesh fabric, this BC is seen by many, including us, as one of the most comfortable jacket-style compensators. As it comes in 5 different size options, more precisely extra small, small, medium, large, and extra-large, it is compatible with a wider range of customers in terms of their weight and height. It features two convenient wraparound weight pockets that you can use to carry accessories and any useful items with you.
Additionally, it features three over-pressure dump valves that you can conveniently dump when it is needed. The two shoulder valves are dumped manually, while the lower valve can be dumped with the help of the power inflator mechanism. Best of all, it is one of the more reasonably priced entries on this market, which makes it a lot more accessible when compared to other similar products.
PROS
- Features two weight pockets that can hold a little over 6 pounds each
- Mesh fabric is self-draining, ensuring years of dependable use
- Features corrosion-resistant Fastex buckles
- Good price to quality ratio – quite affordable in comparison to other products in its niche
- Independent suspension system ensures you will enjoy proper stability when diving, the cylinder not changing position
CONS
- Not as intuitive to use as other models
- Some users complained that it doesn’t feel comfortable to wear
VERDICT
Affordable and available in 5 different sizes that ensure you will surely find the right one for you, we strongly recommend it to anyone who wants to enjoy diving sessions without any type of inconvenience.
How to Size It
This is an approximate size chart that you can use as guidance to know where you most likely wind up when you must choose the BCD size. However, some models have a size chart as you can see in our comparison table, and if the product is provided with one, use it to make the right pick.
The following chest measurements include the exposure protection you wear. For example, if your chest size when bare is 42” and the drysuit you wear is 2” thick, you must look into a 44” size vest.
BCD Size |
Wearer Chest Size |
XS – Extra Small |
36” – 38” |
S – Small |
38” – 40” |
M – Medium |
40” – 43” |
ML – Medium Large |
42” – 43” |
L – Large |
43” – 46” |
XL – Extra Large |
46” – 48” |
XXL – Extra Extra Large |
48” – 50” |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is it?
The BCD is a wearable that helps you control your weight underwater. Our bodies naturally float in water, and it is the role of this wearable to let you control your weightlessness underwater so that you decide how buoyant you want to be, getting to drift gently mid-water or even float near the surface.
What is the purpose of the dump valves?
Important safety features as they allow the expulsion of the air with ease and in a quick manner so that you regain buoyancy control while you are diving.
How do I make sure I am choosing the right size model?
We recommend you check the size chart provided by each manufacturer to figure out whether or not you will fit comfortably in the BCD. Designs differ slightly from brand to brand and, as you can see, we provided you with user weight compatibility according to the size model for each product on our top to make your search easier.
Are there multiple types to pick between?
There are two styles you will encounter – jackets and wings. Wing-style models require inflation at the rear, while jacket style models are easier to put on and wear, providing a superior all-around buoyancy. This is why all of our selections are jacket-style, their superiority in terms of safety, comfort in use, and convenience being unmatched.
Conclusion
To control your buoyancy underwater and excel in your diving sessions, you cannot go without an appropriate BCD like the ones reviewed here. Before you conclude though, we recommend you look into some of your best-suited options once more to make an informed, unrushed decision.
Best BCD Scuba for Sale:
Scubapro Litehawk
A pivotal part of your scuba gear, the BCD should be chosen as carefully as possible as it makes a big difference when it comes to the safety of your scuba sessions. Thus, the fact that we chose the Scubapro as the best option to go for comes as no surprise as it truly helps you experience utter safety when you are diving. It is a back inflator style jacket that is made with 1000-denier nylon and comes in 3 different sizes to suit all body types.
Editor’s Choice:
Mares Prestige 2
Just because you are wearing something extra doesn’t mean you have to feel like it is weighing you down, the 9.3-pound weight on the Prestige 2 ensuring you won’t feel much of a difference after you put it on. To suit as many different body types as possible, it is available in a wide range of options size-wise, 6 to be specific, which include XXS, XS, S, M, L, and XL. Moreover, it is made with 1000-denier Cordura for comfort and durability even if you are a professional who will likely use it daily.
Best BCD Scuba for Beginners:
Cressi Start BCD
If your budget is not very high, the model we recommend you check out is the Cressi Start as it is one of the cheaper quality options to go for. In addition to being affordable, it is one of the most comfortable options out there as it features an adjustable sternum strap that enables you to fit it perfectly to your body. Moreover, it is designed with ease of use in mind so that beginners have an easy time putting it on and maneuvering it while underwater.
Best BCD Scuba for Travel:
Scubapro Litehawk
As the name implies, it is a light piece of diving gear, so you won’t have much trouble packing this Scubapro in your baggage and taking it with you on all of your travels so that you can explore the deep blue territory in utter safety. Even though it is lightweight (5.2 pounds, to be specific), it is made with quality materials, the 1000 denier nylon providing comfort while granting long-run durability. To further enhance comfort as you wear it, the sternum strap is adjustable in 2 different positions.
Best BCD Scuba for the Money:
Sherwood Avid
Reasonably priced considering it withstands intense use and harsh diving conditions, the Sherwood is among our favorite entries as it comes in a total of 6 sizes ranging from Small to XXX-Large, thus being a certainty that you will find what you need. Seeing how few models cater to so many body types, it comes as no surprise that it is among the most popular selections in its niche.
