BCDs

ScubaVox Favourite BCDs

XDEEP Zen

The XDEEP ZEN is one of our all-time favourite wing BCDS. XDEEP modern engineering concepts and utilization of advanced materials led to a step change in BCD design and application. The wing shape adds stability due to reduced air migration and attention to the ideal balance for easy expert trim.

The ZEN wing is deliberately narrow so that it does not protrude from the side of the gas tank. This brings advantages in enhancing the buoyancy control, in reducing any entanglement hazards and in significantly reducing drag. The ZEN inflation system is mounted in the dead centre of the BCD eliminating unwanted gas movement. Air is added and is immediately distributed equally down both sides of the wing, creating a perfect trim.

Specs & Features

Wing type BCD
Bladder provides 19kg (42lb) lift
Modular weight system with the capacity from 0 kg to 16 kg (35 lbs)
Construction – double shell
Outer shell fabric – Cordura 1100 DTEX with anti-bacteria coating
Bladder fabric – Nylon 440 DTEX
Dry BCD weight (without harness) – 1.1 kg
Inflator K-type with supply pressure 6-17.23 bar (250psi)
Maximum cylinder size – 18 litres, diameter 140-240mm (5.5-9.4 inch)
Operating temperature – water: from -2°C to + 40°C (28.4 – 104 Fahrenheit)

V-shape crotch strap
Stainless steel or aluminium backplate
2 x cargo stainless steel D-rings
2 x trimming weight pockets 2 x 2 kg (4.4lb) or 2 x 3 kg (6.6 lb)
2 x droppable weight pockets 2x 2 kg (4.4lb) or 2 x 3 kg (6.6 lb) or 2 x 6 kg (13.2 lb)

ScubaVox Rating

ScubaVox +

Very comfortable
Easy donning and doffing
Well built and rugged

ScubaVox -

Nothing

Oceanic Hera

The Oceanic Hera BC is built from the ground up for women and comes standard with all the features and durability required of a high-end women’s BC. The design also incorporates Oceanic's patented Adjustable Positioning System, rugged yet lightweight materials, plenty of storage, and 30lbs of integrated weights into what may be one of the most comfortable and best fitting BC.

Specs & Features

Designed specifically for women divers
Patented Adjustable Positioning System (A.P.S.) Track
Adjustable depth-compensating cummerbund
Pre-bent welded stainless steel D-rings
Reinforced contoured shoulders
QLR4 Integrated Weight System 20 lbs plus dual 5 lbs rear
Air Cell Material: fadeless 00 Denier Nylon
Shoulder Panel Material: fadeless 1000 Denier Cordura®
Max Dumpable Integrated Weight: 9 kgs
Max Non-Dumpable Rear Weight Pockets: 5kg

Stainless Steel D-rings: 4
Sternum Strap with adjustable position
Depth Compensating Cummerbund
Right Shoulder Pull-Ball Exhaust
Integrated Retractor Mount
Spinner BC Knife Mount
Optional Air XS 2 Alternate Inflator
Lift Capacity XS - 9L, SM - 12L, MD - 15L, LG - 18L

ScubaVox Rating

ScubaVox +

Stainless Steel D-rings: 4
Sternum Strap with adjustable position
Depth Compensating Cummerbund
Right Shoulder Pull-Ball Exhaust
Integrated Retractor Mount
Spinner BC Knife Mount
Optional Air XS 2 Alternate Inflator
Lift Capacity XS - 9L, SM - 12L, MD - 15L, LG - 18L

ScubaVox -

Stiffness of the weight pockets
Accessibility of pockets at depth

Aqualung Rogue

Excellent BCD that comes with a 15L/35lb lift capacity, SureLock II weights, 2 folding pockets, and stainless-steel D-rings as standards. The Rogue is utilizing Aqua Lung’s patent pending ModLock connectors that allow for easy change of sizes and accessory configurations. Aqua Lung created perfect combination of minimalist design along with the most desired features.

Specs & Features

27 possible sizes for the perfect fit
Back inflation with 15L/35lbs lift capacity
A new 3 position bladder retraction system
Upper and lower right pull dump
SureLock II™ Weight System (patented)
GripLock™ tank band
Pockets, Stainless D-rings, Octo holder, knife attachment point
Webbed daisy chain
4 Stainless Steel D-rings forstreamlined accessory attachment

ScubaVox Rating

ScubaVox +

Excellent design & built
Easy to adjust to multiple sizes
Streamlined BCD

ScubaVox -

Nothing

Scubapro X-Black

The front-adjustable X-Black features SCUBAPRO’s exclusive AirFlex system (highlighted by the red bungees threaded throughout the BCD) that simplifies buoyancy control and helps guarantee an extremely stable ride at depth. Loaded with convenience and performance features, the X-Black is also one of the most comfortable BCDs available, thanks to its ergonomic cut and huge lift capacity.

It is constructed from a combination of durable 1000 denier and 420 denier nylon, and has an adjustable cummerbund that compensates for suit compression.

Specs & Features

Constructed of a combination of durable 1000 denier and 420 denier nylon for long-term wear.
Adjustable cummerbund compensates for suit compression, ensuring a snug fit at varying depths.
Non-rotating quick-release shoulder buckles optimize strap routing to maximize fit.
Airnet backpack is water-draining and comfortable during long dives.
AirFlex system with special bladder delivers enormous buoyant lift capacity.
Super Cinch tank buckle system locks the tank in solid for maximum stability at depth.

Quick-release integrated weight pouches ditch quickly and easily and secure with buckles.
Two rear trim pouches allow you to achieve a well-balanced swimming position.
Built-in grommets provide attachment points for a knife.
Three large zippered pockets and a zippered cummerbund pouch provide lots of cargo-carrying capability.
Eight aluminum D-rings, four large and pre-bent, provide convenient clip-on points for extra gear.
Available with an AIR2.

ScubaVox Rating

ScubaVox +

Well constructed
Comfortable
Big lift
Dual pockets arrangement

ScubaVox -

Price

Hollis HD 200

The HD200 is a well-specified, weight-integrated, back-inflation BC. It’s horseshoe-styled, meaning that the air-cell runs down either side of your tank, but, unlike a doughnut air-cell, does not connect at the bottom.

Fitted with a combination of Tech/Rec features that provide ultimate comfort and function. Heavy duty construction and innovative design make this BC one of the best in class.

Specs & Features

1000D Cordura with PU lamination outer shell & 420D Nylon internal bladder
Contoured, lightweight backpack with back pad, lumbar support, and a rolled neoprene comfort neck
10 lb (4.5 kg) interchangeable quick release weight pockets with new pinch and pull buckle
3 lb (1.36 kg) non-dumpable rear weight pockets
System weight: 9.4 lbs (4.3 kg)

Traditional 2″ waist strap with Stainless buckle
2″ Nylon waist strap with quick release buckle and 2″ SS D-ring
Comfort molded backpad
10 lb pinch and pull weight pockets
Oval corrugated hose

ScubaVox Rating

ScubaVox +

Rugged design and built
Excellent lift
Plenty of D-rings
Very good buoyancy control

ScubaVox -

Nothing worth mentioning

Apeks Black Ice

The Apeks Black Ice is a rugged, weight-integrated, back inflation BCD designed with the advanced diver in mind. It crosses over nicely to many technical, military and public safety applications. Despite its heavy duty construction, it provides amazing comfort, fit and stability thanks to its Wrapture Harness System. Due to the modular nature of this BC, a custom fit can be achieved through any of the three sizes.

Specs & Features

Dual channel weight pockets in front along with non-ditchable weight pockets in back mean that all sizes can hold up to 42 lbs. (19kg)
SureLock II Mechanical Weight Release System (patented) – provides a safe, single-pull release. Inserting weight is as simple as insert and “click”. With SureLock, your weights are secure in the BC. Once engaged, the only way to release the weight is to pull on the handle.
The Black Ice can be rigged for twin cylinders using the optional twin cylinder kit.
There are 4 dump valves in all, one in each corner. 3 are proprietary flat valves are very streamlined and effective. The dump valve on the upper left is the rapid exhaust valve found at the top of the Powerline inflator.

The Powerline inflator assembly boasts one of the fastest inflation rates in the industry
A dual bladder retraction system is used to pull in the sides of the bladder during deflation. This keeps unit streamlined and reduces drag.
The air cell is constructed of rugged 840 denier nylon.
The left pocket is a fold down design with deep capacity, perfect for an extra mask.
The right pocket is a large utility pocket secured with a robust zipper.
5 large metal D-rings
Rolled neck collar for comfort.

ScubaVox Rating

ScubaVox +

Well built
Comfortable
Good lift

ScubaVox -

Nothing worth mentioning

Scubapro Hydros Pro

The Hydros Pro is a high-end BC designed for single-cylinder diving. It uses a single-bladder air-cell made from 420-denier nylon-coated PU, providing 16-18kg lift depending on size.

The moldable Monprene®, adjustable fit and multi-attachment points combine to make this one of the most customizable and comfortable BCDs. The HYDROS PRO includes both Trav-Tek straps and an integrated weight system. So, with a quick switch of clips, the diver can transform it from a harness travel BCD to a fully integrated weight BCD. Its packable design actually includes a travel backpack with room for the entire dive kit, making the HYDROS PRO perfect for any destination.

Specs & Features

Ultra Durable: Patented injection molded Monprene® Gel Harness is extremely resistant to UV, chemicals and abrasion. The fabric-free harness uses no Velcro or zippers.
Instant Dry: Ideal for travel due to less water retention and lower post-dive weight.
“BCD-4-Life” Modular Design: Customizable to add/remove weight systems, straps and pouches. Extended lifespan due to simplified repairs. Virtually every component, including buckles, can be replaced without stitching.
3D Ergonomic Design: Conforms to your body shape for maximum comfort.
Neutrally Buoyant: Near-Zero inherent buoyancy requires less lead, resulting in better buoyancy control and much more enjoyable diving.
Body Grip Gel: Prevents BCD from shifting and riding up.
Dual-Compound Back Plate: Provides the ultimate in stability and comfort. Single tank band system allows for easier assembly.

Articulated Shoulder Straps: Allow straps to adjust to your body shape to achieve a snug fit.
2-Stage Inflation: Tri-bungee system controls air distribution to maintain a compact shape under water and high lift capacity at the surface.
Smart-Pack Design: Folding shoulder and waist straps pack into the wing, creating an unbelievably compact package for easy transport and storage.
Offered in both men’s and women’s sizing.
Available with Balanced Power Inflator or AIR2 alternate air source.
Hydros Pro is delivered with 2 Monprene® weight pockets and 2 interior quick-release weight pouches, additional Travel Harness, Hydros Pro Carry-on Back Pack for storage and travel.
Lift capacity 16.3kg/36lbs