Every diver knows that every single piece of equipment is extremely important to the entire dive. To help you choose the best gear for your setup, we’ve put together a list of the best scuba BCDs (buoyancy compensator devices) out there for you.
Underwater, a BCD helps you obtain a neutral buoyancy while diving, which allows you to safely explore the ocean’s depths and its wonders. More than that, the BCD will make going back to the surface almost effortless. Let’s take a look at what our scuba experts at Leisure Pro have in store for you.
The Best Scuba BCDs of 2022
- Cressi Travelight BCD
- Atomic BC2 BCD
- TUSA Liberator Sigma II BCD
- Zeagle Covert BCD
- Genesis Drift BCD
- Mares Prestige SLS BCD
- Scubapro Hydros Pro Men’s BCD w/Balanced Inflator
- Sherwood Avid CQR 3 BCD
Check out our breakdown of the best scuba BCDs of 2022 below:
Cressi Travelight BCD
This is a lightweight version of a traditional BCD jacket, which means it’s easy to pack it down into a very small carrying bag. Cressi replaced the traditional stainless steel D-ring with a light alloy one, all to help reduce that extra travel weight. Don’t be fooled by the lack of weight; you can still support a fully integrated weight system with the trim pockets. The Travelight also offers rear kidney and right shoulder pull dumps and a flexible padded back with two-cylinder cam bands. This provides great back protection and cylinder security while still giving you the option to quickly fold the BCD and pack it away.
Atomic BC2 BCD
The Atomic brand, especially when it comes to BCD’s, is known for its legacy of advanced futuristic materials and radical design. The company created a high-performance and high-durability BCD, paired with Atomic’s custom matte-finish fabric. Say hello to BC2. This BCD is designed to work with our beautiful ocean. It also sheds water like a raincoat, all thanks to the polyurethane coating on both sides. Your BC is what supports not only your tank but also your regulator, so it needs to be reliable and tough.
TUSA Liberator Sigma II BCD
Speaking of toughness, the TUSA Liberator Sigma II is a heavy-duty, wrap-around jacket Style BC that utilizes TUSA’s Advanced Weight Loading System and Ultimate Stabilizing Harness. If you tend to bring more gear with you underwater and want to maximize carrying space, this BCD has two large double-zipped pockets with mesh drainage for added space.
Here’s one (of many) interesting fact about this BCD: it has a special weight distribution on the shoulder area, which helps eliminate the need for weight belts. Nonetheless, in case you do need to add some weight, the cartridges can accommodate anywhere from 8 lbs. (3.63 kg) to 10 lbs. (4.54 kg) of weight in each. Another cool thing about the Liberator is the Independent Harness System (HIS); it eliminates tank roll by isolating the BC jacket’s harness from the air cell and comfortably supports the tank even with changes in your buoyancy.
Zeagle Covert BCD
Much like the Cressi Travelight, the Zeagle Covert is also an ultra-light, low-profile, weight-integrated back inflation that manages to make your trips lighter. The Covert offers the best of both worlds: a “Ranger” toughness, all in a compact travel size BC, which we love.
Because of the elastic mesh fabric on the bladder assembly, the Covert helps to keep a streamlined profile while allowing for expansion of the bladder to 32 lbs. (14.5 kg) of lift capacity. Also because of its special material (see Scuba.com for full material description) this BCD is one of the lightest and most durable on the market today. Its unique design allows it to be packed as small as a newspaper. The result is a tough and durable BCD.
Genesis Drift BCD
The Genesis Drift is an inexpensive jacket with two 8 lb. (3.63 kg) quick release weight pockets. The weight pockets are equipped with easy-to-ditch, just-pull release handles, which allow weight to fall away. This feature is one of the easiest to operate in a diving emergency. The Genesis Drift is built with an experienced diver in mind, yet is still a great choice for an average diver as well.
Mares Prestige SLS BCD
The Prestige SLS BCD is designed to embrace the diver on the sides and back, which makes it super cozy and comfortable without compromising performance.
This BCD has a Mares Slide & Lock System (SLS) for weight release. One interesting feature about this BCD is that it will provide you with a visual confirmation of a proper weight pouch insertion, just in case you forget to run a pre-dive check before entering the water.
Scubapro Hydros Pro Men’s BCD w/Balanced Inflator
Brace yourself, because the future has just arrived — the Scubapro Hydros has a ton of innovative systems and features. Instead of the traditional CMT (Cut, Make, Trim) process, Scubapro’s new Fluid-Form 3D Gel System is what makes the entire Hydros Pro design. Think of a memory foam mattress — the gel in this BCD conforms to the body, providing you with an extremely ergonomic fit, free of pressure points!
Sherwood Avid CQR 3 BCD
It’s safe to say that the new Avid 700 Series might be the best BCD Sherwood has ever built. Here’s why. The hydrodynamic jacket style bladder provides more noticeable comfort, and it has neoprene padded neck roll. So if you are planning on having dives back to back, the chaffing and irritation on your skin can be completely eliminated with this feature.
As you can see, this BC wraps air completely around you for easy floating, and when fully inflated, the combination of the 3D air cell and the suspension strap system creates a stable and secure fit that is designed to eliminate squeeze.
