Oceanic BioLite Travel BCD X-Large Black/Blue

2021-12-13T08:49:05

I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS BCD. I decided on this bcd after testing the Zena Zeagle which everyone had recommended first (I hated it. Wrote my review there but basically didn't like the design AT ALL). I have done 45 dives with this BCD so far and every dive I fall more in love with it. Super simple BCD, less expensive than other BCDs, and great for travel. Very light and very packable. I can fit all my gear (minus long fins) in my carry on, including lights for my camera with this BCD in my bag. I had trouble doing the same with travel BCDs. Super comfortable and fit my body fantasically. The back has cushion which makes it noticeably more comfortable than BCDs I used when having to rent from shops. I bought the XS & am 5'3, 125 lb with a 32 inch chest, 26 inch waist. I also cannot recommend anything other than a wing BCD now. Unless you need a bunch of stuff in your pockets to justify a jacket BCD, simplify your gear. I could feel the difference in positioning snd buoyancy. I could feel the air distributing exactly how I wanted and when I would turn the air wasn't getting trapped in parts of the BCD before reaching where it wanted to go.. The there are 4 place to put weights. 2 by the tank which can hold 5 lb each and the 2 weight pockets. The thing I love most about the BCD is the simplicity but the ability to also attach things with D rings. There are 2 rings on the waist and a number of loops on the right shoulder to clip things onto you. I personally only take down a compass, my camera, and a noise maker (I use a small metal wrench) My only frustration is that there is no dump valve on the right shoulder too so I'm have to tilt so far to the side to descend that people usually think I'm underweighted at first.

DONIELLE K.

2021-04-11T18:27:01

Love it, but had difficulties at first getting the tank strapped tight enough and experienced a little slippage.

Lisa B.

2019-09-02T20:51:09

This is my first wing style BC. Although I have only 1 pool dive with it, i am very excited for my upcoming big blue trip! I never had a use for pockets and this BC is everything you need and nothing you don't. You really do forget you have it on. After a couple of weight adjustments, i was trimmed and comfortable. With the tank weights and a partially filled bladder...the BC holds you on the surface just fine. It's a good BC for me and i am very happy with it. I'll be doing my AOW with it this month and don't see any issues. I can't speak on durability, but it seems durable enough and I plan on having it a long time. Hope this helps.

Ben A.

2019-07-29T03:40:49

very happy with this travell bcd by oceanic. compact light, and excellent underwater. very comfortable!

Chapur R.

2017-01-11T07:50:35

Tucks and folds well, which allows it to fit nicely into luggage. Weight pockets are adequate, and it feels comfortable underway.

DANNY W.

2016-11-26T11:55:56

This is a lightweight travel friendly bc with all the necessary pockets. Worked fine for me without a hitch.

R B.

2016-07-19T13:45:07

If you're looking for a lightweight BC that takes up little room, but still works great, this is it. No pockets, no cumberbund, this is great for taking up very little room in your dive bag. Back inflation for comfort, back dump and shoulder dump for functionality, easy strap adjustability, all the essentials you need without any unnecessary bulk

Fred A.

2016-02-29T12:46:02

After 20 years of renting BCD's for diving on vacations, I finally bought my own. I never had any real trouble/reason to complain about rentals and liked the idea of not carting around my own but I've got to say - I wish I had done this sooner! This one is lightweight and compact so it's easy for travel. Just returned from a week of diving - lots of "firsts" on this trip - 1st time to Bonaire with so much shore diving, 1st time I've used back inflate style, 1st time for integrated weights - absolutely loved both features. My bouyancy was completely effortless and I happened to catch this one on sale so that helped too. I really can't think of any negatives except maybe lack of pockets but I really didn't mind - plenty of places to hook stuff if you need it. Looking forward to a lot more use!

Lucia

2016-02-19T06:36:44

This BCD is great for travel. It very easily folds up and is very light. It leaves loss of room in my dive bag. It is very comfortable and easy to put on and take off. The only bad thing is when I put weights in the back pockets I turn over (belly up) in the water. I had to put all the weights in the front pockets to swim right. I thought placing some weight in the back pockets is supposed to help me with my buoyancy control which I am having a lot of trouble with.

Jo F.

2015-09-08T20:00:00

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SHAODONG W.

2015-09-01T20:00:00

It is good for travel

SHAODONG W.

2015-03-09T20:00:00

So nice to pack for travel, saved a ton of space. Performed Great! Didn't miss my pockets at all, plenty of loops to hook things to. Only thing I'd change is tank strap could stand to be a couple inches lower, not a deal breaker though. Selling my old one.

Kevin

2015-01-18T19:00:00

I was looking for a travel BCD with a cool water like buoyancy. I fill it with 18 lbs all the pockets, steel tank and 7mm wetsuit with a hood. No problem descending/ascending, very comfortable fit and finish and super light for travel. This is my only BCD for tropics and Southern California dives. There are some mild concerns about weight pockets design but it is something that I can get used to. Highly recommend!

Stan S.

2012-09-04T20:00:00

Great for travell

fschmalz

2012-08-08T20:00:00

My husband gave me this BCD as a present. I read that it takes time to get accustomed to use this BCD, and that (because of the air distribution) it puts you face down. Well, the only trouble I had was in the deflation, because of the air bubbles stuck, but then you get used to make funny movements and the problem is solved. And about the face down position, it is not truth. You can lay, stand, sit or do whatever you need to do in the position you want to. It is small and very light, so it's really practical. And it is so comfy that the first dive I found my self touching it to be sure that I still wearing it. There is only thing that I would like to be different about my BioLite - you can't deflate if you don't detach the hose, and when detached it may be difficult to find. But overall I consider this a perfect BCD. Anna

alexei52

2012-07-24T20:00:00

This BCD is great for travel but everyday diving can be a bit limited due to no storage pockets. Once you hook all you gear onto this BCD, a diver starts to resemble a christmas tree. This BCD is made very nicely, however, I seen used biolites with the center chest strap torn off and there is no way it can be attached to the shoulder strap again. The quick weight release requires a good finger coordination before the weights can be dumped, something not everyone has during emergencies, thus, I prefer velcro release not this. Also, an issue with holding a tank securely. Overall, you can get it for travel but do get a different BCD for local dives.

A A.

2012-07-10T20:00:00

I just used ths BCD in Cozumel and it has worked well for me. It only weighs 5.5 lbs making it easy to carry. The lack of pockets has not been an issue because of a number of different loops and rings that you can attach accessories too. While diving, the tank does roll from side to side a bit but has not been a huge issue and the strap holds it in place well. While on the surface of the water this BCD does lean you forward and ride up on you so I would not recommend it for training, but for somebody already certified it is great!

Bryan

2012-05-15T20:00:00

I mainly use it for dive travel

PADIPRO

2011-07-13T20:00:00

Super-lightweight (5.5 pounds) back-inflate that has been great for travel and "everyday" use. Craftsmanship and materials are very solid. It's comfortable, nicely balanced, with a streamlined profile. Neat little features like the non-dumpable weight pockets on the tank band, an integrated whistle on the chest strap, and it comes with a locking caribiner. Poly d-rings are on the waist strap, but no d-rings are on the shoulder straps (although there are fabric loops on the right shoulder to attach clips or split rings to). Some may be turned off by the complete lack of pockets (other than the integrated weight pockets, which have a zippered top-access to the included pouch, and dump out the bottom via quick-release buckle). Overall, I really love this BC.

AZFlyingDiver

2011-05-01T20:00:00

Used this for a week-long Caribbean dive trip. BC is as described very compact, very light, and comfortable. I thought it was a little unstable when turning from side to side, and I had some tank slippage when walking from the dive truck to the water's edge.

KEES E.