Best Scuba BCDs of 2022

30/11/22
Best Scuba BCDs of 2022

Like owning a scuba regulator, it's great to own your Buoyancy Compensating Device. Let's face it; rental BCD will do the job, but if you are serious about diving, we recommend you have your BCD. If you are considering purchasing your favourite BCD, here is a compilation of BCDs we believe were the most popular in 2022. 

Jacket Style BCDs | Back Lift BCDs | Travel BCDs | Ladies BCDs


Best Traditional Style Scuba BCD of 2022

The Scubapro Hydros X for Men and Hydros X for Women are a prime example of a modern, well-designed, comfortable and ergonomic divers' BCD. Offered in both - men's and ladies' specific designs, this slick scuba BCD combines a modern look with conventional buoyancy compensator cells and side pockets. The Scubapro Hydros X also features a carry and shoulder strap system from the well-known Hydros Pro. If you are used to scuba diving in traditional BCD, this is a serious option to consider. 

Scubapro Hydros X | Best Scuba BCDs 2022
Features Scubapro Hydros X Scuba BCD:
  • Hydros X is based on the same modular Monprene harness and backpack design popularised by the Hydros Pro back-inflation BCD.
  • EndurTex high-tenacity 420 nylon fabric bladder is lightweight yet highly durable.
  • Monprene thermoplastic harness is highly resistant to UV, chemicals and abrasion, plus it doesn't absorb water to minimise drying time.
  • Rotating quick-release shoulder buckles allows you to route your shoulder straps to optimise fit.
  • Super Cinch tank buckle system locks the tank in solid for maximum stability at depth.
  • The integrated front weight system is based on the same rubber pockets found on the Hydros Pro.
  • Two rear trim pouches help create a comfortable swimming position.
  • Two big zippered cargo pockets offer great gear-carrying capacity and are easily accessible even when the weight pouches are fully loaded.
  • Two stainless steel D-rings provide clip-on points for additional gear.
  • Includes Multi-Mount Accessory Matrix with multiple D-rings and mounting points that easily attach various dive accessories.


Best Entry-Level Ladies Scuba BCD of 2022

One of the most popular Ladies BCD in our store is Scubapro Bella. Excellent, traditional look but with a more funky and sporty graphic design proved one of the best value-for-money products. The latest version of the Scubapro Bella BCD in Pink brings together everything great about its predecessor with innovations that make the Bella even better and more comfortable. 

 

Scubapro Bella BCD | Best Scuba BCDs

 

Features of Bella BCD in White and Pink:
  • Designed and sized for scuba diving women
  • Constructed of 420 denier nylon for lightweight and long-lasting durability
  • Wraparound air bladder retains its cradle-like shape even when fully inflated
  • New Y-Fit shoulders with a triangular stainless steel ring balance the pressure on the body to maximise fit and comfort
  • Soft neoprene neck and padded backpack optimise comfort
  • Adjustable cummerbund compensates for suit compression, ensuring a snug fit at varying depths
  • Super Cinch tank buckle system locks the tank in rock-solid for maximum stability at depth
  • Quick-release integrated weight pouches ditch quickly and easily and are secure with 40mm flat buckles
  • Two rear trim pockets help create a balanced swimming position
  • Two large zippered pockets provide lots of cargo-carrying capability
  • Metal grommets are provided for attaching a knife
  • Four large pre-bent stainless steel D-rings, along with two smaller stainless D-rings, provide lots of clip-on points for additional gear
  • BCD comes equipped with a new Balanced Power Inflator (BPI)


Best Hybrid Back Lift Scuba BCD of 2022

There is no other winner in this category than Scubapro Hydros PRO Scuba BCD. The modular design of the Hydros Pro makes it very versatile and customisable. It can be switched from a fully weight-integrated buoyancy compensator to a stripped-down, travel-ready, lightweight harness system with just the change of a few clips and buckles. With between 35 and 40 lb (15 - 18kg) of lift depending on BCD size, the Hydros Pro is more than capable of UK diving and now doubles up as your travel BCD as well, eliminating the need for a second BCD for your holidays. Comes in Hydros Pro for Men and Hydros Pro for Women. 

 

Scubapro Hydros Pro BCD | Best Scuba BCD 2022

 

Features Hydros PRO for Men and Women: 
  • Ultra-Durable: Patented Injection Moulded 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.
  • "BC-4-Life" Modular Design: Customisable 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.
  • Lightweight: Advanced materials keep weight low.
  • Neutrally Buoyant: Near-Zero inherent buoyancy requires less lead, resulting in better buoyancy control and much more enjoyable diving.
  • Body Grip Gel: Prevents BC from shifting and riding up.
  • Dual-Compound Backplate: Provides the ultimate in stability and comfort. Single tank band system allows for easier assembly.
  • Torso Flex Zone: Auto-adjusts to your torso length for excellent comfort and freedom of movement.
  • Articulated Shoulder Straps: Allow straps to adjust to your body shape to achieve a snug fit.
  • Kit-Up Assist: Holds shoulder straps open for easy donning.
  • Cross-Flow Channel: Unrestricted internal airflow reduces air trapping for enhanced manoeuvrability and easy deflation at any angle.
  • 2-Stage Inflation: Tri-bungee system controls air distribution to maintain a compact shape under water and high lift capacity at the surface.
  • Dorsal Weight-Wing: Anti-abrasion and instant dry. Optimal "Outboard" trim pockets.
  • Buckle Weight System: Simple, safe and reliable quick-release buckles offer a fixed location for easy one-hand operation.
  • Multi-Mount Accessory Matrix: Multiple D-Rings and mounting points for a knife + light + SMB + hoses + crotch strap and much more.
  • Smart-Pack Design: Folding shoulder and waist straps pack into the wing, creating an unbelievably compact package for easy transport and storage.


Best Wing Scuba BCD of 2022

The Scubapro S-Tek Pure and Scubapro S-Tek Pro Wing System provide reliable buoyancy control regardless of diving position. S-Tek donut wings offer rounded profiles to allow for smooth, controlled air migration. Built to last, the 500D Cordura inner bladder is protected by an outer shell made of dope-dyed, colour-fast 1000D Cordura that delivers industry-leading abrasion resistance. Each wing has a new elliptical EPDM corrugated inflator hose and a new K-style BPI.

Want to learn more about our Scubapro S-Tek system range of dive products? Check out our Scubapro S-Tek Page.

Scubapro S-Tek Wing System | Best BCDs 2022

 

Features Scubapro S-Tek Pure and Pron Wing System:
  • Continuous webbing harness provides a custom, individualised fit.
  • It can be configured as a fixed-shoulder length harness for ultimate simplicity
  • The stainless steel waist buckle allows a full range of adjustment
  • Two pre-bent D-rings on the shoulders, one D-ring on the waist, and two D-rings on the crotch strap are provided for clipping on extra gear
  • Branded silicone epaulette on the left shoulder and branded silicone guide bands keep the inflator hose and straps in place.
  • Backplates offer Evo-Angle webbing slots 
  • Mounting points for trim weights, an Argon tank for dry suit divers, plus a convenient built-in carry handle.
  • Fully radiused edges and a softened organic shape.
  • Recessed Wing Nut Socket – 3D-formed sockets that accept standard Wing Nuts or the new S-Tek Ergo Nuts. Ergo Nuts are flushed mounted to prevent suit abrasion, are easier to tighten and loosen and are ergonomically designed for use with cold, wet or gloved hands.
  • Rationalised hole count and positioning and webbing bolthole alignment make for a well-thought-out system


Best Innovative Pneumatic Scuba BCD of 2022

The new Mares Guardian Ergo Trim Scuba BCD is an excellent choice for beginners, advanced divers and dive professionals looking for a very comfortable, highly adjustable traditional-style BCD. With its Airtrim 2.0 Technology, the new Mares BCD offers a pneumatic inflation and deflation system for quick and efficient buoyancy control. The new Mares Guardian Ergo Trim Scuba BCD, thanks to its inflation solution, is highly comfortable to use, where the power inflator is always close at hand to quick inflation or deflation.

 

Mares Guardian Ergotrim BCD | Best Scuba BCDs

 

Features Mares Guardian Ergo Trim Scuba BCD:
    • Ergotrim technology allows the diver to adjust buoyancy no matter the diving position
    • The Ergo command can be used like a 'classic' inflator by an instructor when teaching but will work as an Airtrim when in its dedicated holder
    • The Aircell is separated from the shoulders, meaning greater comfort in the shoulder area when inflated
    • High lift Aircell with winglets
    • Monoplate backpack fits single or double cylinders
    • 50mm swivel buckles
    • Stainless steel D-ring
    • Adjustable cummerbund
    • High-capacity cargo pockets with supra-text stretch panels
    • Smart trim weight positioning
    • SLS weight system
    • Visual confirmation of proper weight pouch insertion
    • A personalisable label on weight pockets


Best Travel-Friendly Scuba BCD

There are many travel-friendly scuba BCDs on the market, and it is hard to choose just one. Still, our Showroom Tm voted the Scubapro Litehawk scuba BCD as the lightest and the most popular buoyancy compensator for travelling and tropical water diving. With a full soft backplate, the comfort of the Litehawk is terrific, and its low profile, streamlined design makes it feel like it's barely there underwater. This BCD is designed to make the cut when packing for your dive holiday, and weight is an issue! The Litehawk weighs only 2.36kg.

 

Scubapro Litehawk BCD | Best BCDs 2022



Features Scubapro Litehawk scuba BCD:
      • Divers get the benefits of back flotation in this super lightweight BC made for easy travelling
      • Low-drag, low profile progressively-shaped air cell on a light back flotation BC
      • Elastic cords automatically control the side and keep the air cell streamlined when partially inflated
      • Constructed in durable 1000 Denier Nylon for long-life wear
      • Adjustable belt-style waist strap with Nylon lightweight buckle
      • Lightweight, perfect for travel: just 2.36kg
      • Optional accessory quick-release weight pockets
      • Balanced Power inflator

Aqualung BCDs | Atomic BCDs | Mares BCDs | Scubapro BCDs


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