A BCD is going to be one of the biggest equipment investments you make. It is therefore worth spending some time doing some research and trying a few on before the final purchase. When choosing a BCD think carefully about the environment you are going to use it in, the lift capacity you need, if you plan to travel with it and whether you want a standard jacket style BCD or one with some back lift. Here is a guide to some of our favourites for 2021.
Scubapro Hydros Pro BCD
SPECIFICATIONS
- BCD TYPE: Back inflated
- LIFT CAPACITY: 36lb/16.3kg
- WEIGHT: 10.96lb/4.97kg
The Scubapro Hydros Pro is an innovative BCD with a modular harness that is strong and light. Suitable for both UK diving or travel, it is customisable to be as minimal or as pimped as you want! Depending on the type of diving you are doing, you can choose to add weight systems, bungees, D-rings, pockets or accessories. The parts can be upgraded down the line or replaced completely. See our Package Builder to help create the perfect unit for you. This tough monprene harness and wing is one of our favourites for 2021. The Hydros Pro BCD has also been specifically tailored for women.
Scubapro Hydros X BCD
SPECIFICATIONS
- BCD TYPE: Front adjustable
- LIFT CAPACITY: 29.2lb/13.2kg
- WEIGHT: 6.65lb/3.02kg
The Scubapro Hydros X is a more traditional wrap-around BCD version of the Hydros Pro and is available for both men and women. It has done away with the back-lift wing but maintained the same durable monprene thermoplastic harness. The sturdy bladder is made from EndurTex which is a very lightweight nylon fabric. The flat buckled quick release integrated weight system mirrors that of the Hydros Pro, while this version offers rear trim weight pockets for added balance. We are massive fans of the big cargo pockets and Multi-Mount Accessory Matrix which allows all your dive toys to be added where necessary!
Mares Magellan BCD
SPECIFICATIONS
- BCD TYPE: Back inflated
- LIFT CAPACITY: 41lb/18.5kg
- WEIGHT: 2kg
The ladies Mares Magellan is incredibly lightweight (at just over 2kg) and foldable for the convenience of travelling. It is made of high quality Cordura and other durable materials and still provides 41lb of lift despite its minimal design. The comfortable shoulder/chest strap concave design gives excellent freedom of movement. It has Mares reliable integrated quick release weight system, 4 fitted D-rings and a convenient folding pocket attached to the cummerbund. This piece of kit does exactly what it says on the tin!
Mares Dragon SLS BCD
SPECIFICATIONS
- BCD TYPE: Front adjustable hybrid
- LIFT CAPACITY: 45/20.4kg (L)
- WEIGHT: 9.9lb/4.5kg (L)
The Mares Dragon SLS BCD was designed to give effective trim underwater with its all-round bladder. It is a bit of diving luxury with padding in all the right places, including on the shoulder straps and over the high backplate, giving protection to the spine. Swivel adjustable buckles allow for a snug fit as does the depth compensating cummerbund. This BCD features the reliable Mares SLS (Slide and Lock weight system) and rear trim pockets as well as a pair of generous zipped pockets with stretch panels.
Mares Kaila SLS BCD
SPECIFICATIONS
- BCD TYPE: Front adjustable hybrid
- LIFT CAPACITY: 40.46lb/18.35kg (M)
- WEIGHT: 9.7lb/4.4kg (M)
Mares have thought of everything with their Kaila SLS Women’s BCD. It is rare to find such a comfortable jacket which is also stylish and packed with features, but Mares have done it here! The Kaila is a hybrid BCD with the lift of both a backmount and traditional BCD. Designed specifically to fit women, the padded harness and backplate are extremely comfortable as are the swivel shoulder buckles. The Monoplate backpack can fit double tanks for your longer or deeper adventures! The BCD features the reliable Mares SLS (Slide and Lock weight system), rear trim pockets, 2 large zipped pockets and knife mount grommets.
Aqua Lung Rogue BCD
SPECIFICATIONS
- BCD TYPE: Back inflation
- LIFT CAPACITY: 35lb/15.87kg
- WEIGHT: 5lb/2.2kg
Go Rogue with this no-fuss BCD from pioneers Aqua Lung. The lightweight (less than 2.2kg) modular Rogue BCD comes off the peg in small, medium and large sizes or can be customised for the less conventional body shape. Unique ModLock™ connectors allow for quick and easy changing of components, so you can set back, shoulder, and waist sizes individually. Dismantle for travel or storage with just a pen, key or even a teaspoon! The Aqua Lung Rogue is fitted with the reliable Surelock II weight system, has two folding pockets and four stainless steel D-rings. It is also available in pink.
Aqua Lung Omni BCD
SPECIFICATIONS
- BCD TYPE: Front adjustable
- LIFT CAPACITY: Lift Capacity –31lb/14kg (S), 36lb/16.3kg (M), 47lb/21.32kg (L)
The Aqua Lung Omni is a jacket style BCD with all the customisable features of the Rogue (above). It has the same Unique ModLock™ connectors to allow for quick and easy changing of components in order to set back, shoulder, and waist sizes individually. The clever team at Aqua Lung have created a system where you can now also choose from multiple accessory options and six colour kits! As well as the standard GripLock tank band and Surelock II weights system, it has a new 3-position bladder retraction system which pulls in the sides of the bladder during deflation keeping the unit streamlined and reducing drag. What is really great about this system is that you can choose the lift capacity of your air cell while retaining the size needed with the backplate.
Aqua Lung Pro HD BCD
SPECIFICATIONS
- BCD TYPE: Front adjustable
- LIFT CAPACITY: 24-55lb/10.8-25kg
- WEIGHT: 4.8kg
The Aqua Lung Pro HD BCD is an entry-level weight integrated BCD. It is affordable but has some great features and will last for years thanks to the ResisteK material which resists fading. For new divers it has some nice features to make learning a doddle, such as large pull bobs on the dump valves which are easy to locate underwater and the 2-way pocket zipper, which makes finding and storing your accessories a simple task. As standard it has Aqua Lung’s reliable low profile flat valves, a knife grommet attachment point, chest strap and patented Surelock II Mechanical Weight Release System (among others).
Aqua Lung Pearl BCD
SPECIFICATIONS
- BCD TYPE: Front adjustable hybrid
- LIFT CAPACITY: 23-44lb/10.4-20kg
- WEIGHT: 3.5kg
The Pearl BCD is the flagship ladies buoyancy jacket from Aqua Lung. It has been cleverly designed with an optimised harness, lower profile lobes under the diver’s arms and shorter torso length. This gives greater balance in the water while being super-comfortable. A padded rigid backplate provides stability for your cylinder and helps to transfer the weight comfortably to the hips. The BCD has Aqua Lung’s Surelock II Mechanical Weight Release System, large utility pockets and handy places to keep instruments streamlined. Sometimes beauty lies in simplicity!
Aqua Lung Axiom BCD
SPECIFICATIONS
- BCD TYPE: Front adjustable hybrid
- LIFT CAPACITY: 27-48lb/12.24-21.77kg
- WEIGHT: 4.0kg
The Aqua Lung Axiom BCD is one of our best-selling BCDs at Mike’s Dive Store. We class this as a high-end jacket and is the preferred BCD of many UK instructors. The Wrapture harness system provides comfort and stability while preventing "ride-up" at the surface. It is coupled with the Aqua Lung GripLock tank band which keeps your tank firmly in place and makes changing cylinders a piece of cake. The clever bladder retraction system is used to pull in the sides of the bladder during deflation. We love the comfortable rolled neck collar which reduces friction and the secret compartment pockets! Why have cotton when you can have silk??
