Scuba Diving Equipment Upgrades: BCDs

You’re floating in the water and ready to dive head first into the deep blue. The world the diver moves in is constantly changing. It is quite literally a fluid environment that calls for constant adaptation. The buoyancy compensation device (BCD) is the platform of the scuba diving system that provides flexibility and stability. It facilitates precise changes in underwater body position, allowing you to effortlessly see the world around you.

No one BCD is right for all divers, however. Scuba instructors demand more and different features than non-professionals. Globetrotting divers want something lighter and women often find the general all-purpose BCD never quite fits right. That’s why Aquanauts offers a wide selection of BCDs from Seaquest, Scubapro, Cressi Sub and Mares.

BCD Buying Advice from Rodale’s Scuba Diving Magazine

The single most important thing to look for in a BC is a snug, comfortable fit. Your BC and tank should move with you like an extension of your body, and when you add air to your BC on the surface, it should lift your body, not float off you. When you’re trying a BC on for size, here’s how to find one that is a perfect fit for your body:

  • Suit up — Wear the exposure suit you’re most likely to use with the BC. Then mount the BC to a tank before trying it on.
  • Start with the cummerbund — Leave all other straps loose, and tighten the cummerbund (or waist strap if there is no cummerbund) until the weight of the tank rests comfortably snug on your hips. If it’s a Velcro closure, there should be about four inches of overlap, so you can adjust for either a thinner suit or a thicker one. If the cummerbund is obviously too short or too long, ask the store personnel to show you how to adjust the length.
  • Buckle up — Start with the chest strap. Cinch it to a comfortable position. Next, take the slack out of the shoulder straps, but don’t overtighten them. Now look in a mirror. Buckles should be in the middle of their adjustment ranges.
  • Inflate the BC all the way – If there is body squeeze, make sure it doesn’t restrict your breathing or mobility.
  • Deflate the BC — Twist left and right. Walk around the store a little. Your BC and tank should move with you like an extension of your body.
  • Load it and ditch it — With weight-integrated BCs, load the pouches with the normal amount of weight you wear on a dive. Now, without looking, see how easy and intuitive it is to quick-ditch the weight pockets.

Jacket-Style Professional BCDs

The most popular upgrades with Aquanauts interns, these traditonal, unisex jacket style BCDs emphasize comfort and functionality for the professional Divemaster or Instructor. All offer ample pockets, integrated weight systems, trim weight pockets, lots of D-rings plus extra padding for those long work days.

T-Force

Pro QD

Introduced in 2006, the T-Force is the new Scubapro BCD for instructors and divemasters. Featuring classic reliability packed with innovative design & comfort extras,the T-Force is really for anyone anting top features in a modern BCD. Features the soft-padded & anti-slip T-Comfort backpack, trim weight pockets, expandable pockets, 6 stainless steel D-rings, and integrated weights.

Features:

  • SCUBAPRO Air Deflation system (1 Elbow Pull Dump valve & 2 Dump valve) – allow smoothly buoyancy control even you are not in an upright position
  • Equipped with renowned Balanced Power Inflator: Progressively high inflation speed – for accurate buoyancy control
  • Patented quick-release weight system (each pocket holds up to 5kg)
  • Flat back trim weight pockets - for added balance & control
  • 6 Stainless Steel D-rings:
  • “One-hand operation” Steel Super-Cinch tank band system – allow for easy adjustment and secure grip on the tank.
    		•

    Search diving-related message boards such as Scubaboard or Yorkshire-Divers.com and you’ll find people raving about the Seaquest Pro QD. “The best BC I’ve ever used,” is not an uncommon comment. Why? The Pro QD continues quality and innovation and Seaquest’s attention to detail makes the Pro QD the choice of the serious diver.

    Features:

  • Exclusive Sure Lock mechanical weight release system.
  • Non releasable rear weight pockets hold a maximum combined total of 10 lbs/4.5 kg of weight in most sizes
  • Patented three-dimensional internal expanding gusset provides additional lift capacity
  • Fully reinforced internal harness to support and distribute the load
  • Patented Tank Traction System (TTS) ensures the tank is firmly attached to the BC
  • Innovative swivel buckle at shoulder strap for maximum mobility and optimum shoulder strap placement
    		•

    Back-Inflation BCDs

    The latest trend in BCDs, these BCDs combine the traditional jacket with a technical-diving style “wing.” The result s a BCD that puts less squeeze on the abdomen and when even slightly inflated under water, ensures optimal dive positioning. Women looking for a back-inflation BCD should look below in the Women’s BCDs section.

    Knight Hawk

    Balance

    A robust and comfortable jacket with many performance features that deliver outstanding comfort, and easy handling.

    Features:

  • • Streamlined, low-drag profile

    • Pleated, progressively-shaped aircell/back buoyancy

    • Retractable aircell technology

    Cinch system controls size of cell automatically; keeps it streamlined throughout dive.

    • Depth compensating cummerbund

    • 1000 Denier Nylon exterior

    • Patented one-step quick-release weight integrated system

    For maximum safety and comfort; pouches hold up to 5 kg each.

    • Dual zippered cargo pockets with rollout pocket

    • Four stainless steel D-rings

    • Rear trim pockets

    Holds up to 1.5 kg of non releaseable weights each.

    • Single-side waist strap adjustments

    • Soft neoprene neck roll

    • Available with optional AIR 2

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    The Balance couples a rear bladder with a patented harness system that provides exceptional support and load distribution. Looking for the best in fit and comfort in a streamlined package? Look no further than the Balance.

    Features:

  • Patented 3 dimensional bladder design
  • Exclusive Sure Lock™ mechanical weight release system.
  • Non-releasable rear weight pouches hold a maximum combined total of 10 lbs/4.5 kg of non-releasable weight
  • Revolutionary triangular load distribution system in shoulder strap (a Sea Quest exclusive) relieves backpack pressure for ultimate comfort in and out of the water
  • Swivel buckles at shoulder strap
  • NEW! right shoulder pull dump
  • Three bent stainless steel D-rings
  • Patented Tank Traction System (TTS) ensures the tank is firmly attached to the BC
  • Adjustable Air-Lock™ Waistband Buckle for easy quick adjustments
  • Accessory attachment grommets allow for quick attachment of a Deep See knife directly to the BC
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    BCDs for Women

    With women now make up a third or more of all new divers, scuba equipment manufacturers have responded with gear specially designed to better fit female forms and tastes. These BCDs not only flash a little more style, but are better proportioned than men’s/unisex BCDs. Cmberbunds are slightly higher, bluckles fit more snugly and some vests even dispose of chest buckles that can cause discomfort. Many makers have also made their women’s BCDs back-inflation style to descrease the squeeze.

    Diva LX

    Libra
    The Diva LX provides all the features expected in a high-end buoyancy compensator: excellent fit, additional lift capacity, bigger pockets and more attachment points. The Diva provides excellent fit, large lift capacity, big pockets and plenty of accessory attachment points in a traditional jacket-style BCD.

    Features:

  • Industry’s only wraparound/back inflation BC providing unsurpassed lift & comfort.
  • Exclusive Sure Lock™ (patent pending) mechanical weight release system.
  • Non-releasable rear weight pockets at tank band holding a maximum combined total of 10 lbs/4.5 kg of non-releasable weight
  • Stylish “Slick Skin” urethane back pad and neoprene chest panels
  • Patented sports bra design harness reduces pressure points on the chest area
  • Patented Wraparound 3D air cell provides extra buoyancy and conforms to the body
  • Self-adjusting Lumbar Support (SLS) – The patented SLS automatically fills the void in your lower lumbar area adding the finishing touch for complete comfort and support
  • Double Adjusting Shoulder Strap permits shoulder buckle to move up or down for maximum comfort
  • Depth Compensating Multiset™ waistband with contoured adjustable clips; circumference of waistband can be increased or decreased by up to 6 inches.
  • Contoured Backpack provides the needed stability even with the heaviest cylinders.
  • Patented Tank Traction System (TTS) ensures the tank is firmly attached to the BC.
  • Two Extra Large Pockets with zipper pull cord on each side for easy access
  • One zippered pocket on the waistband.
  • 5 Stainless Steel D-rings
  • Comes standard with new Powerline Inflator (Air Source optional).
    		•  The Libra was specifically designed for women and features sculpted fit and shape. Additionally, many divers prefer back inflation as it provides greater freedom at the front of the BC and excellent stability while diving. For women divers that prefer the more streamlined approach that back inflation can offer, the Libra BC provides the perfect fit.

    Features:

  • Exclusive Sure Lock™ (patent pending) mechanical weight release system.
  • Non-releasable rear weight pockets hold a maximum combined total of 10 lbs/4.5 kg of non-releasable weight
  • Sculptured shoulder straps conform to the body’s shape for added comfort
  • Patented low profile three-dimensional air cell minimizes drag
  • Patented swivel buckle at shoulder straps for maximum mobility and optimum shoulder strap placement (a Sea Quest exclusive)
  • NEW! right shoulder pull dump
  • NEW! over-molded carrying handle
  • Revolutionary triangular load distribution system in shoulder strap (a Sea Quest exclusive) relieves pressure at targeted points for comfort in and out of the water
  • All wear areas are made of tough Armorshield™ Cordura® with special dye processes to resist fading.
  • Rolled neoprene collar cushions the diver’s neck
  • Large D-rings for easier shoulder strap adjustment even while wearing the thickest gloves
  • Contoured Backpack provides the needed stability even with the heaviest cylinders.
  • Patented Tank Traction System (TTS) ensures the tank is firmly attached to the BC
  • Lower right side pull dump allows for easy dumping of air if you prefer headfirst descents or when you are in the swimming position
  • Knife attachment grommets allow for quick attachment of a Deep See knife directly to the BC
    		•

    Lady Hawk

    Kaila

    Tailored to the female torso, the Ladyhawk was designed form the bottom up to fit a woman’s shape better than an all-purpose BCD. It features a progressively shaped aircell/back buoyancy and backpack style harness, rear weight pockets and quick-release integrated weights.

    • Tailored specifically for female torso

    Offers optimum comfort and diving control.

    • Progressively shaped aircell/back buoyancy

    • Backpack style harness

    • Patented one-step quick-release weight integrated system

    For maximum safety and comfort; pouches hold up to 5 kg each.

    • Rear trim pockets

    Holds up to 1.5 kg of non releaseable weights each.

    • Rugged 1000 Denier/420 Denier Nylon packcloth

    • Soft neoprene neck roll

    • Pull-down accessory pocket

    • Depth-compensating cummerbund

    • Single side waist strap adjustment

    • Available with optional AIR 2

    The heart of Mares’ “She Dives” line, the Kaila was designed especially for the female diver. The Kaila features the same airfill bag and MRS+ weight system as the top-end Dragon and the slender design of the front also facilitates buoyancy and comfort. The Kaila also features dual adjustable shoulder straps to adapt to different torso lengths and the Italian flair for style Mares is famous for.

    Because the buoyancy-cell is separate from the harness, it expands outwards, away from the diver. This equates to armchair comfort while bobbing at the surface with a mouth-height well above the water,” wrote Diver magazine in the U.K. “Under water, buoyancy-compensating air goes just where you want it – high at the back and at either side of the tank. And when it comes to dumping air, the alternative top dumps, one operated by pulling on the corrugated hose of the direct-feed and the other by pulling on a cord threaded through the shoulder straps and terminated with a big toggle, are in exactly the right place.

    Travel BCDs

    If you plan to wander the globe, dive and teach scuba, then airline travel limits (not to mention your own physical limits) have to be a concern. Travel BCDs like the ones below offer much of the same comfort and functionality without the weight. Constructed of lighter materials and components, these BCDs can be as much as half the weight of traditional jacket-style BCDs. You’ll give up a few things, such as stainless stell in the D-rings and some pockets, but if travel is your plan, then the tradeoffs may be worth it.

    T-Sport

    Passport
    “Scubapro seems to have got the features-versus-weight balance just about right with the T-Sport,” says Diver magazine in the U.K. “The manufacturer has stripped out all the bits you don’t want, but has kept the essentials you do want – making it a good, all-round travel BC. There are heaps of D-rings, three dump valves, two good-sized pockets and easy-to-operate buckles.

    One particularly nice feature is the stainless-steel cam buckle to attach the cylinder to. Yes, this does add weight, but in this case is justified by it being virtually indestructible. The backpack has just about enough padding on it, while the wide shoulder straps make the T-Sport easy to put on without it twisting around.

    Features:

  • SCUBAPRO Air Deflation system (1 Elbow Pull Dump valve & 2 Dump valve) – allow smoothly buoyancy control even you are not in an upright position
  • Equipped with renowned Balanced Power Inflator: Progressively high inflation speed – for accurate buoyancy control
  • “One-hand operation” Steel Super-Cinch tank band system - allow for easy adjustment and secure grip on the tank.
    		•  The Passport BC has been completely redesigned for 2007. While it still retains its travel-friendly features such as light-weight materials, packability and integrated rinse bag, it boast a fresh, new look and a new backpack.

    Features:

  • Lightweight materials allow the Passport to fold into a compact package ideal for traveling
  • 25% to 30% lighter than other BCs in its class
  • Integrated mesh carrying bag folds up behind the backpad to provide lumbar support
  • Patented Quickdraw™ integrated weight release system holds up to 20 lbs (9kg) which is plenty of weight capacity for the vacationing diver
  • NEW! New backpack with patented integrated traction pad
  • NEW! Right shoulder pull dump
  • An optional lower right side pull dump may be added
  • NEW! The hook and loop waistband is adjustable and removable
  • 2 large, zippered utility pockets for storage
  • 3 utility D-rings offer plenty of mounting options
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