Back inflate BCD

[David Novo]

What is the best back inflate BCD with integrated weight currently available (excluding an actual BPW)? Scubapro Hydros Pro, Apeks Black Ice, other?

 

[Snoweman]

I like my Aqualung Zuma for travel, but I don't have any experience with other back inflate BCDs.

 

[Fletch_boy]

Hydros is awesome but on the pricey side. I love mine.

 

[BoltSnap]

1. Hydros

2. Seahawk

3. Ranger LT.

 

[Brian G]

I think the BCDs mentioned will do most types of diving just fine, but the best BCD for you depends on you. Where do you plan to do most of your diving? What kind of exposure protection would you like it to work with? What BCD have you used so far and how is it not to your liking? Is there a way for you to try out different BCDs so you can see how you like them? Is cost an issue at all? Scubaboard is sort of a BP/W crowd, so you might throw in why you don't like those.

 

[npole]

Excluding the ones designed exclusively for travelling (no/soft back plates):

Scubapro Hydros Pro cool but it's costly.
Mares Pure SLS very nice and relatively cheap.

 

[mi000ke]

Zeagle express tech get a lot of good reviews. I like mine a lot.

 

[Jonny Wishbone]

I have an Aqua Lung Dimension i3. It is a super comfortable BC If you have a bit of a gut. it fits great because the waist straps fall right under the gut which makes for a non restrictive feeling when breathing in. Just my 2$

 

[Dogbowl]

When you say “best”, what do you really mean?

Best as in highest cost bcd money can buy?
Best for cold water diving?
Best for travelling?

Scubapro Hydros Pro is higher cost, some people like it but others have had trouble with the straps breaking. If you do a search on Hydros Pro, you’ll find the threads discussing it. Personally, I think it’s too heavy and bulky to travel with. Others feel differently.

If you want light travel back inflates with integrated weights, look at: Aqualung Outlaw, Aqualung Rogue, Oceanic Biolite, Scubapro Lighthawk, Aqualung Zuma. These are truly light, at around 5 lbs.

There is no “best” back inflate bcd with integrated weights. That means something different to different people. There is only the best bc for what you are looking for.

 

[David Novo]

When you say “best”, what do you really mean?

Best as in highest cost bcd money can buy?
Best for cold water diving?
Best for travelling?

Scubapro Hydros Pro is higher cost, some people like it but others have had trouble with the straps breaking. If you do a search on Hydros Pro, you’ll find the threads discussing it. Personally, I think it’s too heavy and bulky to travel with. Others feel differently.

If you want light travel back inflates with integrated weights, look at: Aqualung Outlaw, Aqualung Rogue, Oceanic Biolite, Scubapro Lighthawk, Aqualung Zuma. These are truly light, at around 5 lbs.

There is no “best” back inflate bcd with integrated weights. That means something different to different people. There is only the best bc for what you are looking for.

I dive with 7mm wetsuit/drysuit in my home country and mainly shorties abroad. If the BCD covers both scenarios that would be preferable.

I am not looking at an expensive BCD for the sake of it. More focused in:

-Integrated weights (part with quick release but not all of it)
-1-2 pockets (for snorkel and eventually small light)
-Enough lift for shell drysuit with undergarments and 7lbs lead
-Back inflatable