All Around BC for Travel Rec Diving

[John Trecker]

Been researching options for buying a new buoyancy compensator to replace one purchased long ago for recreational diving. Have spent hours reviewing posts, reviews, and it is a bit overwhelming.
Looking for recommendations for good budget friendly BC/BCD to use when traveling to resorts / liveaboards for maybe 10 to 20 days per year.
I have a feeling there are others in this position especially coming out of Covid, but I have not identified a thread for the general fair weather recreation diver.
Some considerations below. Any referrals / suggestion / considerations appreciated! If this is a dupe any help with links appreciated.
Was hoping to find something well under $1000 but maybe in these days of inflation that is not possible.
If others doing same research and want to add considerations that is helpful!
Thank you!

Safe / reliable
Comfortable (average build)
Travel friendly
Easy to use / maintain
Well known brand that will be easy to get serviced / supported in both USA and international
Budget is a consideration, but not sole factor.
Mostly for touristy tropical dive locals (Caribbean, SE Asia, Red Sea, etc) but could also handle California type diving.
Features and flexibility appropriate for non technical diver but expandable.
Travel friendly weight system good for situations where dive ops might be remote / limited.

 

[MichaelMc]

DGX Custom - DGX Gears Singles Harness / Backplate / Wing Package

A basic DGX backplate/wing/harness package for single tank diving at a value price.

www.divegearexpress.com

Similar options from Deep6 and DiveRite.

DGX Custom - Dive Rite TransPlate Singles Package

A complete, custom-configured backplate and wing package built around the Dive Rite TransPlate harness system.

www.divegearexpress.com

or

Nx Ghost Deluxe Single Tank BCD Package

Nx Ghost Deluxe Single Tank BCD Package

www.diverightinscuba.com

 

[rongoodman]

Isn't that pretty much the same post you used regarding regulators? As for your question, a SS plate, 30# wing, and one piece harness should be fine.

 

[brsnow]

SP litehawk has worked well for travel for me

 

[scrane]

For no frills warm water diving I would go with the DGX Gears package MichaelMc suggested above. Good performance and about as easy to pack as you can get. I've been diving a comparable system for the last 10 years and have been very happy. 2x XSscuba 5lb weight pockets, a Trilobite cutter and a whistle are my only add-ons.

 

[scrane]

In conjunction with your reg thread, this is a great low cost package that should satisfy you for years.

DGX Custom - DGX Gears Singles Harness / Backplate / Wing + DGX Gears D6 Reg Package

A basic DGX Harness / Backplate / Wing and our DGX D6 regulator package for single tank diving at a value price.

www.divegearexpress.com

 

[lexvil]

For travel to warm water I use an Aqua Lung outlaw.

 

[Polarorbit]

There are many options that would all work just fine. I have a Dive Rite travel BP/W (Dive Rite BP/W Package). It is highly configurable, easy to fly with, and costs around $600.

 

[BoltSnap]

1. ST Elite System - Hollis (with AL plate. You can add weight pockets)

2. Scout BCD - Zeagle

3. Fury BCD - Zeagle

4. Stiletto - Zeagle

5. Scubapro Seahawk 2 BCD (I have this one and used it to dive overseas. VERY comfortable weight integrated. Very stable and light. Very compact and folds into a very small package. I participated in an international underwater photo contest and used this BC. I can't say enough good things about it. I can adjust my trim and attitude u/w very easily with this BC for the best position to take the photograph and not touch any coral. I won the bronze medal ).

 

[Regulated]

Shore diving: I prefer a jacket style for the ability to distribute the weight of the rig between hips and shoulders while walking around. I chose a Scubapro Level (2022 version with built in trim pockets). Not overly “jackety.” Half the price of the SP flagship. Plenty of lift and weight capacity for California wetsuit diving. Lots of other good choices out there.

For tropical boat diving, I’m going with the Subgravity Paragon 30 single tank BP/W package. Can’t wait to dive it. Considered Zeagle, HOG, XDeep, DGX and others. Any of those would be great.