Has anyone seen or used the new Scubapro Hydros Pro BCD

[CathyCA]

I enjoyed diving the Hydros Pro today! I was heavy on the bottom at 62 feet. I will try going with 2 pounds less lead next time. I did not feel the need for a crotch strap. Most of my weights are on weight belt which might make a difference. The back inflate is a change for me, feels different, but I don't think it will take too long to get used to. I inflated and deflated several times just for practice. I had trouble with pulling on the hose assembly to deflate. I would stop breathing to listen if the air was coming out and it seemed to come out slowly. Looking at the manual now, I see that it shows the grip on the hose and I was griping the mouthpiece/inflator area. Maybe that would make a difference. I tried deflating by holding the hose up and pushing the white button and the air came rushing out that way so no problem going back to old practices. But I will play with pulling the hose again next time.

Looking forward to more dives with it. If I can dive with less lead, that's a nice bonus. And traveling with the insta-dry and a bit less bulk will be great too.

It's a keeper!

 

[Stevetimman]

I enjoyed diving the Hydros Pro today! I was heavy on the bottom at 62 feet. I will try going with 2 pounds less lead next time. I did not feel the need for a crotch strap. Most of my weights are on weight belt which might make a difference. The back inflate is a change for me, feels different, but I don't think it will take too long to get used to. I inflated and deflated several times just for practice. I had trouble with pulling on the hose assembly to deflate. I would stop breathing to listen if the air was coming out and it seemed to come out slowly. Looking at the manual now, I see that it shows the grip on the hose and I was griping the mouthpiece/inflator area. Maybe that would make a difference. I tried deflating by holding the hose up and pushing the white button and the air came rushing out that way so no problem going back to old practices. But I will play with pulling the hose again next time.

Looking forward to more dives with it. If I can dive with less lead, that's a nice bonus. And traveling with the insta-dry and a bit less bulk will be great too.

It's a keeper!

Glad to hear you like it. Did you use any trim weighting and if not, or so, how was your attitude in the water at the surface?

As for the dump valves. I like to use the right shoulder valve more than the inflator hose assembly valve. Mine did take a couple of dives to feel like it 'loosened up', if that makes sense. It used to kind of resist, then POP! But now it is as smooth as the right shoulder and rear left valve.

Seems like you did get the benefit of less buoyant material on the Hydros even at 62 feet.

In a future dive, maybe give the weight pockets a try.

 

[CathyCA]

Glad to hear you like it. Did you use any trim weighting and if not, or so, how was your attitude in the water at the surface?

As for the dump valves. I like to use the right shoulder valve more than the inflator hose assembly valve. Mine did take a couple of dives to feel like it 'loosened up', if that makes sense. It used to kind of resist, then POP! But now it is as smooth as the right shoulder and rear left valve.

Seems like you did get the benefit of less buoyant material on the Hydros even at 62 feet.

In a future dive, maybe give the weight pockets a try.

I did have trim weights, 4 pounds, 2 each side. 16 on weight belt. Next time I will see how 4 pounds and 14 pounds feels. I did have a long snorkel on the surface at the end of the dive and did choose to keep my regulator in. I now don't remember if there was air in the BC or not at that point, I usually don't need it on the surface. I will practice some more next time. I will also try the right shoulder valve.

Thanks for the tips!

 

[tridacna]

I did have trim weights, 4 pounds, 2 each side. 16 on weight belt. Next time I will see how 4 pounds and 14 pounds feels. I did have a long snorkel on the surface at the end of the dive and did choose to keep my regulator in. I now don't remember if there was air in the BC or not at that point, I usually don't need it on the surface. I will practice some more next time. I will also try the right shoulder valve.

Thanks for the tips!

Cathy, How thick was your wetsuit?

 

[CathyCA]

Cathy, How thick was your wetsuit?

Mares 8-6-5 mm with a 5/3 mm vest with hood underneath. Water temp was 54F. We often get down to 52 and sometimes 50.

 

[ELCAM]

I enjoyed diving the Hydros Pro today! I was heavy on the bottom at 62 feet. I will try going with 2 pounds less lead next time. I did not feel the need for a crotch strap. Most of my weights are on weight belt which might make a difference. The back inflate is a change for me, feels different, but I don't think it will take too long to get used to. I inflated and deflated several times just for practice. I had trouble with pulling on the hose assembly to deflate. I would stop breathing to listen if the air was coming out and it seemed to come out slowly. Looking at the manual now, I see that it shows the grip on the hose and I was griping the mouthpiece/inflator area. Maybe that would make a difference. I tried deflating by holding the hose up and pushing the white button and the air came rushing out that way so no problem going back to old practices. But I will play with pulling the hose again next time.

Looking forward to more dives with it. If I can dive with less lead, that's a nice bonus. And traveling with the insta-dry and a bit less bulk will be great too.

It's a keeper!

thanks for the report...I can't wait to get mine and try it out.

 

[zenvagabond]

I bought one two weeks ago and have just spent a week in Puerto Galera (Philippines) trying it out (19 dives).

I'm on the kool-aid - it's awesome.

- Dived in no current and strong current, and it hugs your body nicely, just play with the straps a bit to adjust the harness. I like vertical straps tight and horizontal a bit loose, and it still hugged my body nicely.

- IMO, the main benefit is that you don't feel it when underwater. It's efficient and streamlined.

- No need for back weights (imo), just use the pockets.

- Don't over inflate when on the surface, otherwise you'll tip over - just a little bit of air and you will usually sit perfectly upright.

- It's great for travel - dries quickly and folds up neatly, leaving plenty of room in a dive n roll bag.

If you're slightly unsure on it but intrigued, I suggest you watch the 15 min video put out by ScubaPro, where one of the engineers clearly breaks the BCD down and explains it's functionality, etc.

Again, I think it's awesome - but just my opinion.

 

[Hou s4m]

Great thread. Sounds like a pretty neat BC. i've lost some weight and now my L size Zeagle Scout seems a little loose. Was considering the litehawk. Now I hope they have those hydros at the upcoming expo in the city here next month. Could really use a real upgrade.

 

[Prtfoliomgr]

I would love to see a video of this BCD in the water that isn't a ScubaPro Marketing Piece. I dive 100% of the time in my DSS bp/w, but I have to buy a BCD for my IDC/IE in May. After looking at this BC it looks like I can take off the integrated weights and use the "travel tec weight belt provided " ( ha! ha! hilarious that it comes with a "tec belt". I would never take anything plastic to tec depth) This bcd looks like it might be the closest BCD on the market to my bp/w for when I am teaching.... well not really... but closer than any other back inflate BC that I have seen so far. Anyone have any other ideas?

 

[zenvagabond]

@ prtfoliomgr,

I would recommend you watch the 15 min presentation by one the ScubaPro engineers - it doesn't come off as a cynical marketing piece, I found it quite helpful & informative.

Just IMO -