ScubaPro Hydros Pro or ScubaPro Hydros X

[SubSurfaceSierra]

Hi

Which one should I get a as cold water AOW qualified diver?

Up to now been hiring a jacket type BCD but wandered if it was just worth going to the Hydros Pro to future proof gear moving forward.?

Thanks

 

[Mobulai]

choosing between just these 2; take the Pro

Neither are gonna future proof you against anything „further“ in tech; The Hydros Pro is wing/Backplate styled but doesn’t upgrade to doubles or anything like a real backplate
If you want to „future proof“ then get a „proper“ wing/backplate setup wich can be upgraded to doubles (but future proofing has so far proved unattainable in my experience — you’d want separate setups by that point that you don’t have to rethread between dives)

I own the Hydros Pro btw and it’s an amazing bcd btw for single tank diving; extremely comfortable and works alright for travel
I bought it initially for the weight integration; but now I prefer the „Harness“ mode

The X is jacket styled and kinda isn’t worth getting, it would be better to look at the new travel jacket SP has (cheaper/lighter) if you stick to jacket style
I dislike how all jackets feel so I avoid them as much as I can

Edit: honestly you can scrap any recommendations anyone gives you (even mine); the best tip is if you can try dive it before you buy absolutely take advantage of the option, it’s all a matter of how it feels (and if that’s worth it for you)

 

[BoltSnap]

Hi

Which one should I get a as cold water AOW qualified diver?

Up to now been hiring a jacket type BCD but wandered if it was just worth going to the Hydros Pro to future proof gear moving forward.?

Thanks

Both are great BC's for recreational diving. If you're diving locally and not traveling much, the X will most likely be the better choice. If you're doing more frequent traveling to dive, the Pro is probably the better choice.

I own the Pro and do travel frequently while my friend doesn't do much traveling and uses the X.

 

[thomschoon]

I have a Pro and it is the best BCD I have ever owned. I use the travel straps and it is similar to a BPW which I also own but use for doubles. I have thought about using a BPW all the time but then I take a dive with the Pro and realize how comfortable it is and will keep it. Plus when traveling it is easy to pack, just get a set of weight pockets to add to the harness and you are all set.

 

[BoltSnap]

I have thought about using a BPW all the time but then I take a dive with the Pro and realize how comfortable it is and will keep it.

Exactly! I own all types of BCs, jackets, stab jackets, BP/Ws, and even a horse-collar. For recreational diving, I love the Hydros Pro, which is the best all-around BC for this purpose. I do want to try the X since my friend and frequent dive buddy (and former student) loves his (he doesn't use his BP/W anymore since he got the X). His X looks like new, even after approximately 3 years of diving, with an average of 100 dives per year.