Diving BCDs or Buoyancy Control Devices are handy pieces of diving equipment that enable scuba divers to offset negative buoyancy by supplementing air from scuba tanks to their BCD’s while they are underwater.
When it comes to looking for a good diving BCD, there are several factors that one should consider before purchasing:
Lifting Capacity - Each diving BCD has a specified amount of lift. The lift is directly related to the size and capacity of the air bladders. Depending on factors such as your body weight, amount of weight you are diving with and the type of diving suit you wear. For instance, wearing a neoprene suit in waters with high salt content may require one to have significantly more weight which equates to a greater lift requirement.
Types of BCDs - There are 3 different types of diving BCDs
Jacket BCDs - Also known as vests, are the most common in recreational diving and perfect for beginners, and scuba divers who prefer classic designs. The air bladders on this sits behind and on the sides of the user. They are padded all over, providing an extra layer of comfort but this could contribute to positive buoyancy.
Back-Inflate BCDs - Also known as Hybrid BCDs, these diving gears share the benefits of both the Backplate Wing BCDs and Jacket BCDs. The air bladders sit on the back of the user, sitting on either side of the tank. Such designs reduces trapped gas in the air bladder. This type of diving BCDs produce less drag than the Jacket BCDs. It is less cumbersome than Jacket BCDs as there is no interference with the diver on the sides. However, some scuba divers may struggle with this on the surface if their diving gear is setup incorrectly as all the buoyancy is at the rear it may push the diver forward.
Wing and Backplate BCDs - This is the most fitting and stable type of diving BCDs. It ensures a perfect fit regardless of the built (be it customised or not), and the foundation of this diving BCD can be used in both recreational and technical diving. It makes getting into a trim position easier underwater, while ensuring comfort for the diver on the surface. As such, these have been growing in popularity.
Weight System - Many Diving BCDs offer integrated weight systems, some offer trim weight pockets at areas deemed fit by the brand to promote streamlining, or some divers just use the classic weight belt.
Fit - Choosing the right size is one of the most important. A good way of ensuring that the diving BCD fits is to measure the size of your t-shirt.
D-Rings - These are built in rings that a diver can use to attach additional diving gear to the BCD. Metal is the most preferred but plastic and resin do a great job of attaching whistles and SMBs too.
With these factors in mind, here are some of our top recommendations for the year:
Surface Tension Infinity Diving BCD
Designed to be the ultimate single tank diving system, the Surface Tension Infinity Diving BCD is an extremely lightweight piece of diving equipment as it is made from a water repellent Surface Tex™ that dries very quickly on land. It comes with ergonomic shoulder pads that are made of high density foam which provides comfort to the scuba diver when wearing.
On top of that, it comes with JIS standard aluminium backplate that is extremely resistant to corrosion against sea water and its adjustable groin strap provides a stable heads up floatation on the surface, preventing the system from riding over the scuba diver underwater.
Find out more about the Surface Tension Infinity Diving BCD
DIR Zone Ring 14 Light, Quick-Fix Alu System
This circular style diving BCD is a lightweight version for scuba divers who are looking for highly portable yet durable diving gear. The quick fix design allows for quick adjustments and the Ring 14L Light system has a lifting capacity of a single Steel 12L, or Aluminum 11L/80cft cylinder.
The cover is made of Cordura 1000, high-frequency welded inner tube Cordura 560 with PU seam coating. This makes it extremely durable and easily one of the more popular diving BCDs out there.
Find out more about the DIR Zone Ring 14 Light, Quick-Fix Alu System
Problue BC-850 Ornata Diving BCD
This hybrid diving BCD comes in a 360 degree donut style wing built with a powerline inflator that provides superior buoyancy control. This handy piece of diving equipment is built for recreational diving in warm water conditions as its compact and streamlined design accompanied with removable and releasable trim weight pouches on both waist sides makes it easy for those who are just starting out.
The comfy shoulder pads and back pad adds to the comfort of scuba diver both on the surface and underwater. It comes with a replaceable inner bladder and bungee cord that tightens the inner air cell to reduce bulk, easing the deflating of the diving BCD.
Find out more about the Problue BC-850 Ornata Diving BCD
XDEEP Stealth 2.0, TEC Side Mount System
The XDEEP Stealth 2.0 TEC Side Mount System is a perfectly streamlined side mount system that is designed to minimise drag, staying tight to the body while providing scuba divers with a high life capacity. Its reinforced upper wing provides protection in tight situations such as inside caves or wrecks.
It is designed to excel in deep decompression diving as it ensures that gas movement and position can be properly managed, while allowing the scuba diver to stay balanced and in trim.
Find our more about the XDEEP Stealth 2.0 TEC Side Mount System
Razor Side Mount System, Complete 2.5, Black Edition
The Razor Side Mount System, Complete 2.5, Black Edition features an all black matte finish that is perfect for scuba divers who are looking for a more stealth look, particularly for special operations. It is a complete integrated system designed specifically for side mount diving and can be used for both cold water diving with drysuits and steel tanks and warm water diving with wetsuits and aluminium tanks.
Each component of this diving BCD is designed to complement the other and overall is an extremely cohesive system.
Find out more about the Razor Side Mount System, Complete 2.5, Black Edition
All in all, like every other diving gear out there, it is of utmost importance for a scuba diver to do his due diligence of researching the product and whether it fits his wants and needs. With the plethora of diving equipment available today, it is crucial to find out every nook and cranny of each gear before proceeding to purchase them.