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There are several types of buoyancy controllers with varying designs and features for a range of specialised diving activities.
The information, evaluations, and customer reviews listed below will help divers (especially beginners) choose the best buoyancy control device and why some are easier to travel with than others.
No matter whether you call it a BC, BCD, or buoyancy compensator, it represents the core unit in your scuba gear setup.
So, buying your own buoyancy control device (BCD) is something that you should not overlook.
Why is that?
Almost all divers are going to have some preferences for using a BCD with a particular style, design, or colour.
As I know from personal experience, having to change from a snug-fitting jacket to a cheap, less than perfect, rental version can test your scuba acumen and experience level when trying to attain neutral buoyancy underwater.
The team at Private Scuba in Thailand were eager to test and evaluate different makes and models of buoyancy devices with a range of prices (from cheap jacket style to expensive wings).
The list of best dive BCDs that we reviewed below is a helpful guide. We have not based it with any particular bias towards any specific models. Please send an email to our team of scuba professionals if you have any questions or comments.
Overseen by our PADI Master Instructor, the testers based their scuba BCD appraisals on the following features:
It's not always easy to get a proper fitting BCD if you buy it online. In other words, you need to measure yourself using the proper method.
First, check the BCD sizing guidelines issued by the manufacturer (e.g. on the company website). You will need to know your height and weight.
In general, the size of a comfortable fitting tee-shirt will match the right size BCD. But, you should avoid buying an oversize buoyancy control device. If it's too loose, you will find it difficult to stay streamlined in water and it may cause the tank to roll around.
Note: Another help guide explains some of the key features you should be looking for when buying the best scuba mask, such as a good field of vision.
There are several key features that you should be looking for from a wing BCD. It should offer easy control of your buoyancy and it needs to be strong and durable.
Hence, the Apeks WTX-D30 Wing BCD is ideal if you will be diving with traditional 12 litre steel cylinders - even if you will be wearing a drysuit.
The two (2) shells consist of an outer bag (made from a 1000 Denier Armorshield Cordura®) and the inner section (made from a 22mm urethane).
Having a brass buttoned inflator helps to control the precise addition of air into the buoyancy cell. You will also find a single dump valve fixed at the low left hand corner.
Note: The main section explains some of the key differences between wing vs jacket BCD and why certain characteristics are better for beginners.
The manufacturers (IST Sports Corp) say the superior adjustments on the J-1900 Delta BCD means 'one size fits most'.
As a result, the Delta buoyancy controller (BC) is a compact, single back-inflation system with forty (40) pounds of lift.
It has two easy loading, integrated weight pockets with zips at the top. You can ditch them with a simple pinch of the buckles.
Another handy feature is the sternum straps that you can slide vertically on adjusters to get the best fit.
Note: Another section explains how the Buoyancy Control Device (BCD Setup) functions with some safety tips for beginners.
Despite being a heavy duty BC, the J800 series seems to be good value for money. In other words, if you're thinking of opening a dive shop you should consider this model as being an affordable and reliable product for traditional jacket style rentals.
The tough 1000D CORDURA shell provides a comfortable fit for most body types. Plus, new divers should find the power inflator and pull dump assembly very easy to use.
Having an adjustable sternum strap (to reduce chest squeeze after inflation) and a padded backpack are key features that make the J800 BCD a good choice for beginners.
Note: Another section explains how the Buoyancy Control Device (BCD Setup) functions with some safety tips for beginners.
Note: The short video presented by PADI® shows how to set up a BCD on a scuba cylinder and finish the gear assembly in preparation for a dive.