The Best of Everything Gear Guide 2003: Buoyancy Compensators
BCs Reviewed in This Article
| AQUA LUNG Malibu RDS AQUA LUNG Maverick RDS GENESIS SCUBA Phantom MARES Dragonfly AirTrim OCEANIC Chute 2 OCEANIC Flex QLR OCEANIC Probe SCUBAPRO Classic Plus |
SEAQUEST Balance SEAQUEST Black Diamond SEAQUEST Pro QD SEAQUEST Pro Unlimited SHERWOOD SCUBA Avid SHERWOOD SCUBA Freedom ZEAGLE Concept II Pro |
This year Scuba Lab reviewed 29 weight-integrated BCs, both back-buoyancy and jacket styles. Tests covered subjective performance issues like fit and adjustment, attitude and stability, along with objective criteria like valve flow rates and buoyant lift. And of course we tested all aspects of the weight systems. Here are our top picks.
AQUA LUNG
Stable and comfortable back-buoyancy BC with an efficient integrated weight system. Weights load easily and ditch with a solid tug on the plastic handles. Good padding along the back and lumbar region. Twin-tank compatible. $450 |
A good jacket-style BC at a great price. Ample shoulder adjustment and depth-compensating cummerbund ensure a snug fit. Very stable at depth. Weight system features curved pouches that contour to body shape. $375 |
GENESIS SCUBA
Jacket-style. A half-dozen sizes to choose from. Excellent adjustment with quick-release buckles and a depth-compensating cummerbund add comfort. Available with the optional Akona Pro Kit. CQR weight-integrated system. $450 |
MARES
Hybrid design with both under-arm and rear inflation. The system replaces the traditional ambient hose with a two-button control module attached to the BC. One button adds air, the other bleeds air. $749 |
OCEANIC
Substantial buoyant lift, a Kevlar-reinforced air cell and optional mounts for twin tanks make this BC a logical choice for heavy rec or technical diving. $609.95 (plus $44.95/pair for weight pouches) NOTE: Replaced by the Chute 3 QLR. |
Quick Lock Release weight integration combines the best of Velcro and mechanical security systems. This jacket-style BC is stable at depth. The ergonomic inflator provides excellent ascent control. Available in six sizes. $475 |
A no-nonsense jacket-style BC with a versatile adjustment system. A sensitive power inflator allows for fine-tuning buoyancy. A double tank mounting system is available as an option. $555 NOTE: Replaced by the Probe QLR. |
SCUBAPRO
The latest version of a longtime jacket-style favorite. A contoured hard backpack and single strap steadies the tank. Foam padding along the lumbar region and a neoprene neck roll increase comfort. $677 with BPI; $791 with Air 2. |
SEAQUEST
Back-buoyancy BC with a low-profile air cell and a depth-compensating waistband instead of a cummerbund. Unique swivel buckles on shoulder straps allow for underarm routing. A large drop-down pocket is easy to access. $510 |
Back-buoyancy BC with a large rigid backpack, substantial buoyant lift and lots of D-rings. With swivel buckles on its pull-down straps and ample padding. Weight system features oversized, body-contoured pouches. $660 |
This jacket-style BC provides a stable ride at depth with little to no body squeeze. An internal expanding gusset system maintains an extremely low drag profile even for large bladders. Weight pouches load and ditch easily. $475 |
Jacket-style BC with heavy-duty D-rings and a sheathed dive knife on the left pocket. Adjustable backpack. Adjustable chest strap allows for dry suit valves. Utilizes an efficient single-flap Velcro weight system. $820 |
SHERWOOD SCUBA
This jacket-style BC features the CQR mechanical weight ditch system. Zippered pockets are large. Available with the optional Akona Pro Kit, which includes a dive light and swivel clip, both on retractors, and a dive knife. $495 |
Back-buoyancy BC. Semi-rigid backpack works with tank and valve straps to secure cylinder to BC, while cummerbund works with shoulder and sternum straps to secure BC to body. With the CQR weight-integrated system. $475 |
ZEAGLE
A modular back-buoyancy BC with high buoyant lift and lots of ballast carrying capacity. The dive store can adjust vest and shoulder components to tailor the fit, then attach appropriate bladder sizes. $586.50 |
