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Specifications
| Style | Jacket |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
| Size/Buoyant Lift (in lbs.) | XS-27, S-30, M-35, ML-38, LG-47, XL-61, XXL-61 |
| Integrated-Weight System | Yes |
| Dry Weight | 7 lbs., 12 oz. (Size M) |
| Price | $550 |
| www.aqualung.com | |
Features:
- 200-denier nylon construction
- Upgraded SureLock™ II integrated-weight system
- Backpack with built-in anti-tank-slip traction pad
- Swivel buckles on shoulder straps
- Special octo pocket
- Molded carry/lift handle
- Available in seven sizes
- Substantial lift capacity in larger sizes
- Less than 1 pound of inherent buoyancy
Performance:
The new and improved Pro QD offers a number of upgrades that had our test divers grinning. For starters, the SureLock II weight system works even better than before. Weight pouches self-align on a rail system inside the pouch sleeves, so pouches can easily be loaded without even looking. And they deploy just as easily with a simple pull on the handles. As one test diver put it: “Best weight system ever!” Also new is a redesigned backpad that locks the tank down solid. Combine that with the well-placed padding, depth-compensating cummerbund and the perfect fit test divers were able to achieve due of the wide range of available sizes, and it’s little surprise the Pro QD earned top scores in both comfort and stability. The cargo pockets are big and deep, with double-pull zippers for easy access. Also included are six stainless-steel D-rings, a pouch for a retractor and grommets for mounting a knife. The octo pouch is a nice touch for eliminating dangling hoses.
Bottom Line:
“An awesome BC,” said one diver, which sums diver sentiment and why the Pro QD captured the Testers’ Choice for a jacket-style BC in the General Purpose category.
| June 2010 Issue Scuba Lab Review Quick Links | |
|---|---|
| General-Purpose BCs | |
| While they can be used for any type of diving, general purpose BCs are designed primarily for temperate- and/or cold-water diving with 7mm wetsuits or drysuits. General Purpose BCs tend to offer lots of buoyant lift across their size ranges along with heavy-load integrated weight systems. They often have large cargo pockets and larger D-rings for attaching additional gear. | |
| Aeris EX100 | Aeris EX200 |
| Aqua Lung Pro QD | Aqua Lung Pro LT |
| IST J-1000 Alpha | IST J-1200 Hydro D |
| ScubaMax Versa 3000 | SCUBAPRO Seahawk |
| SeaSoft Sealion | Sherwood Tortuga |
| Zeagle Tech 10 | |
| Travel BCs | |
| Travel BCs are lighter and more compact than General Purpose BCs. Many are designed to fold or stow in handy storage pouches for easy globe-trotting. Travel BCs tend to offer less buoyant-lift capacity and smaller weight pouches to suit warm-water diving scenarios. | |
| Aqua Lung Zuma | Cressi Aquapro 5 |
| SCUBAPRO Geo | SCUBAPRO Litehawk |
| SeaSoft Travlite | Zeagle Express/Deluxe |
| Women's BCs | |
| Women are shaped differently than men, so it makes sense that a women’s BC would be shaped differently too. Women’s BCs are often cut higher along the waist and are more expansive in the chest area. Straps and adjustments accommodate shorter, narrower torsos, and power inflators are ultracompact to fit comfortably into smaller hands. | |
| BARE Curve | Sherwood Luna |
| Tusa Selene II | |
