Special Edition ScubaLab
BEGINNER’S LUCK Instead of our usual head-to-head testing, for this issue ScubaLab reviewed a selection of BCs—old and new—that are well-suited to beginner divers. These user-friendly models are worth noting, even for more seasoned divers, thanks to their overall comfort, mix of features and overall affordability.
We’ve also included a roundup of the latest and greatest BCs, including travel-friendly models and modular back plate/wing systems. Our reviews included in-water evaluations by a team of test divers at Blue Grotto Dive Resort in Williston, Florida.
"Very comfy and lightweight!"
Tusa
Liberator
MSRP $429
Contact tusa.com
Capable and comfortable, this attractively priced jacket BC offers divers a lot of bang for their buck. It’s packed with convenience features such as a user-friendly two-position tank buckle and modern slide-and-lock integrated weight pockets for seamless loading and ditching. The BC uses strategically placed rails along the back to bring the tank close to the body to improve stability and eliminate tank roll. This combined with the wraparound air cell results in a natural swim position and great attitude control.
Divers found the BC was very stable at depth and at the surface. It is equipped with three over-pressure/dump valves and a responsive, reliable tilt valve inflator—it is also compatible with Tusa’s Duo Air II inflator with integrated second stage regulator. The lightweight rigid backpack has plump, comfortable padding. Stowage includes two large, accessible zipper pockets; one large metal D-ring at the shoulder; and four smaller resin rings. The Liberator is offered in five sizes, whose lift capacity ranges from 18 to 40.5 pounds of buoyant lift.
"Very comfortable and stable. Good trim."
Cressi
Solid Plus
MSRP $449.95
Contact cressiusa.com
Designed for rental use, the Cressi Solid Plus is a traditional jacket-style BC. Despite its straightforward, bare-bones appearance, it packs impressive performance and all the modern conveniences a diver could want. The wraparound bladder offers 36 pounds of lift in size medium yet maintains a streamlined profile.
The BC offers exceptional stability and control both above and below the water. “Easy to maintain trim in all positions,” is how one diver described the BC’s effortless attitude control. Two readily accessible dump valves and an integrated pull-dump inflator make it easy to maintain buoyancy and a safe ascent rate. The BC’s simple, familiar operation makes it easily accessible for the newly certified, and it includes five small plastic D-rings, a set of octo/gauge pockets, two zippered cargo pockets and integrated weights.
Divers did note, however, that the weight pockets and cargo pockets can feel like a tight squeeze, as they compete for space when filled. The BC is available in seven sizes. Divers felt the harness was very comfortable and very easy to adjust. Beginner- and budget-friendly, this BC is a solid choice for any diver looking for a simple, reliable buoyancy system.
"Setup is nice and straightforward."
Genesis
Origin
MSRP $518
Contact genesisscuba.com
Constructed of durable, fade-resistant 420-denier nylon, this jacket-style BC is built to withstand prolonged wear and tear. Available in six sizes, it features an adjustable cummerbund and rotating, quick-disconnect shoulder buckles for easy fitting and secure comfort. A rigid backpack provides stability and includes a removable closed-cell back pad.
Setup is very easy as the BC uses a single tank strap whose traditional-style cam buckle includes a half-lock for added ease and convenience. The BC has a tank leash to hold the system in place on the cylinder while adjusting and securing the tank buckle. The wraparound air cell provides either 27, 36 or 60 pounds of lift, depending on the size, and has three over-pressure/ dump valves, one of which is integrated into the inflator hose.
The BC includes two zippered pockets and four oversize plastic D-rings. Additional attachment points make the system compatible with Akona’s Pro-Kit accessory kits. Secure pinch-buckle integrated weight pockets can hold up to 20 pounds, with two 5-pound trim pockets on the back. The Origin is a great starting point for new divers. It can also fold flat for packing, which makes it an inexpensive, no-fuss option for travel.
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"Simple! Good for travel and new divers."
IST Sports
MERCURY J-1700
MSRP $570
Contact istdivingsystem.com
The Mercury offers a simple, traditional jacket-style BC suitable for any recreational diver. It is available in five sizes, each of which offers a specific lift capacity ranging from 26 to 60 pounds of buoyant lift. The comfortable harness features adjustable waist, sternum and shoulder straps, and is equipped with a padded plastic back plate with an integrated carry handle.
Setup is straightforward thanks to a single tank band and retaining strap. The wraparound bladder provides a traditional head-up swimming position. It provides very good stability and attitude control underwater and at the surface. “Great balance,” is how one diver described it. Multiple divers noted the inflator was “all or nothing” but still felt the BC offered very good ascent control. It includes multiple plastic D-rings and two big zipper pockets for storing accessories.
Divers appreciated that the BC’s integrated pinch-release weight pockets are complemented by two rear trim pockets. The Mercury isn’t the flashiest BC on the market, but it’s got it where it counts. “A real pleasure to dive,” is how one diver summed it up.
"Nice mix of features. Comfy and stable."
Scubapro
Level
MSRP $645 (BPI); $805 (Air2)
Contact scubapro.com
Offering a great mix of features, this BC has everything a recreational diver could need. It is available in five sizes, each of which has its own lift capacity, which ranges from 22.5 to 38.2 pounds. Made of durable PU-coated EndurTex 420-denier nylon, the air cell is designed to comfortably wrap the body without squeezing. Divers felt it was stable at depth and at the surface. It has a responsive, ergonomic inflator with an integrated shoulder exhaust, plus two additional pull-dump exhaust valves.
The BC uses a padded hard pack for stability. The harness features an adjustable cummerbund and rotating shoulder buckles for enhanced comfort and security. Integrated weight pockets use a pinch-release buckle to secure and ditch ballast. A pair of 4-pound-capacity trim pockets adorn the back. The BC is equipped with a full suite of storage options, including wide square D-rings, cargo pockets, mounting grommets and a set of octo/gauge pockets.
Divers felt the cargo pockets were deep but narrow and that the abrasive hook-and-loop closures made them difficult to access. Scubapro’s Super Cinch tank buckle makes setup quick and easy. The Level can be equipped with either a traditional low-pressure power inflator valve or Scubapro’s Air2 inflator.
"Great attitude and stability."
Dive Rite
Transpac With Travel Wing
MSRP Starts at $935
Contact diverite.com
Outfitting Dive Rite’s flagship Transpac harness with a new streamlined 25-pound donut-shaped wing, this back-plate wing system is the perfect size for a traveling diver in need of rugged, heavy-duty kit. It features a thick, comfortable back pad and adjustable shoulder straps.
Divers also appreciated the convenience of the quick-disconnect crotch strap. Dual tank straps utilize durable metal buckles. D-rings are scattered throughout for clipping off accessories. The BC is equipped with a vertically mounted integrated weight pocket (not pictured) positioned toward the back of the harness. This combined with the contoured, tank-hugging design of the air cell provides a very steady, stable inclined attitude, even at the surface.
The weight pockets on our sample—which can be removed and repositioned—opened upward, requiring weight to be pulled up and out to ditch. Divers felt this was a bit overkill considering the weight pockets already sport a super secure heavy-duty pinch-release buckle and multiple hook-and-loop closures. The responsive inflator with integrated pull-dump and a front-facing bottom dump valve offer easy venting and ascent control.
"Great position in the water."
Highland
Valor
MSRP Starts at $910 (harness and 20-pound travel wing)
Contact xsscuba.com
The Valor is a back plate–integrated harness that serves as a versatile platform for creating a fully custom buoyancy system whether a lightweight traveler, a fully-kitted tec rig or anything in between. Our samples were set for single-tank diving with an aluminum back plate and either a 37- or 20-pound wing.
Setup can take some work, especially during the first few dives while dialing in the fit. The highly adjustable harness includes a comfortable, removable back pad. Both sizes of wings are very stable and streamlined in the water. Their responsive K-style inflators and front-mounted pull-dumps make for easy control and access. Divers especially like the integrated rapid-exhaust dump on the 20-pound wing.
The Valor is compatible with a whole ecosystem of accessory pockets that can be used to optimize weight integration and storage. Divers loved the horizontally oriented pinch-release Side-Slide weight pockets on our samples (not pictured) for their ease of loading and ditching. Other pockets include drop-down weight pockets, a dedicated mask pocket and cargo pockets of various sizes that can slide over the waist belt webbing or clip on to the BC’s multiple attachment points.
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"Very adjustable."
Hog
Quick Release Flex Hybrid
MSRP $596.95
Contact hogscuba.com
This buoyancy system is outfitted with a hybrid air cell with 46 pounds of buoyant lift in size medium. The hybrid air cell provides a horizontal swim position similar to a back-inflation BC but wraps just enough under the arms to provide a bit more stability at the surface. The responsive inflator and accessible, ergonomic dump valves allow for precision when adjusting buoyancy and ascent rate. Secure integrated weight pockets feature bright-red pinch releases and are easy to load and ditch.
Stowage options include two tiny hook-and-loop pockets, two large metal D-rings on the shoulder and four smaller ones along the side panels. Dual tank bands provide rigidity but can be tiresome to set without a tank retainer strap. The harness is comfortable and very adjustable—it covers XXS to 4XL in only three sizes. Not only can the BC be sized for a range of divers and exposure combinations, but its modular design also allows users to swap out components such as the bladder size and back-plate types over time as their needs change.
"Trim-tastic!"
Scubapro
Navigator Lite
MSRP $689 (BPI); $849 (Air2)
Contact scubapro.com
Designed for travel to warm, tropical destinations, this back-inflation BC is built around a lightweight, foldable Airnet backpack with a highly adjustable modular harness. It is available in two highly adjustable sizes covering XXS to XXL, with a modular design that allows divers to replace individual components over the life of the BC.
The harness includes pivoting shoulder buckles, an adjustable sternum strap and a simple cam-lock buckle waist strap. Divers lauded it for its lightweight comfort and hardly there feel in the water. The rear-inflation air cell offers 38 pounds of buoyant lift and maintains a very streamlined profile. It provides a stable horizontal swimming position underwater but pitches forward on the surface.
The BC is equipped with a Quick Cinch tank band and hook-and-loop retainer strap for quickly and easily swapping between tanks. Multiple dump-valves and a smooth, ergonomic inflator provide excellent buoyancy and ascent control. Divers can also opt for an Air2 inflator to further streamline their travel kit. Removable weight pockets are small and simple but can be difficult to load from the bottom. They can be flipped for use as stowage. Fabric loops along the shoulder panels and pockets provide attachment points in lieu of metal D-rings.
