Top 10 Scuba BCDs for 2022 | @Scuba Diver Magazine
Ten of my favourite recreational scuba diving BCDs in 2022 from some of the top manufacturers.
#scuba #BCD #top10 #scubadiving #scubadiver
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00:00 – Intro
00:57 – Best For Travel
02:00 – Best For Comfort
02:55 – Best Hard Wearing
03:52 – Best Budget
04:37 – Best Mid-Range
05:24 – Best High-End
06:15 – Best Wing
07:02 – Best For Style
07:51 – Best For Women
08:31 – Best For Kids
Mark,
I’m a prior diver who’s equipment died 30 years ago and due to marriage, job and kids, the diving fell by the wayside. Just for perspective, my first BCD was a Dacor Chameleon. Anyway, my current dive shop and instructor is a guy I respect very much and want to buy from him but I’m concerned about being oversold. He recommended the Atomics BC1 which looks like a Ferrari but it honestly looks like a winter coat. And if there’s one thing I really want to do is strip down rather than have a big bulky BCD around me. I’m big and bulky enough as it is.
Is this BCD really worth that price? The wife and I plan to do some travel diving so this thing just looks way too big and bulky for that type of use. I like to refer to myself as an advanced amateur and hopefully plan to go wreck diving again.
The BC1 is a premium BCD but, it is very heavy so I wouldn’t recommend it as a travel BCD. You could travel with it but there are lighter and cheaper options and most of the cost is in the materials and fine tuning.
For pure freedom and lightweight I’d look at something like the Scubapro Litehawk, a Mares Magellan or an AquaLung Rogue. If you want something similar to your Chameleon there’s the Scubapro Go or Glide BCDs that I’d consider before the BC1.
@Scuba Diver Magazine Thank you very much!
I was about to order the Aqualung Axiom, but I have reservations about those integrated weights. Seems very easy to fall🤦
Weight systems are tricky. They have to be quick-release yet secure. You’ll find stories of divers losing weights across all brands. Many are down to user error more than malfunction
@Scuba Diver Magazine ; I was just thinking that user error is probably half of the problem🤷♂️
and sad to say BUT your local dive shop won’t allow you to test dive a BCD … hopefully you can find someone to loan you theirs so you can try it out before you BUY IT !
I have the Oceanic bio lite…Love it! It only weighs 5 lbs and has everything I need and nothing I don’t!
Scubapro Hydros Pro & Atomic BC2
What’s your thoughts on Zeagle Ranger BCD
Hydros pro all the way and loved the simply scuba magazine slip at the end….but we’ll forgive you 😉
Darn muscle memory, you’d think saying something for 8 years would be easy to forget…
Surprised not to see the AP Commando in there somewhere
No pricing??? More of a advertising spree here. I wish you would make more comment on the detracting points on each BCD rather than just comment on their selling points.
Nice to see you again Mark. All the best in your new venture.
1: Aqualunge Rouge
2: Aqualung Axiom
3: Apex Exotec
4: Cressi Start
5: Zeagle Covert XT
6: Atomic Aquatics BC1
7: Mares Magelan
8: Scubapro Hydros Pro
9: Aqualung Pro HD Womens
10: Scubapro Rebel
What do people think of the dive rite bcd ..?
I’m here for mark and mark alone! Bolt snap mafia till I die! 🤣
Hey Mark,
Congrats on your new job :).
I was wondering if you prefer a metal or a neoprene Goodman handle for a primary dive torch and why.
Also, for the stupid question of the week, can a wetsuit be too thick for certain water temperatures? For instance, would diving in the Red Sea in a 7mm semi-dry be a bad idea?
#askmark
I have a Zeagle Stilleto. I hate integrated weights, because if they go down, someone is going to fetch it or shell out $. I have actually scene this
I also have the same zeagle and In my opinion it’s so great! Been all around the world with it!
# Hello Mark I have been looking for the Scubapro X-tec camband weight trim pockets or the Mares weight pockets. Can you suggest where I can purchase these items. Thanks Joe
Hi Joe, look for Scubapro S-Tek trim pockets. X-Tek has been phased out.
Thank you for the information!
Love my Hydros Pro.
Love your videos too.
2022 is 50 years of diving for me. I remember having the first ATPAC w/ integrated weights (buckshot inside the back plate w/ a pull ring to unload). It is nice to keep updated on all the brands. Thanks.
The trim pockets really help me on the surface.20odd dives this year and won’t be replacing it any time soon
I Love so much my Hydros Pro 💙
Happy to see my Hydros Pro on the list. Almost 300 dives on mine, and I bought it used.
What about xdeep zen deluxe bcd?
What? Oh, the backplate, harness, and bladder setup Mark clearly stated there would be a separate video of 🙄
Thanks Mark for such an informative video. Looking forward for the top 10 backplate and wing style BCD. Thanks Mark.