Scuba diving is quite an addictive sport. Once you have gained a bit of experience in mastering the skill of diving, you might feel like investing in your own gear. Scuba diving requires a Buoyancy con troll device that keeps you underwater.
You might be all set to invest in your own Back (Scuba) inflated BCD. But the options available in the market can leave you all confused about which is better than the other. If you are a regular diver, you don’t want to invest in something that is not durable and lacks longevity. You also cannot invest in something that is of a low standard, as it will risk your life.
Here is a list of the best scuba back inflated BCDs and all the other information that will help you pick the best gear for your suiting.
1. AquaLung Rogue
The AquaLung Rogue is an amazing BCD option for people who are looking for a simple, lightweight, and minimalistic design that gets the job done. It fulfills all the requirements of the diver with its great features.
It comes with a standard set of four stainless steel D-rings and integrated weights along with it. It also has two folding pockets along with the option of adding trim pockets, an SMB pocket, or a waistband extender.
It has a sleek yet highly comfortable design that sits on your back with ease. The manufacturer has supported the back with an extra layer of padding for added comfort. Even the harness has an extra layer of padding so that you don’t feel the BCD pocking into your body while you move around underwater.
You can easily change places of the accessories in this BCD. It features a ModLock connector the enables the same with ease. As a result, this bag can be customized into 27 different sizes, making it a perfect match for almost all divers.
Pros
- Lightweight; weighs only 2kg when dry
- Customizable to different sizes
- Back and harness come with extra padding for extra comfort
Cons
- Weight pockets are quite small
- Dump valves have a fragile line
2. X Deep Ghost
X Deep Ghost offers some quality-grade features that will win your heart as a diver. This BCD is streamlined and robust and provides you extra stability underwater. This is one of the most popular BCD in the back and wing category.
The best feature of this BCD is that it helps in maintaining an effortless horizontal trim underwater. The streamlined and minimal design helps in optimizing the diving experience to perfection. The manufacturer has smartly designed the upper section of the bladder smaller in size. This prevents the BCD from pushing your body facedown while you are on the surface. It sits well upright without creating much trouble for the diver.
It features an aerospace-grade alloy backplate for weight reduction. These backplates are fixed in a unique cut-out that further helps in weight reduction. In all, this BCD only weighs about 2.5 kgs making it one the lightest BCD in the market.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- No facedown push
- Streamlined
Cons
- Bit expensive
- No additional pockets
3. Apeks Black Ice
If you wish to invest in a BCD that is heavy duty in its performance and has a rugged look, then the Apeks Black Ice BCD is the product for you. This BCD delivers the perfect balance between comfort, design, and functionality.
It comes with a Wrapture harness system that gives it a wraparound design. As a result, it offers an amazing fit to the body that is hight stable. There is no funny business done with the straps. They are easy to slide on and remove even if you have gloves on your hands. It also comes with an additional layer of padding that provides you with added comfort both on the surface and underwater.
It also features the Sure-Lock II integrated weight system that is an innovative technology offered by the manufacturer. It also has five-stand stainless steel rings and two large pockets. Being a hybrid model, this BCD offers you everything a diver needs, along with ensuring a perfect size fit with three different size options.
Pros
- Highly stable
- Perfect for cold water diving
- Additional layers of padding
Cons
- No color choices
- Quite heavy
4. Squbapro Hydros Pro
The Squbapro Hydros Pro will leave your mouth open in awe with its classy and stylish design. This BCD is not just about looks; it offers high durability and is very lightweight. It is lined with unique and essential features that make it one of the superior quality BCDs in the market.
The manufacturer delivers the product after creating it via a highly unique and innovative process. This delivers a sleek, stylish, and ergonomic design that contours the body with perfection. It doesn’t leave any pressure points on the back, keeping the entire dive comfortable and relaxed.
The load distribution in this BCD helps in achieving a superior level of buoyancy control as well as exceptional maneuverability. You can remove each and every piece of this BCD and replace it with new accessories all by yourself. There is no need to take the assistance of any technician for the same.
Another unique quality of this Scuba gear is that it comes in a male and female cut. This ensures that the fit is perfect and fits well on the body. This BCD can be a bit costly, but it is worth paying for such superior features.
Pros
- Gender-specific fit available
- Flexible backplate with high durability and longevity
- Dries quickly
Cons
- Can be a bit heavy for some
- Expensive
5. Hollis HD 200
If you are looking for a tough and sturdy BCD for scuba, Hollis HD 200 is the perfect match for you. It has been constructed with utmost precision to deliver a heavy-duty and long-lasting product for expert divers. Once you have invested in this, you are all set to have comfortable dives for a very long time.
Don’t get overwhelmed by its rugged and tough look. It has a lightweight design with a backplate the contours your back with extra padding. It has additional lumbar support along with a rolled-up neoprene neck. Apart from it also comes with a crotch strap. This prevents the BCD from riding upwards while you are underwater, providing you a good trim.
The harness allows you to customize the design fully and help you maneuver it in any size with comfort. It comes with D-rings, grommets mounting, and two zipper pockets that provide ample storage. Hollis HD 200 is a perfect example of advanced technology used for creating safe gear fr recreation.
Pros
- 8 D-rings with two zipper pockets
- Budget-friendly
- Highly comfortable
Cons
- Heavy
- Bulky
Why should one invest in a Scuba Back Inflate BCD?
The reason for choosing the back inflate BCD is its design. In this gear, its air bladder sits on the back of the diver, providing a highly streamlined position for a better swimming experience. As a result, you can cut through water resistance easily and swim without much air consumption.
Another reason is the comfort it offers. Back inflate BCDs are highly convenient and comfortable to wear. Since most of the equipment is on your back, your torso is free to engage in a variety of motions. Your chess also doesn’t have any restriction even after the BCD is fully inflated.
Frequently Asked Question
1. What are the disadvantages of choosing a Back Inflate BCD?
One of the disadvantages is that it becomes a bit difficult to maintain stability when you are on the surface with a back inflate BCD. Another con is that they do not come with pockets. So you don’t have enough storage space for additional accessories.
However, you can use the D-rings or grommets for your accessories.
2. Can beginners use a back inflate BCD?
Back Inflate BCDs are not the appropriate choice for beginners. The reason being they do not offer stability on the surface. You won’t be able to stay upright on the surface and stay high;y alert about the positioning of your body underwater.
However, some practice in stable water before actual dives can help you get more control over your movements with this gear.
Final thoughts
If you are looking for a more streamlined, easy-going, and comfortable scuba diving experience, then a back inflate BCD is a great choice for you. It provides a better air consumption that enhances the overall diving experience.
It is stylish, sleek, comfortable, and customized to fit as per every divers need. Now that you have a detailed description of some of the best BCDs in the market, you can a sound decision as to what fits you perfectly.
Invest in a quality grade, comfortable, and lightweight Scuba Back Inflated BCD that provides you the support that you need while diving.
