The best BCDsfor scuba diversin 2023

The BCD or “buoyancy compensator device” is an essential part of the scuba gear setup and every scuba diver needs one.

They help us compensate for negative buoyancy underwater and thereby float effortlessly like fish. By adding more or removing air from the buoyancy compensator we control our overall buoyancy underwater.

At the surface, they are used as a floatation device that keeps up our positive buoyancy.

There are countless different BCDs on the market and finding the right one can be tough.

Here you can find the best BCDs for scuba divers in 2023 sorted by price range and features.

Scroll to the bottom to get a detailed buyer’s guide and things to look out for when buying a BCD for scuba diving.

Best BCDs for scuba divers 2023

Here are the best BCDs 2023 that we have tested.

• Best BCD 2023: ScubaPro Hydros Pro
• Best Mid-Range BCD: Mares Prestige SLS
• Best Budget BCD: Aqualung Pro HD
• Best Wing: Zeagle Ranger
• Premium Choice: Atomic Aquatics BC2

All BCDs for scuba divers we have reviewed

ScubaPro Hydros Pro

Rating: 4.9 / 5.0

The ScubaPro Hydros Pro BCD in both its 4th and 5th gen version is one of the all-time best-selling high-end BCDs out there and gets you the best non-backplate/wing BCD money can buy.

It features integrated weight pockets, super lightweight design, and a modular approach to using your kit which can be taken apart completely, and features can be added or removed as needed.

As expected from a BCD at this price point, the air bladder is on the back, thereby giving you much better buoyancy and trim in the water.

The ScubaPro Hydros Pro has taken the BCD world by storm and if you can afford it, this is the best jacket-style unit you an buy (unless you are willing to spend double on the Atomic Aquatics BC2).

Specs & Features

• Buy on Dive Right in Scuba
• Buy on Amazon

Mares Prestige SLS

Rating: 4.0 / 5.0

The Mares Prestige SLS is one of the better Mares products out there and a sturdy and comfortable choice for mid-tier BCDs.

It has no extra pockets or fancy features, but it does the job it’s supposed to do. Love the colors and Mares did a good job making it foolproof to use.

If you are looking for a story ADV-style BCD, the Mares Prestige SLS is a great choice.

Specs & Features

• Buy on Amazon
• Buy on TradeInn (DiveInn)

AquaLung Pro HD

Rating: 4.8 / 5.0

The AquaLung Pro HD is one of the best ADC jacket-style BCDs on the market and arguably the best bang for your buck at this price range.

Integrated weight pockets that work like a charm, lightweight, four relief valves, extra trim weight pockets…You usually find this stuff only in high-end models.

I mean…what else are you expecting from a BCD apart from diving for you? 😄

Whether you are a beginner or advanced diver looking for a budget to mid-range BCD, you will not be disappointed.

Specs & Features

• Buy on Amazon
• Buy on TradeInn (DiveInn)

Zeagle Ranger

Rating: 4.7 / 5.0

The Zeagle Ranger is one of the best and most iconic wing BCDs on the market and is pure quality worth paying for.

What makes this BCD stand out is its durability (I mean, I know more than a handful of divers who have been using the same Ranger jacket since the early 2000s), build quality, and the Zeagle lifetime warranty that comes with every purchase.

It can be used for technical diving and has more than enough lift capacity to carry double tanks, if you choose.

The Zeagle Ranger is incredibly well made and has all of the features you would expect on a high-end wing BCD.

Specs & Features

• Buy on Dive Right in Scuba
• Buy on Amazon

Cressi Start Pro 2.0

Rating: 4.1 / 5.0

The Cressi Start Pro 2.0 is a cheap, lightweight, and beginner-friendly BCD that’s ideal for new divers and dive schools.

The waist strap is independent of the bladder, meaning it won’t squeeze your stomach when it isn’t inflated.

In typical Cressi-fashion it does the job flawlessly, but you won’t find any fancy bells or whistles. In return, this is among the cheapest BCDs you can find!

Specs & Features

• Buy on Amazon
• Buy on TradeInn (DiveInn)

SEAC Ego

Rating: 3.7 / 5.0

SEAC is a reputable scuba gear manufacturer and the SEAC Ego (or Smart) is their introductory option.

It’s durable, looks nice, and will last a long time. It has all the basic features you could want in a BCD at this price point and we find nothing wrong with it.

For less than around $300 you get a lot of BCD and beginners will love the fact they don’t have to fiddle around with lots of options and moving parts.

Specs & Features

• Buy on Dive Right in Scuba
• Buy on Amazon

Atomic Aquatics BC2

Rating: 3.7 / 5.0

Sigh…every best of list for scuba gear eventually ends with the deluxe offering of Atomic Aquatics that blows the rest out of the water and the BC2 is no exception.

The most expensive BCD in the world is also the best BCD for those who can afford it. Amazing build quality, incredibly well-made, and looks super cool.

If you have ever used Atomic Aquatics scuba gear, you know they are usually best-in-class and the BC2 will not disappoint your!

Specs & Features

• Buy on Dive Right in Scuba
• Buy on Amazon

Best Beginner BCDs

Some BCDs are better for beginners than others so we made a special guide on buying a BCD for beginners.

Check it out if you’re looking for beginner-friendly choices.

Types of BCDs

BCD is an abbreviation for “buoyancy control device”, also called a buoyancy compensator, and refers to the device we use that helps us float during a dive. In many places, they are also called “jackets”, however, this is more common in Europe and Asia.

As the name suggests, we use it to control our buoyancy by inflating and deflating it with air from our scuba tanks.

In the water, we compensate for negative buoyancy by adding more air, the deeper we dive. At the surface, on the other hand, we inflate it completely to achieve positive buoyancy and float.

It also serves as a way to secure the tanks to our body, as well as hold all kinds of equipment.

Before going out to look for a BCD, it’s important to understand the different types that exist, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.

There are three different styles of BCDs available today: ADV, Backplate/Wing, and hybrid.

In addition, there are more and more travel BCDs on the market which are super lightweight but aren’t technically different from the ones above.

Jacket-Style/ADV BCDs

ADV (Advanced Design Vest) BCDs were first introduced by Seaquest in 1985 and have been the de-facto standard in scuba diving ever since.

Especially in Europe and in other places they are also often called jacket-style BCDs or just “jackets”.

Most divers learn to dive using one of these BCDs and about 99% of all recreational diving rental equipment around the world consists of them.

They look like underwater backpacks in which the air bladder is directly attached to the straps and harness and located on both sides of the diver.

They come in all shapes and sizes, featuring pockets, D-rings, inflator hoses, extra weight pockets, and other useful gadgets. If you are already certified, you know how to use it well.

Mid-Range to High-End BCDs feature integrated weight pockets which let you ditch the extra weight belt. I recommend using them as the lead weights placement is much better.

Since the air bladders are located on the sides, this helps you stay upright at the surface.

However, there are some drawbacks to this kind of BCD in comparison to wing and other back-bladder setups.

ADV-style BCDs are often rather bulky and large making them heavy and hard to fit in a suitcase.

You will not achieve perfect trim with them since the air bladders are located on the sides rather than on the back.

While this is not the only aspect of buoyancy, it does play a role.

In addition to buoyancy concerns, their size leads to more drag underwater and higher air consumption.

Last but not least, more moving parts mean more potential points of failure. This is not to say they are unsafe, but keep in mind to limit the number of extra bells and whistles if you can.

(Hybrid) Wing BCDs

While ADV-style BCDs are the standard at most places, more and more divers start seeing the benefits of back-bladder (“wing”) BCDs.

Wing BCDs were first used by technical and cave divers but many mainstream manufacturers have begun making so-called hybrid BCDs.

They look and feel like ADV BCDs with pockets, straps, etc., but the position of the air bladder has been moved to the back.

Manufacturers claim you get the best of both worlds this way. On the one hand, superior buoyancy and trim, on the other hand, all the bells and whistles (and pockets) of jacket-style BCDs.

While there is still some drag and bulkiness, it’s a big step up from traditional setups, and might just be the BCD for you.

They are usually found in the $500+ range, making them mid-tier to high-end options, but they are surely worth it.

Backplate/Wing BCDs (BP/W)

Backplate/Wing configurations (often referred to as BP/W), are the most streamlined type of BCD out there.

The air bladder is located on the back, leading to better buoyancy and trim in the water but they feature no pockets, extra straps, or integrated weight systems.

Instead of one single device, it consists of the air bladder (wing), a metal backplate, as well as a harness consisting of straps, D-rings, and buckles. The entire configuration is modular, making this the most versatile type of BCD out there.

The air bladder is located on the back of the diver, giving it the characteristic “wing” look, which is far superior to any ADV style setup.

What I really like, especially when renting them out the others, is the fact that one size fits all.

In contrast to ADV-style ones, Wing BCDs don’t have a “size” like small, medium, or large, and instead, the harness can be adjusted to any body type or size. That’s just super convenient.

In our opinion, there are no real drawbacks to this system and it is the best type of BCD for beginners and experienced divers alike.

If you choose to buy a set, they come preconfigured, however, if you go the modular approach you will need to spend a little bit of time putting it all together.

What to look out for when buying a BCD

There are several things you should look out for when buying a BCD. Whether you’re buying your first one or upgrading to a new model, it’s recommended to keep these in mind.

Type of BCD

As explained above, there are different types of BCDs, as well as hybrid versions thereof

• ADV or jacket-style BCDs
• Wing or back-inflate BCDs
• Backplate Wing BCDs

Think about which type of BCD you’re looking for and why you prefer one over the other.

Don’t be put off by labels though, and decide on one only because it “feels appropriate”.

Your Diving Style

Your choice of BCD will be greatly influenced by your diving style and the type of diving you want to do.

Frequent travelers will focus on light weight and small size, whereas underwater photographers will want to have a larger number of pockets and D-rings to carry their camera, lights, and other gear.

The more technical you get, the more you will need to look out for those specific features you need.

Lift Capacity

Each BCD has a certain amount of lift it can generate when inflating its air bladder(s) which determines how much weight can be attached while still generating positive buoyancy.

This lift capacity is determined by the size and volume of the bladders and can usually not be changed after the purchase.

How much lift you need depends on several factors like your own body weight, the type of exposure suit, what kind of extra equipment you carry, the water type, and the number of tanks you take on your dive.

The heavier your specific weight (so the sum of all the components above) the more lift capacity is required.

In general, single-sized BCDs by design offer enough lift capacity for recreational diving when bought in the right size. As such, the amount rises when you buy an M or L instead of XS or S.

This means, in most cases, you will not need to worry about the lift if you only dive recreationally and without heavy equipment like double tanks or professional video equipment.

The only time you could ever have too little or too much would be if you use a BCD that’s several (read: more than 3) sizes too small or big while carrying excessive extra weight or none at all.

Even when buying a wing bladder for your backplate setup, most divers tend to greatly overestimate the required amount of lift they require.

Most divers will be completely happy and safe with a bladder in the range of 30-40 lbs no matter their size or diving requirements.

Size

Finding the right BCD fit is easy as long as you take the time to measure yourself and read the size chart of the manufacturer.

They usually offer ranges for both the diver’s weight and height so as long as you roughly fall under those, you’ll be fine.

As a rule of thumb, I’d go with one size below for your BCD, unless the sizing guidelines are totally off.

Most beginners and even experienced divers buy BCDs that are way too large.

Not only is it unnecessary in terms of lift capacity, but it will also make you heavier in the water, waste air, and use up more space when packing your dive bag.

Weight System

Many mid-tier to high-end BCDs feature integrated weight systems.

They are convenient and if you can afford it, go for a BCD that has integrated weight pockets.

In comparison to a weight belt, this usually improves your trim and means one less thing you need to buy.

Some BCDs even offer trim weight pockets on the tank strap that can be filled with smaller lead pieces to improve your trim.

Whether you need those or not is personal preference and there is no right or wrong answer.

Dry Weight

Manufacturers usually name the “dry weight” of a BCD in their specs and for obvious reasons, you want this to be as low as possible.

Special Travel BCDs are usually just stripped-down versions of bigger models with fewer straps, rings, and pockets to save weight this way.

Which BCD style is best for diving?

The best BCD style for trim and buoyancy optimization is a backplate/wing configuration which is also the lightest and most versatile out the. However, if integrated weight systems, pockets, or other convenient features are wanted, a hybrid back-bladder wing BCD is the best choice.

As long as you get a BCD with a back-inflate bladder, meaning a wing bladder, you are already off to a good start.

That being said, our personal opinion is:

ADV-style BCDs are usually much cheaper, but if you can afford to spend just a little more on it, a Wing BCD will improve your buoyancy by a lot!

Backplate Wing setups offer even better trim and buoyancy, better weight distribution, can be packed super small and lightweight, and are modular.

They decrease the number of potential failure points significantly, are dirt simple to put on, and can be used in any diving scenario out there.

And don’t forget one of our personal favorites: One size fits anyone. Just adjust the harness straps and the same BCD can fit a 10-year-old at 30kg, or a 30-year-old at 100kg.

Don’t let anyone talk you out of buying one because “they are just for tech divers”, “they are very expensive”, or “where are you going to put xyz if you don’t have any pockets?”.

I understand that many dive shops get bigger commissions from certain brands for promoting their products (nothing wrong with that!), however, any diver can use a Backplate Wing.

Why buy a BCD for scuba diving?

It is recommended that scuba divers buy their own BCD rather than rent for several reasons. They are very sturdy and usually last 10+ years, making it a good investment. Such BCDs usually offer superior buoyancy and trim over rental ones and fit better. Lastly, the same BCD can be used on every dive so only one is required.

Owning your own scuba gear is great and often the better choice over renting. However, there are several reasons why buying a BCD is a good choice in general.

It will last forever

Unlike wetsuits for surfers, ropes for climbers, and shoes for runners, a BCD in scuba diving can last for decades if you treat it right and service it regularly.

I’ve seen divers go out in BCDs they bought in the late 80s and a quality Backplate/Wing kit will serve you well for 10+ years at least.

Better Buoyancy & Trim

Your BCD has a large impact on your buoyancy, in comparison to a regulator, for example. Using your own BCD will make you a better diver, improve your trim and buoyancy, and is a great investment in the long run.

Good fit

I find it very annoying to always rent a certain piece of equipment, as you have to adjust to the new one wherever you go. In the case of ADV-style BCDs, you will often receive one that’s too loose or too tight, you are struggling to find all the air releases and the trim is off.

When you buy your own BCD, it will be the perfect fit wherever you go.

Less extra weights

With new BCDs, you can never be sure how many weight pieces will be right. I find this to be super annoying as it creates unnecessary drag underwater and increases air consumption.

If you are wondering how much scuba weight you will need, use my FREE scuba diving weight calculator and do a weight check before your next dive.

Poor Rental Gear

Let’s face it, rental equipment at many dive shops is awful. Low quality, worn out, missing pieces, and not convenient at all.

BCDs are among the worst in this area and often consist of the cheapest €150 kits which have been in use for 5-10 years.

Save yourself the hassle and get something yourself.

Easy to travel with

If you follow our advice and get a modular Backplate/Wing setup, traveling is super simple. Just put the backplate in your backpack (doesn’t count against your travel weight restrictions), fold up the wing and harness, and put them in your suitcase.

Overall weight used up: less than 1kg.

Other Travel BCDs can be just as light.

Use my FREE scuba diving trip packing list for more tips on what and how to pack for a diving trip.