Best Scuba Diving BCs

A comfortable and functional BC will make any good dive even better. Our 2019 scuba diving Gear Buyers Guide will help you find the best scuba diving BC that fits your diving style. Based on your style preference — jacket, back-buoyancy, hybrid or tec — here is our guide to the newest BC models.

The latest version of the Axiom i3 has a fresh look as well as the new FLS (Fast Lock System) that allows you to secure the cylinder from the front. No more lifting your rig off the dive boat bench to assemble your BC or swap tanks. Instead just drop the BC over the cylinder and tighten from the front with the easy ratcheting adjuster.

The back-inflation Rogue BC delivers the perfect balance of minimal design and maximum personalization. With its interchangeable size and accessory configurations and patent pending ModLock connectors, you can configure your Rogue to suit your personal diving style. The BC comes with two folding pockets, four stainless steel D-rings and 35 pounds of lift.

The high-buoyancy Scorpion is perfect for any diving scenario. Designed for maximum freedom of movement, it features an ultra-light semi-rigid harness lined with air-net fabric and a separate rear air cell fitted with compression straps. Since the air cell inflates separately from the harness, it doesn’t affect the adjustment straps, even when fully inflated.

An exceptional range of adjustment allows a single size of this back-inflation BC to fit most divers. Compact enough for easy travel, it has 40 pounds of lift to cover any type of diving. The integrated weight pockets are zippered at the top for easy loading, and ditch with a pinch of the buckles. The sternum straps slide vertically on adjusters for a precise fit.

Don’t let the cool blue camouflage backplate fool you. Mares’ new single backmount set is designed to stand out from the crowd of technical/recreational models. The aluminum backplate offers a strong strength-to-weight ratio for comfort and performance. The double tank bands offer serious stability in challenging conditions. And the color-matched blue buckles and D rings bring the whole ensemble together.

The versatile back-inflation Bolt has enough lift capacity for any type of diving and is compact enough for easy traveling. Equipped with swiveling shoulder straps, the harness is stable and comfortable, and the Slide & Lock integrated-weight system is simple to load and quick to ditch.

Mares’ new minimalist travel BC pares down the weight and bulk without sacrificing important details and comfort. The non-rigid backpack is foldable and there’s no bulky plastic tank support or other structural elements to weigh you down. The rig offers an integrated weight system, twin dump valves and innovative contoured shoulder straps.

Strapping a kid into an adult BC can be problematic — Mares’ Scuba Ranger is made specifically for smaller bodies and compact tanks. It features a sturdy backpack, twin Velcro-sealed pockets, optional trim weight pockets and an adaptable tank band for smaller cylinders. The specially designed octopus and gauge pockets make streamlining easier and safer.

The latest iteration of the Seahawk back-inflation BC features a high-quality air cell, rotating shoulder buckles, eight stainless D-rings, roomy zippered cargo pockets and integrated-weights with rear trim pouches. The soft, reinforced backpack folds easily for packing. The primary tank band uses Scubapro’s handy Super Cinch system.

Scubapro’s new X-Black BC integrates performance and comfort in a durable package that’s constructed with 1,000 and 420 denier nylon to withstand any challenge. The proprietary Airflex bladder system offers heaps of lift capacity with steady control. And the quick-release integrated weight system, plus twin trim pockets out the back, empower divers to balance out the load for optimal stability.

The Modular BC starts with a sturdy harness featuring a steel core in a soft backpack. From there, add or replace a variety of interchangeable components (weight system, trim pouches, storage pockets, air cells, crotch strap, etc.) to create a BC that is custom fitted and equipped for your unique diving style.

This jacket-style, weight-integrated BC comes with an innovative three-dimensional air cell and an independent, removable harness. These components work with a Frame to Back system with individually adjustable shoulder straps anchored to the backpack. This results in a comfortable, well-fitting BC that’s extremely stable at depth. Available in six sizes.

The venerable Axis gets an update for 2019 with Sherwood’s new 3PH stabilization system that secures the integrated CQR-3 weight pockets, which are among the best we’ve tested. The compact, travel-friendly BC also features rear and shoulder dump valves, four big stainless steel D-rings, twin accessory pockets and a cummerbund that’s integrated directly to the backpack for maximum tank stability.

This jacket's innovative Independent Harness System works with an enhanced waist belt and lumbar and back padding for a fit that's comfortable and stable. The shoulder strap attachment points on the belt can be adjusted, and the repositionable D-ring and snap hook allow quick customization.

Ergonomically designed specifically for women divers, the Tina offers a high-cut waist along with comfortable and quick-drying shoulder and back padding. TUSA’s Advanced Weight Loading System makes loading and ditching weights easy. The Tina comes with two double-zipper storage pockets and D-rings that can be repositioned to meet your needs.

These 0.5mm neoprene covers let you customize the look of your Outlaw or Rogue BC in minutes. Available in multiple colors and designs, the covers are reversible, with a different design on each side. And they have room for you to personalize with your name or dive shop.

Now you can enjoy the minimalist comfort and simplicity of the Rogue BC — and still have a traditional integrated weight setup. These modular waistbands have quick-release SureLock pockets that hold up to 10 pounds each and are located in the conventional position, rather than the original back-mounted location.

Back-plate divers who love to travel will appreciate the lightweight comfort of this deluxe soft back plate. Sporting a camouflage pattern, it can be used with back-mount or sidemount systems. The back plate includes four smooth-bar tri-glides and four stainless steel D-rings. Mounting hole distance is 11 inches.