Dive Gear Guide 2015: Best Dive BCs
For comfort, control, balance and stability, check out 2015's dive gear guide for new models of BCs.
CRESSI AQUARIDE BLUE PRO
Harness arrangement improves tank grip and comfort without restricting movement.
The Aquaride Blue Pro’s inflator is more ergonomic and has an improved hose retainer. There’s an expandable pocket with zip closure, and it has Cressi’s proven integrated-weight system.
CONTACT: cressiusa.com
MSRP: $479.95
Zach Stovall
SEAC NICK
Back-inflation air cell has inner and outer bags of rugged PU-coated 500-denier Cordura.
The Nick offers the unrestricted freedom of movement, light weight, and compactness of a back-inflation BC, along with full-feature amenities like cargo pockets and a right-shoulder dump valve.
CONTACT: seacusa.com
MSRP: $625
Zach Stovall
DIVE RITE NOMAD LTZ
Inflator and exhaust valves are positioned on the inside of the wing for added protection.
Made of durable SuperFabric material, the Nomad LTZ is built to resist the rigors of sidemount diving, whether it’s pushing deep into a cave or squeezing through a deck opening on a wreck.
CONTACT: diverite.com
MSRP: $579
Zach Stovall
HOLLIS SMS 75X SIDEMOUNT SYSTEM
Wing is designed to promote horizontal diving by offering increased lift near the hips, where it’s needed most.
Hollis’ SMS 75X is for sidemount aficionados who dive warmer waters. The system offers 30 pounds of lift and a new trim/weight system.
CONTACT: hollis.com
MSRP: $599
Zach Stovall
SEAC SHERPA
3-D-style bladder wraps around tank for improved weight distribution and stability.
With its wraparound air cell, Seac’s Sherpa has enhanced trim and tank stability, along with features including cargo pockets, six exhaust valves and six stainless D-rings.
CONTACT: seacusa.com
MSRP: $685
Zach Stovall
GENESIS SCUBA DRIFT
Integrated-weight ditch system offers two quick-release pouches that hold 8 pounds each.
This lightweight jacket-style BC offers everything you need for a safe, comfortable trip to the depths. There’s a backpad for comfort, and a sternum strap and cummerbund with double-pull overstrap help you dial in the perfect fit.
CONTACT: genesisscuba.com
MSRP: $350
Zach Stovall
ZEAGLE SPORT ELEMENT
One of five new Sport models designed for divers from beginner to expert.
The Element is the flagship of Zeagle’s new Sport line of jacket BCs that use a conventional-weight-release system rather than the Ripcord system. Offering entry-level divers more affordable Zeagle performance, the Sport line includes models aimed at every diver’s experience level.
CONTACT: zeagle.com
MSRP: $449.95
Zach Stovall
SCUBAPRO KNIGHTHAWK
Built rugged with large, pre-bent D-rings and roll-out pockets to provide cargo-carrying capacity without adding bulk.
This robust yet extremely comfortable back-inflation BC offers a long list of performance features in a hydrodynamic design, delivering total comfort, control and stability at depth (Camo version is special order).
CONTACT: scubapro.com
MSRP: $619; $749 with Air2
Zach Stovall
ZEAGLE JACKET
Only jacket BC with Zeagle’s Ripcord weight-release system.
The new Jacket is aimed at serious recreational divers who want a full-featured BC. It has roomy cargo pockets, seven stainless D-rings, dual knife-mounting points and retractor mounts in each pocket.
CONTACT: zeagle.com
MSRP: Not available
Zach Stovall
DIVE RITE HUNTERPAC
Heavy-duty, 210-denier nylon- laminated, doughnut-shaped bladder provides 35 pounds of buoyant lift.
Designed with spearfishing in mind, the HunterPac BC combines recreational BC features with a few spearfishing essentials. Features include a soft back plate, lumbar pad, and a one-size-fits-all adjustable harness.
CONTACT: diverite.com
MSRP: $440
Zach Stovall
SHERWOOD SCUBA VENTURA
Quick-drop-system weight pockets hold up to 8 pounds each.
Weighing only 4.9 pounds, the Ventura is built to withstand the rigors of dive travel. A new backpack improves stability, and the valve system ranks among the best.
CONTACT: sherwoodscuba.com
MSRP: $470
Zach Stovall