Best Scuba Diving BCs

A comfortable and functional BC makes for an awesome dive. Our 2020 Gear Buyers Guide will help you find the best scuba diving BC for you. Whether you prefer a jacket style, back-buoyancy, hybrid or a tec BC, we're sure you will find a BC that fits your style from the options below. 

 
AQUA LUNG OMNI  

The Omni takes the modular concepts popularized by Aqua Lung’s Rogue and Outlaw BCs and introduces them in a jacket- style BC. You can customize the Omni’s fit by choosing between interchangeable, different-size options for the back, shoulders and waist. A three-position bladder retraction system keeps the air cell streamlined and reduces drag. The BC is weight-integrated with cargo pockets and four stainless D-rings.
aqualung.com  | $749

ATOMIC BC2  

The BC2 brings to back-inflation BCs the same no-holds-barred philosophy that inspired the BC1 jacket. The laminated, coated waterproof fabric sheds water and resists tears, punctures and abrasion. From the titanium-coated D-rings and sand-resistant zippers to the patented integrated weight system and ratcheting tank band, the BC2 spares no detail. Available in five sizes.
atomicaquatics.com | $1,399.95   

CRESSI AVIATOR  

The Aviator’s padded, semi-rigid back plate folds for travel, with a built-in Velcro strap hidden in a pocket to keep it wrapped up. The waistband can be swapped out and adjusted to adapt to different sizes, and has has a swiveling mount and elastic panels for comfort and stability. The Aviator uses special air-net padding to reduce water retention, and has integrated weights.
cressi.com | $484.95  

CRESSI COMMANDER EVOLUTION  

This back-inflation BC offers up to 42 pounds of lift in size medium. A wraparound bungee system envelopes the air cell and keeps things streamlined and stable. The harness features neutrally buoyant padding for a comfortable ride. Unlike some back- inflation models, the weight-integrated Commander offers plenty of stowage, with two large cargo pockets and eight D-rings.
cressi.com | $589.95   

CRESSI LIGHTWING  

Built with dive travel in mind, this back-inflation BC is lightweight and uses a semi-rigid soft back plate that allows you to easily fold and carry it. Special air-net padding in the shoulders and back increases comfort and reduces water retention. A drop-down cargo pocket provides stowage. Two supports integrated into the lower back minimize tank roll and improve trim.
cressi.com | $439.95  
 

DIVE RITE HYDRO LITE  

The tech-inspired Hydro Lite offers uncompromising performance in a streamlined, lightweight design ideal for warm-water diving. The tank-hugging cell provides 30 pounds of lift, and the pull-to-release integrated weights handle up to 12 pounds. With 2-inch webbing, padded shoulders and crotch strap, the backpack-style harness offers stability, while the soft back plate and a weight of 6.2 pounds make for easy packing.
diverite.com | $589    

GENESIS ORIGIN 

 
Aimed at new divers, this rugged jacket offers an integrated weight system and comfortable harness at an affordable price. With 38 pounds of lift (size medium), it has a lightweight rigid back plate, a pair of roomy zippered cargo pockets and a padded harness with a cummerbund. Integrated weight pockets hold 10 pounds each with secure pinch-to-release buckles.
genesisscuba.com | $460   

HOLLIS KATANA 2  

The minimalist, modular design of this new sidemount gives it a tremendous range of flexibility to customize for any diver’s needs and preferences. The quick-fit harness can be configured in “Y” or “H” style, and options include single or dual bladder. Easy-reach attachments on the side of the wing keep accessories close at hand, while an innovative top dump lets you vent gas while maintaining trim.
hollis.com | $599.95  

MARES MAGELLAN  

Who says you can't take it with you? The Magellan boasts a comfortable harness, integrated weights, drop-down cargo pocket, plenty of D-rings, right shoulder exhaust and 38 pounds of buoyant lift (size medium) in its back-inflation air cell. Yet it still packs up as easy as any BC around, thanks to its ultra-light weight and a soft, foldable back plate.
mares.com | $440    

MARES PSYCHO CALAVERA SINGLE BACKMOUNT SET  

The Mares Extended Range technical diving product line is designed to help divers push their personal limits—and style. The Psycho Calavera buoyancy system includes a 16-liter single tank donut bladder, a 3 mm aluminum back plate, twin tank straps with black aluminum buckles and a tough nylon webbing harness with 6 mm black aluminum D rings and a black buckle.
mares.com | $800  

SCUBAPRO HYDROOS X  

The Hydros X features the stability, comfort and versatility of Scubapro's popular Hydros Pro in a jacket-style BC. Built on the adjustable, body-hugging Monprene gel harness used in the Hydros Pro, it's matched with an air cell that provides wraparound buoyancy and a pair of roomy cargo pockets. It's rapid-drying, and abrasion-resistant.  
scubapro.com | $1,085  

SCUBAPRO LEVEL  

This new lightweight jacket is designed to provide a comfortable fit and support without squeezing your body when inflated. A solid back plate, swiveling shoulder straps and cummerbund waist strap keep it stable in any attitude. A pair of cargo pockets with Velcro flaps, an integrated weight system and Super-Cinch quick-attachment tank band provide ease and convenience.
scubapro.com | $639    

SEAC EQ-PRO 

 
Packed with high-end amenities, the new EQ-Pro comes loaded with integrated weight pockets, eight stainless-steel D-rings, rear and shoulder dump valves, deep pockets, tank-mounted trim pockets, padded backpack and more. Its independent bladder configuration is designed to slide along the harness rather than bind, to eliminate unwanted abdominal squeeze.
Seacsub.com | $499  

SEAC MODULAR MAX  

For divers who want to fully customize their BC, Seac’s Modular Max can be outfitted with a wide range of components, including different size air bladders, weight systems, storage pockets, attachment points, a crotch strap and other accessories. It’s all anchored by a rugged steel back plate mated to a padded backpack with a simple strap system that breaks
down for travel convenience.  
seacsub.com | $499  
 

TUSA BC0502B T-WING  

With a tec-style design, the t-wing provides a lightweight, stable platform that can be easily customized for a wide range of dive capabilities. The aluminum back plate ties together a donut-shaped air cell with 27 pounds of lift and a quick-adjust harness with a crotch strap. Options include removable weight pockets and an aluminum tank adapter set. One size fits XS-XL. 
tusa.com | $499   

ZEAGLE RANGER  

Versatility and durability are at the heart of the Ranger, from its single or dual-tank capability to its tough-as-nails ballistic nylon construction. The innovative RipCord integrated weight system holds up to 30 pounds ready for instant ditching, and the standard bladder provides 44 pounds of buoyant lift. Zippered cargo pockets and six stainless D-rings provide plenty of room to secure accessories.  
zeagle.com | $799.95  

Text and photos originally appeared in the March 2020 issue of Scuba Diving magazine.