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Sports & Fitness Water Sports

Best Buoyancy Compensators

Robin Allday
Written by Robin Allday
Updated June 2024
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Scubapro Hydros Pro with Air 2 Scuba BCD
Scubapro
Hydros Pro with Air 2 Scuba BCD
Trusted Brand

A buoyancy control device with an injection-molded gel harness and articulated shoulder straps for a secure fit.

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Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

A buoyancy control device with an injection-molded gel harness and articulated shoulder straps for a secure fit.

Pros

This stab jacket features a modular design that allows for a lot of customization. You can set the weights, pockets, and straps to suit your preferences. The jacket has a dual compound backplate that holds your tank in place. Won’t slow you down underwater.

Cons

This BDC comes without a low-pressure hose.

Best Bang for the Buck
SEAC Ego Scuba Diving BCD
SEAC
Ego Scuba Diving BCD
Simple Yet Solid

A basic stab jacket made of polyurethane-coated 1000 Denier Cordura fabric that won’t tear or scuff.

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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

A basic stab jacket made of polyurethane-coated 1000 Denier Cordura fabric that won’t tear or scuff.

Pros

Use this model’s four stainless steel D-rings on the shoulder straps to attach accessories. A lightweight option, this BCD weighs only seven pounds. This model is available in seven sizes for children and adults.

Cons

Seams can come loose after a few dives.

Cressi Lightweight Scuba Diving Jacket BCD
Cressi
Lightweight Scuba Diving Jacket BCD
Most Versatile

This buoyancy control system has a padded rigid back and a convenient carrying handle.

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Most Versatile
Bottom Line

This buoyancy control system has a padded rigid back and a convenient carrying handle.

Pros

Control the device’s buoyancy with three release valves and get the right fit with adjustable straps on the shoulders and waist. A Velcro closure on the waist offers a snug fit, and the weights have a quick-release function.

Cons

Buyers reported receiving units that are missing some crucial parts.

Cressi Durable Start Jacket Style BCD
Cressi
Durable Start Jacket Style BCD
Customer Favorite

Control your buoyancy with this stab jacket’s three exhaust valves and breathe easily with the double air filtration system.

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Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

Control your buoyancy with this stab jacket’s three exhaust valves and breathe easily with the double air filtration system.

Pros

The jacket is made of durable Denier Cordura material. An air bladder acts as a stabilizer, and the thermoplastic backplate is compact and lightweight. A nylon strip shows you where to attach your tank, and two cargo pockets with Velcro closures hold accessories.

Cons

It is hard to completely empty this BCD of air.

Aqualung Pro HD Weight Integrated BCD
Aqualung
Pro HD Weight Integrated BCD
Best for Everyday Use

A buoyancy control device with two big utility pockets at the waist that close with two-way zippers.

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Best for Everyday Use
Bottom Line

A buoyancy control device with two big utility pockets at the waist that close with two-way zippers.

Pros

Attach accessories to this BCD’s five stainless steel D-rings. It features the brand’s SureLock II weight release system that drops weights with a single pull. All valves are designed with a low profile to reduce resistance as you swim.

Cons

This stab jacket can arrive missing the LP hose.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

Click here for testing insights
First Reviewed
March 23, 2023
62
Models
considered
8
Hours
researched
Category cover
Our Top Picks
Scubapro
Best of the Best
Scubapro
Hydros Pro with Air 2 Scuba BCD
Bottom Line
A buoyancy control device with an injection-molded gel harness and articulated shoulder straps for a secure fit.
Shop Now
SEAC
Best Bang for the Buck
SEAC
Ego Scuba Diving BCD
Bottom Line
A basic stab jacket made of polyurethane-coated 1000 Denier Cordura fabric that won’t tear or scuff.
Shop Now
Cressi
Top Pick
Cressi
Lightweight Scuba Diving Jacket BCD
Bottom Line
This buoyancy control system has a padded rigid back and a convenient carrying handle.
Shop Now
Cressi
Top Pick
Cressi
Durable Start Jacket Style BCD
Bottom Line
Control your buoyancy with this stab jacket’s three exhaust valves and breathe easily with the double air filtration system.
Shop Now
Aqualung
Top Pick
Aqualung
Pro HD Weight Integrated BCD
Bottom Line
A buoyancy control device with two big utility pockets at the waist that close with two-way zippers.
Shop Now
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