BEST SCUBA BCD 2023

Ultra lightweight and compact, the Cressi Travelight BCD is an ideal companion for divers who are regularly traveling around the globe and one of the best travel BCDs on the market. This Cressi air travel BCD features a bladder made from a durable but lightweight 210 denier nylon while light alloy D-rings replace the bulkier stainless steel ones often found on BCD jackets. Despite the reduction in weight and bulk in this travel BCD, the Cressi Travelight can still support a fully integrated and quick-release weight system, with large, zippered pockets on either side of the BCD where you can stash accessories. There are easy-access pull-ups and quick-release buckles, as well as a padded back pad with twin cylinder bands.

WEIGHT: 5.5 lbs
STYLE: Jacket
MATERIALS: 210 Denier Nylon

Beginner / Intermediate

Another Zeagle scuba device that makes our list is the Zeagle Express Tech Deluxe – an ultra lightweight and super compact travel BCD that’s packed with high-performance features. This backplate BCD is reinforced for extra support while the small bladder keeps the profile of this Zeagle Tech BCD minimal, making it an ideal travel companion whether you’re diving on tropical reefs, exploring deep walls or cave diving. It’s also equipped with Zeagle’s Bx Power Inflator that rinses the internal bladder after every dive, helping to remove salt and sand to increase its lifespan. The only drawback of this dive BCD is the lack of storage space, with a few extra D-rings and pockets a welcome addition.

WEIGHT: 6.75 lbs
STYLE: Back inflation
MATERIALS: 1000 Denier Cordura

Beginner / Intermediate

Extremely lightweight, foldable for travel and a one-size-fits-all design – the Mares Hybrid BCD ticks all the right boxes. This scuba diving BCD is a great addition to your travel scuba gear kit or Mares scuba package, with a completely detachable harness and air cell so that it can be folded into a 17″ x 12″ x 12” unit for transport. Like the Mares Prime BCD, it features the MRS (Mechanical Release System) integrated weight pockets that can be released with a single outward pull and there are two additional 10-pound weight pockets attached to the tank strap. Seamless shoulder straps and padding result in a streamlined and comfortable fit, while ten lightweight aluminum D-rings (3 of which are customizable) allow you to attach a whole range of accessories.

WEIGHT: 7 lbs
STYLE: Hybrid
MATERIALS: 1000 Denier Cordura and Alutex

Intermediate

Built to reduce drag with its streamlined design, the Mares Dragon BCD has made an impact on the Mares diving equipment range thanks to its unique style. This scuba diving jacket is extremely comfortable, with wide padded shoulder straps, a cushioned back pad, and neoprene collar. It has an embrace-like design that makes you feel secure both in and out of the water, as well as three quick dump/overpressure relief valves. It features Mares Slide and Lock System (SLS) for easy weight release, with zippered weight pockets that show a green confirmation that they are correctly positioned, so there’s no second guessing on pre-dive checks. You can take advantage of the five stainless steel D-rings and zippered pockets for attaching accessories, while there’s also a whistle integrated into the upper chest strap. Although it’s not exactly lightweight, the BCD does have a robust feel about it and a lift of 42.5 pounds.

WEIGHT: 9.9 lbs
STYLE: Jacket
MATERIALS: Cordura 420 Nylon

Intermediate / Advanced

A great choice for bigger divers, the Sherwood Avid BCD 700 Series is one of the most comfortable scuba dive jackets on the market and wraps completely around the body for easy flotation. It’s recently been redesigned with more comfortable shoulder and waist straps for a better fit, together with a neoprene padded neck roll that doesn’t chafe, even after multiple dives. The CQR-3 system on this weight integrated BCD offers stability and easy insertion of weights, with large handles that can be manipulated, even with thick gloves on. There are six stainless steel D-rings for attaching accessories and zippered utility side pockets, together with three strategically placed dump valves.

WEIGHT: 9.8 lbs
STYLE: Jacket
MATERIALS: 500 and 1000 Denier Cordura

Intermediate / Advanced

Built for divers exploring both warm and temperate waters, the Zeagle Stiletto boasts many of the features mentioned in our Zeagle Ranger review, albeit without its twin tank capability. It’s highly durable and ruggedly designed to withstand abrasions on reefs or wrecks, with its warranty testament to the quality. There are two zippered pockets to stash accessories, together with five stainless steel D-rings and 35-pound lift capacity. It’s equipped with Zeagle’s Personal Fit System (PFS) sizing to ensure a snug fit, with padded lumbar support for added back comfort and soft shoulder straps. One of the best travel BCDs in 2023, it features a lightweight system that makes it an ideal travel companion.

WEIGHT: 7.4 lbs
STYLE: Back inflation
MATERIALS: 1000 Denier Cordura

Intermediate / Advanced

Packed with performance features, the Scubapro Knighthawk is a back flotation BCD that makes our top 10 scuba best BCD review for numerous reasons. It features a soft neoprene neck and padded back pad for extra comfort, together with Rotating Quick Release shoulder buckles that come with quick release buckles, ensuring the BCD is easy to put on and take off. It’s equipped with Scubapro’s Balanced Power Inflator Mechanism for high inflation speeds and perfect buoyancy control, as well as a three-dump deflation system that allows you to dump air from various underwater positions. All in all, it’s a sound addition to any Scubapro package, and one of the best back inflate travel BCDs currently available.

WEIGHT: 9.24lbs
STYLE: Back inflation
MATERIALS: 1000 Denier Cordura

Intermediate / Advanced

Originally designed for cave divers and those accessing narrow spaces, this side-mount BCD from Hollis can be used by divers in open water and overhead environments. It’s suitable for side mounting either single or twin cylinders, which not only gives you full visibility over your system but also aids buoyancy control and creates a more streamlined profile for wreck diving. This Hollis travel BCD is ruggedly designed and offers 52 pounds of lift, while also featuring upper and lower cam band slots for mounting a rear tank. With side mounting gaining momentum in the dive industry, this is a great option for those wanting to invest in one of the most innovative scuba brands.

WEIGHT: 7.4 lbs
STYLE: Back inflation
MATERIALS: 1000 Denier Cordura

Intermediate / Advanced

Combining a heavy duty construction with rear flotation and weight integration, the Zeagle Ranger BCD is a pioneer in its class. Its modular construction makes it highly adaptable to tropical diving and cold water conditions, with the ability to transition seamlessly between single or twin cylinders, as well as wet or dry suits. It can be paired with a whole variety of accessories, including hard backplates, bladders, and pockets, with enough D-rings for adding gear to your jacket. Geared towards advanced divers, this Zeagle BCD is also highly compatible for technical diving or for beginner divers wanting to invest in a BCD that’s built to last. While its weightiness means it might not be your first choice as a travel BCD, its ability to transform with your diving needs and experience makes it one of the most popular, (and imitated) best BCDs on the market.

WEIGHT: 10.8 lbs
STYLE: Back inflation
MATERIALS: Nylon and urethane

Intermediate / Advanced

Whether you’re looking for brand new scuba travel BCD packages or searching for used scuba gear for sale online, it’s important that you take into consideration a number of factors relating to your diving experience and personal preferences.

Selecting your size

While some scuba travel BCDs are designed to be one-size-fits-all, others are available in various different sizes. Always check the manufacturer’s chart to find your suitable size when buying online, with women’s buoyancy compensator options usually available in most models.

Weight and lift

Some buoyancy control devices come with integrated weight pockets that can easily be dumped in emergencies. In some cases, you will still need to wear a weight belt and additional weights, so take this into consideration when browsing scuba diving vests.

On the other hand, lift refers to the amount of negative weight that the diving vest can float, with some people naturally more buoyant than others. The thickness of the wetsuit will also affect your buoyancy, as will the type and temperature of water you’re diving in, with cold water requiring more lift than tropical water diving.

Size

Size does matter, particularly if you’re often traveling to dive. A compact and lightweight scuba diving buoyancy control device is recommended to keep baggage weight down, although you should keep in mind that these probably won’t have the lift capacity of weightier models, so shouldn’t be used for cold water or technical diving.