Updated February 20, 2024
Historically back inflate BCDs were primarily used in technical diving. They offer a better range of motion and underwater streamlining and accommodate a variety of accessories. Designers have been making them more versatile for use in a variety of situations and their popularity is gaining rapidly.
To help you in your research process some of the best back-inflate BCDs have been selected as an introduction. First is a comparison table, followed by descriptions, key features, pros & cons, photos, videos, and a buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know in the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
Best Back Inflate BCDs Comparison Table
| Picture | BCD | Best Suited For | Lift Capacity | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Hollis HD 200 | Advanced | 35 to 45 pounds (15.8 to 20.5 kg) | 4.9 | $$ |
  | Zeagle Stiletto | Advanced/Travel | 35 pounds 15.8 kg | 5 | $$ |
  | Oceanic Biolite | Recreational/Travel | 32 to 38 pounds (14.5 to 17.24 kg) | 4.6 | $ |
  | Apeks Black Ice | Advanced/Cold Water | 52 pounds (23.63 kg) | 4.8 | $$ |
  | Scubapro Knighthawk | All Around | 33.7 to 44.9 pounds (15.3 to 20.4kg) | 4.5 | $$ |
  | Scubapro Hydros Pro | All Around | 36-40.5 pounds (16.36-18.3 kg) | 4.8 | $$$ |
  | Zeagle Ranger | Advanced/Tech | 44 pounds (20 kg) | 4.8 | $$ |
  | Oceanic Excursion | All Around | 38 to 52 pounds (17.27 to 23.63 kg) | 4.5 | $$ |
| Picture | Wetsuit | Best Suited For | Lift Capacity | Rating | Price |
Best Back Inflate BCD Reviews
- Hollis HD 200
- Zeagle Stiletto
- Oceanic Biolite
- Apeks Black Ice
- Scubapro Knighthawk
- Scubapro Hydros Pro
- Zeagle Ranger
- Oceanic Excursion
Comfort, function, and durability – the HD 200 is everything the advanced sport diver could ask for.
It has a combination of tech/rec features that provide comfort and function in heavy-duty construction and innovative design to make this BC the best in its class.
For comfort, there is a lightweight, contoured backpack padded for full support of the back and neck. A custom fit is assured with a specially designed system of straps, buckles, and mounting locations for ease of donning, doffing, and adjustment.
Accessory attachment is made easy with an abundance of D-rings, and zippered pockets with mounting grommets.
The power inflator mechanism is specially designed for maximum buoyancy and trim.
- Best use: advanced divers
- Material: 1000 denier Cordura with PU lamination outer shell & 15mm urethane internal bladder
- Lift capacity: 35 -45 pounds (15.8 – 20.4 kg)
- Weight: 9.4 pounds (4.3 kg)
- Capacity: releasable – two 10-pound (4.5 kg) pockets, two 5-pound (2.27 kg) rear non-releasable trim pockets
- Women’s version: N/A
- Price: $$
- Rating: 4.9
Pros: heavy-duty construction, back pad, and lumbar support, good-sized pockets
Cons: heavy and bulky
The Zeagle Stiletto is a rugged travel BCD yet with all the features of a traditional BCD.
Its harness can be easily adjusted to fit most body types. This model is lightweight for travel and to be used for both warm and temperate water diving.
Its lift and weight capacity are sufficient for most divers to use at their local dive sites, yet it packs up light and easy.
- Best Use: advanced divers
- Material: 1000 Denier Nylon Bladder Material
- Lift capacity: 35 pounds (15.8 kg)
- Weight: 7.4 pounds (3.36 kg)
- Capacity: releasable – 24 pounds (10.9 kg), non-releasable – 16 pounds (7.26 kg) Women’s version: N/A
- Price: $$
- Rating: 5
Pros: sturdy design
Cons: padding is a bit inadequate for some, inflator hose is a little short
The new Biolite BC, the ultimate travel BC, has introduced a new color scheme and a streamlined integrated weight system.
The Biolite is simple with a clean, straightforward design that focuses on comfort and convenience in a very lightweight piece of luggage.
It only weighs 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg) and is a low-profile flexible backpack, making it easy to fold in half when packed for travel.
- Best Use: recreational diving, travel
- Material: patented Bioflex bladder, (Bioflex material- a living fabric that stretches)
- Lift capacity: 32 to 38 pounds (14.5 to 17.24 kg)
- Weight: 5.5 pound (2.5 kg)
- Capacity: releasable – 14 pounds (6.4 kg), trim pockets – dual 5 pounds (2.3 kg)
- Women’s version: Oceanic Biolite Women’s
- Price: $
- Rating: 4.6
Pros: Lightweight, takes up little space so ideal for travel
Cons: Not as stable as some other models
The Apeks Black Ice has heavy-duty construction suitable for regular diving and cold water.
The design has made it easy to fit different body types and to put on and take off and there are lots of storage points for accessories.
This weight-integrated model has plenty of lift and padding for you when combined with a heavy exposure suit.
- Best Use: advanced, cold water
- Material: 840 Denier Fabric with Urethane Laminate Interior
- Lift capacity: 52 pounds (23.63 kg)
- Weight: 9.7 pounds (4.4 kg)
- Capacity: releasable – 32 pounds (14.5 kg), non-releasable – 10 pounds (4.5 kg)
- Women’s version: NA
- Flexible backplate, metal D-rings, adjustable waist and chest straps that suit all heights
- Price: $$
- Rating: 4.8
Pros: durable for heavy use
Cons: bulky, not great for travel
The Knighthawk has a comfortable neoprene neck roll and foam back pad.
Along with swiveling buckles and easily adjustable straps, all body types fit comfortably in this BCD.
The sturdy design with welded seams and plenty of lift capacity makes it suitable for rigorous conditions.
There’s adequate storage space with stainless steel D-rings and 2 roll-up expandable pockets.
Key Features
- Best Use: all around
- Women’s version: Scubapro Ladyhawk
- Material: 1000-Denier Inner Bladder: 420-Denier Nylon
Urethane Internal Laminate Interior - Lift capacity: 33.7 to 44.9 pounds (15.3 to 20.4 kg)
- Weight: 7.2 to 8.13 pounds (3.261 to 3.68kg)
- Capacity: releasable – 20 to 24 pounds (9.1 to 11 kg), non-releasable – 10 pounds (4.5 kg)
- Available with Air 2 alternate inflator (optional)
- 3 dump deflation system
- Stainless steel D-rings, flexible easy to pack backplate, expandable pockets
- Price: $$
- Rating: 4.5
Pros: durable and comfortable
Cons: bulky, storage pockets small
The Scubapro Hydros has a minimalist design of durable components that is comfortable for all body shapes.
It has a monprene fast-drying harness and lots of injection-molded plastic parts for a fabric-free, very lightweight construction.
It is streamlined and extremely rugged for daily use or travel.
Key Features
- Best Use: all around
- Women’s version: Scubapro Hydros Pro
- Lift capacity: 36 to 40.5 pounds (16.3 to 18.3 kg)
- Capacity: releasable – 24 pounds (11 kg), non-releasable – 9 pounds (4 kg)
- Weight: 8 to 9 pounds (3.63 to 4.09 kg)
- Available with Air 2 alternate inflator (optional)
- 2 stainless steel D-rings, 2 dump valves
- No pockets, crotch strap available
- Price: $$$
- Rating: 4.8
Pros: packs easily, durable non-fabric materials
Cons: fairly expensive
The Zeagle Ranger is a top-quality heavy-duty BCD.
Due to modular construction, it is able to adapt to warm and cold water diving, in wet or dry suits.
It allows single or twin cylinders and even technical divers can use it with its ability to include bladder assemblies of up to 2 X 85-pound lift and easily mounted back plates.
- Best Use: advanced or technical diving
- Material: 1050 Denier Nylon
- Lift capacity: 44lbs. (20kg)
- Capacity: releasable weight – 36 pounds (16.33 kg), non-releasable – 16 pounds (7.26 kg)
- Weight: 8.4 lbs (3.8 kg) to 9.5lbs (4.3kg)
- Women’s version: Zeagle Ranger Women’s
- Many attachment points, adjustable straps for the waist, chest, and shoulders
- Price: $$
- Rating: 4.8
Pros: durable, comfortable, can accommodate single or twin tanks
Cons: bulky for packing, not ideal for a recreational or beginner diver
The Oceanic Excursion is another durable weight-integrated model ready for regular use under rigorous and cold conditions.
It is well padded, stable, and comfortable with lots of storage points, plenty of lift, and a great ergonomic design.
- Best Use: all around
- Material: 1600 Fadeless Nylon Fabric with Bioflex air cell interior
- Lift capacity: 38 to 52 pounds (17.27 to 23.63 kg)
- Weight: 9.3 pounds (4.23 kg)
- Capacity: releasable – 26 pounds (12 kg), non-releasable – 10 pounds (4.5 kg)
- Women’s version: NA
- Flexible backplate, metal D-rings, adjustable waist and chest straps that suit all heights
- Price: $$
- Rating: 4.5
Pros: durable for heavy use
Cons: bulky, not great for travel
Best Back Inflate BCD Buying Guide
For a detailed introduction and key considerations when selecting a BCD including back-inflate BCDs, with photos, videos, and maintenance guidelines, please click here:
For more information concerning BCDs, please check these reviews:
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