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 popularity is gaining rapidly. To help you in your selection process I have created a buying guide and selected a range of the best back inflate BCDs for a variety of diving styles for your consideration.
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:
Below is a detailed description and comparison of the best back inflate BCDs of 2019. For each BCD key features and specifications are outlined. Videos are provided to fill in the gaps and demonstrate. At the end is a comparison table.
Best Back Inflate BCD Reviews
- Hollis HD 200
- Zeagle Stiletto
- Oceanic Biolite
- Apeks Black Ice
- Scubapro Knighthawk
- Scubapro Hydros Pro
- Zeagle Ranger
- Oceanic Excursion
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 in donning, doffing and adjustment.
Accessory attachment is made easy with an abundance of D-rings, 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
- Pros: heavy duty construction, back pad, and lumbar support, good sized pockets
- Cons: heavy and bulky
- 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
- Pros: sturdy design
- Cons: padding a bit inadequate for some, inflation hose a little short
It only weighs 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg) and 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
- 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 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
- Pros: durable for heavy use
- Cons: bulky, not great for travel
The Knighthawk has 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 make 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
- 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
- Pros: packs easily, durable non-fabric materials
- Cons: fairly expensive
The Zeagle Ranger is a top quality heavy duty BCD.
- 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 waist, chest, and shoulders
- Pros: durable, comfortable, can accommodate single or twin tanks
- Cons: bulky for packing, not ideal for 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
- Pros: durable for heavy use
- Cons: bulky, not great for travel
| Picture | BCD | Best Suited For | Lift Capacity | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Picture | Wetsuit | 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 | $$ |
For more information concerning BCDs, please check this review:
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Best Scuba Gear Packages Buying Guide
Scuba equipment that is a bad fit or designed for men or “generic” divers can be uncomfortable and even unsafe to use. That’s particularly true for a BCD that can slide around, pinch, or generally make you miserable. When you spring for your own equipment why not get a BCD that is designed for a woman’s anatomy and figure? There are many on the market today created with you in mind. I will try to make the selection process a bit easier by presenting key factors in the design and use of a BCD and then introduce a range of some of the top models. After that is a table for you to compare important features.
Perfect for beginners, the Cressi Start Pro is a simple, comfortable and practical jacket BCD that fits all sizes and the female anatomy well. It’s rugged and durable with a streamlined underwater profile and strong ascension capacity with an integrated ballast system improved over previous models, making it flatter, lighter and discreet. It also has back pockets for additional ballast.
