| |Whether you need a healthy dose of lift capacity for cold-water diving or a sleek, travel-friendly rig, there's no shortage of options on the market. But the real key to buoyancy bliss is finding the BC that matches both your diving and economic needs. So we've wet-tested nine hand-picked models that cover the spectrum from basic to bad-to-the-bone.| |
| SCUBAMAX VERSA 3000 Need lots of lift for cold-water diving? Consider the versa 3000. it delivers the stability of a jacket-style BC and all the standard features - like roomy cargo pockets and integrated weights - but it also offers a hefty 51 pounds of lift (size large). We also like the foldable, soft backpack design and the very modest price.MSRP $311.19 CONTACT scubamax.us| |CRESSI AQUAPRO 5 A BC that excels locally and travels well, the AquaPro 5 has a rigid tank pack for stability carry handle for hauling. A special "gravity" ditch-weight system makes it easy to eject ballast, and our testers appreciated the ergonomic power inflator and multiple exhaust valves.MSRP $399.95 CONTACT cressi.com|
| |
| SEASOFT SEA LION this jacket-style rig has a unique harness that offers two adjustments for the shoulder straps - one vertical and one under the arms. the result is a dialed-in fit and great feel. A top-loading integrated-weight system is effortless to use but comes at the expense of cargo pockets. We think it's a solid choice for cool water, with more than 40 pounds of lift capacity in the top two sizes.MSRP $489.99 CONTACT seasoft.com| |AQUA LUNG PRO LT By trimming a few creature comforts, Aqua lung has lightened the Pro lt by a full pound and slashed $100 off its price tag, compared with the Pro QD model. Most important, it left all the basic performance in place. Divers get the upgraded surelock ii integrated-weight system, lots of cargo capacity, a stable backpack and excellent ergonomics.MSRP $450 CONTACT aqualung.com|
| |
| SCUBAPRO SEAHAWK Our crew loved the Seahawk for its functionality and comfort. Extra touches like swiveling shoulder buckles, a soft neoprene neck roll and Scubapro's Super Cinch tank-strap buckle made it just plain fun to dive. A great choice for divers who like the mobility of backinflation BCs, the feature-rich Seahawk also has noteworthy cargo capacity.MSRP $604 ($725 w/ Air2) CONTACT scubapro.com| |SHERWOOD LUNA A 3-D air cell with wraparound buoyancy and the Luna's plush interior and back padding helped ratchet up the comfort quotient. Sculpted shoulder straps, a well-designed inflator and the CQR-2 integrated-weight system all met approval in form and function. Modest weight capacity makes it OK for temperate water but excellent for warmer climes.MSRP $550 CONTACT sherwoodscuba.com|
| |
| BARE CURVE The Curve is a rugged dive warrior that offers plenty of adjustments for the feminine form. Our divers found it easy to use in all regards, from making ascents to loading and ditching weights. A pair of cargo pockets and eight Drings allow for ample accessories, and the 35-pound lift capacity and rear-air cell make it highly versatile.MSRP $549.95 CONTACT baresports.com| |IST J-1000 ALPHA The go-anywhere jacketstyle BC gives divers all they need. We like the secure feel of the Personal Harness System, which is highly adjustable and separate from the air cell. We also like the cargo capacity offered by nine D-rings and two large side pockets. double-locking integrated- weight system keeps ballast well secured but still easy to ditch.MSRP $560 CONTACT istsports.com|
| |
| ZEAGLE TECH 10 When it's time to add some "tec" to your diving, this Zeagle BC can handle it. whopping 65 pounds lift capacity via a rear-mount air cell will manage single or double tanks. The harness is ultrasecure, with a pair of buckled straps up front and available saddle-style crotch strap underneath. We also like that both front and rear weight pouches can be ditched.MSRP $789 CONTACT zeagle.com|
Special thanks to Dixie Divers in Deerfield Beach, Florida (dixiediver.com), for hosting the Sport Diver crew aboard the lady go Diver.
