Buoyancy Control Devices (BCDs) are a vital piece of any scuba diver’s equipment. The quality of your BCD can make or break a dive. Rental options at dive schools around the world can be hit and miss in terms of fit, quality and how well maintained they are.

BCDs come in few different styles, each with their own positives and negatives;

Jacket

This is the most common type of BCD. Shaped like a sleeveless vest, the bladder inflates on the front, sides and rear of the diver, helping with vertical positioning in the water. They can come equipped with pockets for storage, D-rings for attachments and weight integration systems. This style is the most common seen in recreational diving but can be bulky and restrict movement.

Back Inflation (Wings BCD)

This style of BCD inflates on the back, around the cylinder. They can be more comfortable to wear, provide fantastic freedom of movement and make you more aquadynamic. Being streamlined in the water makes you a more efficient diver and you will use less energy and gas, making your dive times longer. On the downside they can make vertical orientation more difficult.

They are mainly used by intermediate and experienced divers.

Hybrid BCD

This is a combination of the BCDs mentioned above. They have air bladders at the back of the BCD, as well as around the torso. This provides horizontal stability underwater, as well as vertical stability at the surface. This style of BCD helps you control buoyancy while keeping you comfortable and unrestricted in both horizontal and vertical positions.

Mares have a proven track record in manufacturing a wide range of quality scuba diving equipment including BCD’s that fit the different styles discussed. This is why we choose to supply their products on our store. Here are some of our favourites;

Mares Prestige (Male / Female Jacket)

Jacket style BCD with integrated weight system including trim weight pockets, at an affordable low price. It is highly durable and has incredible lifting capacity. It weighs just over 3.9kg / 8.5lbs and has 6x D-rings so offers a customisable set-up and is perfect for a variety of attachments and ease of access. Great introductory BCD!

Mares Magellan (Travel)

Jacket style BCD with integrated weight pockets. There is no rigid backplate, enabling the BCD to be rolled up and packed with ease. It weights 2.1kg / 4.6lbs, which is a huge benefit in terms of space and weight allowance when travelling. The design allows freedom of movement and the strap is highly adjustable, providing a better fit for women.

Mares Bolt (Wing)

Wing style BCD with integrated weight pockets and a lumbar support system. The bladder of the BCD inflates behind you around your cylinder which holds you in a horizontal position in the water, providing unrestricted freedom of movement. This coupled with the intelligent trim weight positioning will greatly assist with buoyancy control. The BCD is also good for travel, weighing in at 3.9kg / 8.5lbs.

Mares Dragon SLS (Hybrid)

Hybrid style BCD with a high lift capacity fusion bladder and integrated weight system. It is comfortable, convenient, innovative and incredibly robust. It has a single plate backrest suitable for single or twin cylinders. There is separation between the bag and straps which permits a wider range of movement and greater stability of the bag itself, even when making adjustments during the dive. The BCD weighs 4.5kg / 9.9lbs.