Jacket-style BCs offer a sense of security by wrapping around you like a comfortable coat. Bladders are positioned under your arms, on your waist and, to a lesser degree, behind you. These BCs tend to be stable and are less dependent on trim weights to ensure a good swimming attitude. They also float you on the surface in a more comfortable position. However, jacket-style BCs are bulky when compared with back-buoyancy BCs, and some styles can cause body squeeze when fully inflated.

Back-buoyancy BCs are more streamlined, with all inflation behind you. With back-buoyancy BCs, you’ll never suffer from body squeeze, and the separation of air cell from harness on some models allows you to mix and match. However, the positioning of ballast and trim weights is critical for maintaining stability and a good swimming attitude. Get it wrong, and you’ll be constantly fighting a tendency to roll or pitch. Float comfortably on the surface by minimizing rather than maximizing inflation.

Hybrid BCs usually feature a rear air bladder balanced by some additional buoyancy around the waist. Hybrids do have a bit more bulk in the waist area than a back-buoyancy BC, but they’re good for divers who like rear inflation but find that back-buoyancy BCs tend to pitch them forward.

Want to learn more about BCs?
The 5 Basic Parts of a BC | 5 Ways to Care for Your BC