April 2007

By Bill Kendig

Photography by Joseph Byrd

| Scuba Lab 10 New BCs Chart--(36K PDF)|
Models Reviewed

| Aeris: Caribe Oceanic: Reef Pro Sea Quest: Latitude XLT Sea Quest: Pacifica Sea Quest: Pro QD i3| Seasoft: Pro DUI: Delta Wings H2Odyssey: Venture Tusa: BCJ-6900 X-Pert BB Aeris: Atmos LX|
The 10 BCs submitted for our latest review of this important piece of dive gear are truly a mixed bag. They run the gamut in prices, features, and styles (we have six jacket-style BCs, three back-buoyancy units, and one hybrid design), and their designs range from traditional to cutting-edge.

To help you sort out which of these models deserves a place in your gear bag, we ran them through Scuba Lab's standard BC test regimen. After making sure all the models submitted were in proper working order, we hit the pool to perform a series of objective performance measurements: Actual buoyancy compared to manufacturers' specs; inherent buoyancy; and deflate valve flow rates. The results are found here. With this data in hand, we assembled a team of volunteer test divers from the Southern California area and gave them the task of being your stand-in for the ergonomic evaluation of how these BCs perform in real-world use. During the course of three days of diving off the charter vessel Sunfish, each of our six divers took each BC out for a dive in the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. From the moment they mounted the BCs to their tanks to the moment they handed them back to our test supervisors, these divers were making notes, providing comments and rating performance in eight crucial areas of performance (Download 10 New BCs chart--36K PDF).

The following reviews, presented in alphabetical order by style of BC, reflect the consensus scores and comments of the test divers and are intended to help you evaluate which BC is best for you. For additional tips and advice on selecting a BC, see "Find a BC that Fits".

Aeris: Caribe/Oceanic: Reef Pro

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| | Aeris: Caribe| Oceanic: Reef Pro| Pro: Precise ascent control; easy assembly; low price.
Con: Few amenities, rear pull dump available only as an option.
Bottom line: If you're on a budget, don't need an integrated-weight system and like to keep things simple, you'll love these BCs. If you need more features, keep looking.

Virtual twins, the Aeris Caribe and Oceanic Reef Pro are basic "no-frills" jacket-style BCs that provide good in-water performance for divers on a budget. Test divers told us both BCs were stable in the water and that ascent control was a breeze, thanks to ergonomic inflater controls and large, easy-to-find dump valve toggles. Assembly with both models is quick and simple with the integrated carry handle and an adjustable tank-positioning strap. The Caribe and the Reef Pro have the lowest suggested retail price among the BCs in this review ($309.95), so don't expect features and amenities other than two roomy cargo pockets secured by Velcro flaps. There's a place for a rear pull dump, but the valve itself is a $12.95 upgrade.

Sea Quest: Latitude XLT

| | Sea Quest: Latitude XLT| Latitude XLT (Octo-Pocket)| Pros: Comfortable fit; easy adjustments; excellent integrated-weight system.
Cons: Nearly useless cargo pockets.
Bottom line: The pros of this BC outweigh the cons-unless you really need those pockets.

When Sea Quest decided to upgrade its Latitude BC, the manufacturer didn't hold back. The new Latitude XLT has so many improvements that it's virtually a brand-new model. The most noticeable improvement is the addition of the SureLock integrated-weight system, which test divers said "loads and ditches oh so easily." Less conspicuous is the expansion gusset built into the lower lobe of the air cell, creating extra lift without adding bulk under your arms. Other features include a new Octo-Pocket to corral your alternate air source hose, an adjustable chest strap, and a molded carry handle. Our test divers all agreed the Latitude XLT was comfortable and offered easy adjustment. However, they were also unanimous in their dislike of the cargo pockets, which have little usable volume when the integrated-weight system pouches are loaded.

Sea Quest: Pacifica

| | Sea Quest: Pacifica| Pros: Comfortable fit; great stability; reasonable price.
Cons: Very few extras-no integrated-weight system, no rear dump valve.
Bottom line: A good option for the keep-it-simple diver, but a bit too basic for others.

For basic buoyancy control at a budget-friendly price, the Pacifica answers the call. The BC registers less than a pound of inherent buoyancy, which is about as good as it gets in modern designs. In our test of deflate valves, all of the Pacifica's standard options were able to stay ahead of the inflater. Test divers told us this keep-it-simple BC was a great all-around performer in the water and "a good base model." They found it to be comfortable with ample adjustments, thought it provided a stable ride underwater, and reported it was easy to control during ascents. The adjustable cummerbund and wide snap clip at the waist provided a secure fit, and the BC provided an upright attitude at the surface. A stripped-down model, the Pacifica comes with huge cargo pockets and attachment grommets for a knife or retractor, but no other amenities like an integrated-weight system. About the only thing we found truly missing was the rear pull dump valve, which is available as an option. All in all, this is another good choice if you're on a tight budget, or you're a beginning diver.

Sea Quest: Pro QD i3

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| | Sea Quest: Pro QD i3| Pro QD i3 integrated inflate/deflate system| Pros: Intriguing inflate/deflate system; comfortable fit; nice integrated-weight system.
Cons: Hefty price tag.
Bottom line: A great BC in all respects, and if the i3 inflate/deflate system captures your imagination, chances are you won't mind the price.

"Pretty near perfect" is how one test diver described the new Pro QD i3, which received the highest scores from test divers in this BC test. From contoured shoulders to swiveling buckles to the efficient SureLock integrated-weight system, there are a lot of nice features on this new BC but none more noteworthy than the new i3 integrated inflate/deflate system. It replaces the traditional corrugated inflater hose with an inflate/deflate lever that is conveniently located on the left lobe of the BC, where your hand can find it every time. Lift the lever to ascend, press down to descend. To vent air, internal push rods mechanically open both the right shoulder and lower rear deflate valves simultaneously, and in our tests, we were able to empty the BC in seconds during both feet-first and head-first descents. Of course, innovation comes at a Price: $655, the highest suggested retail among the BCs in this review.

Seasoft: Pro

| | Seasoft: Pro| Pros: The ability to customize fit; good swimming attitude; built-in retractors.
Cons: No cargo pockets; pretty high price tag.
Bottom line: If you need a custom fit, this versatile BC delivers with a unique design.

The new Pro BC is all about customized fit. It's available in just two sizes-regular and XL-which Seasoft claims can adapt to fit nearly every diver, thanks to the wide range of adjustment built into the shoulder straps and cummerbund. It takes a few minutes to make the adjustments, but once they're set you can forget about them. All of our test divers were able to find a snug fit with the regular-sized Pro and found it provided a comfortable swimming attitude underwater and at the surface. The integrated-weight system was a favorite among our test divers, too. Weights are easily loaded into the zippered pouches and just as easily ditched by yanking down on the mechanical release handles. There are no cargo pockets on this BC. Instead, you get a custom light pocket with retractor (conveniently filled at the factory with an included UK SL4 dive light) and a second retractor with a brass clip for securing gauges.

DUI: Delta Wings

| | DUI: Delta Wings| Pros: Rugged, yet comfortable; wide range of adjustments; zero inherent buoyancy.
Cons: Small cargo pockets.
Bottom line: Who says a BC can't be tough and comfortable at the same time?

The upgraded Delta Wings BC from DUI is a one-size-fits-all BC that delivers on its promise. Lift the cushiony backpad and you'll find an adjustment gauge that lets you modify the fit for divers ranging from small to XL and anywhere in between. Our test divers, ranging from 120-pound women to 240-pound men, were all able to make it their own with a few quick and easy adjustments. It's a rugged BC, complete with heavy-duty D-rings and stainless-steel tank buckles, but its soft-pack design lends itself to comfortable warm-water diving, too. The integrated-weight pockets are easy to load, thanks to the included mesh pouches, and they ditch with a ripcord-style release. Recent changes to the design include a new circular air cell that boasts 45 pounds of lift, small zippered cargo pockets on the outside of the weight pouches, and a comfortable carrying handle. The BC comes with an optional waist belt that can be changed out for non-weight-integrated diving or those who prefer using DUI's Weight & Trim harness system. Two built-in retractors are a nice alternative to the small zippered pockets. One more nice surprise: the Delta Wings was the only BC with zero inherent buoyancy.

H2Odyssey: Venture

| | H2Odyssey: Venture| The Venture shown above includes an alternate air source, which is a $105 upgrade.| Pros: Stable in-water performance; unique design.
Cons: Lots of inherent buoyancy.
Bottom line: The concept takes some getting used to, but in the water, where it counts, this BC held its own.

The H2Odyssey Venture is one of the truly unique BC designs for 2007. The wings of its 30-pound air cell wrap around the tank and are housed inside a zippered neoprene sleeve for a streamlined profile. Inside the sleeve there's a standard tank band, plus a stabilizing strap that also acts as an attachment point for trim weights. To test this BC, our divers used a range of tanks from a small steel 80 to a steel 120 and found the Venture to be a stable swimmer with all of them. The one drawback to this design, however, is the inherent buoyancy of the neoprene sleeve, which we measured at just over three pounds-the most of any BC in this review.

Tusa: BCJ-6900 X-Pert BB

| | Tusa: BCJ-6900 X-Pert BB| Pros: Compact, streamlined and comfortable.
Cons: Small cargo pockets; some inherent buoyancy.
Bottom line: All the performance and features of bulkier BCs in a travel-friendly package.

The new Tusa X-Pert BB (Back Buoyancy) was one of the most streamlined and comfortable BCs we tested this year, and our divers found a lot to like from start to finish. For starters, the tank band has a unique cam buckle with a flat spot, which provides a "half closed" position, allowing for easier lock-down. This BC also has a lower stabilizing strap to prevent tank wobble, and a tank-positioning strap, which is always helpful when setting up a weight-integrated BC. Test divers found the integrated-weight system "easy to load and extremely secure," but what impressed them most was the way the BC fit: "like a glove" and with "no bulkiness in the chest area." Ascent control ranked high thanks to a low-profile inflater control and the most alternate dump valves (three) of any of the BCs we tested. Our testing uncovered only two minor complaints: The cargo pockets are a little small, and we measured more than two pounds of inherent buoyancy-an acceptable amount but surprising for such a streamlined BC.

Aeris: Atmos LX

| | Aeris: Atmos LX| Pros: Comfortable fit; good adjustments; extra-secure weight system.
Cons: Small cargo pockets.
Bottom line: A good all-around BC with the fit, feature and in-water performance to make most divers happy.

The Atmos LX was the only hybrid BC submitted for this review. The thinking behind this design is to provide the best performance of both, jacket- and back-buoyancy style BCs by putting most of the air cell (and bulk) behind you while keeping just enough lift around the waist to enhance stability on the surface. Mission accomplished: Our test divers found it to be a stable BC with a good swimming attitude. They also liked the QLR weight system, thanks to weight pouch inserts that have a stiff, pre-bent backing to keep a contour shape and allow for easier loading. Test divers also commented that the Atmos LX was a very comfortable BC. A depth-compensating cummerbund, reinforced contour shoulders, quick-release shoulder straps, a thick backpad and an adjustable chest strap with multiple mounting points all work together to provide a comfortable fit. The cargo pockets have great zippers with extended pull-tabs, but space gets squeezed out when weight pouches are full.

First Look

Mares: Icon BC

| | Mares: Icon BC| Choosing a travel-friendly BC usually comes down to a trade-off: Which features and how much lift capacity do you give up to get a travel-friendly size and weight? Not so with the new Icon BC-a full-sized, full-featured back-buoyancy model that folds up into a neat bundle thanks to Mares' new Quick-Pak system.

The Icon is so new that we were only able to get one size (large) to evaluate for this review. While this eliminated it from our full battery of tests, the test divers who fit the BC were impressed. The Icon's back-inflation air cell has more than enough lift for temperate waters (44 pounds in size large), but stays streamlined thanks to an elastic retaining system. The MRS-Plus integrated weight pouches and the additional trim pockets offer enough ballast (36 pounds combined in size large) for even dry suit divers. Soft padding, a plush lining, and a padded neoprene collar make this a very comfortable BC, while pre-shaped, pivoting shoulder straps let you customize the fit. In the water, the semi-hard-pack design controls tank wobble, and the BC provided excellent trim and balance.

When it's time to pack up, the BC folds up in such a way that the shoulder straps clip together with the trim weight buckles to hold the bundle together.

By the time you read this, the Icon and the women's version, the Aliikai (see p. 70), should be available from Mares retailers. Price: $525. Contact: www.mares.com.

Second Look

Zeagle: Scout

| | Zeagle: Scout| The Zeagle Scout has been tweaked since we first reviewed it in March of 2002, and is now classified as a warm-water or travel BC. We took the opportunity of our recent BC test to dive the updated Scout in both the cold waters of California and in a more suitable climate-comfortable 80-degree waters. True to its classification, the BC performed best in the warm-water setting (where less ballast is required.) The reason: The weight pouches of the integrated-weight system are positioned back alongside the tank. Each holds up to 10 pounds of lead, but we found that when fully loaded, the BC had a tendency to rotate the diver to one side or the other. When we dived it in 80-degree temps and with only four pounds of lead in each pocket, this issue disappeared completely, and the streamlined BC moved easily through the water. Thanks to twin tank bands, there is no wobble. And thanks to a soft-pack design, the Scout is very light and packs well. Price: $315. Contact: www.zeagle.com.

Find a BC that Fits

The single most important thing to look for in a BC is a snug, comfortable fit. Your BC and tank should move with you like an extension of your body, and when you add air to your BC on the surface, it should lift your body, not float off you. When you're trying a BC on for size, here's how to find one that is a perfect fit for your body:

• Suit up. Wear the exposure suit you're most likely to use with the BC. Then mount the BC to a tank before trying it on.

• Start with the cummerbund. Leave all other straps loose, and tighten the cummerbund (or waist strap if there is no cummerbund) until the weight of the tank rests comfortably and snugly on your hips. If it's a Velcro closure, there should be about four inches of overlap, so you can adjust for either a thinner suit or a thicker one. If the cummerbund is obviously too short or too long, ask the store personnel to show you how to adjust the length.

• Buckle up. Start with the chest strap. Cinch it to a comfortable position. Next, take the slack out of the shoulder straps, but don't overtighten them. Now look in a mirror. Buckles should be in the middle of their adjustment ranges.

• Inflate the BC all the way. If there is body squeeze, make sure it doesn't restrict your breathing or mobility.

• Deflate the BC. Twist left and right. Walk around the store a little. Your BC and tank should move with you like an extension of your body.

• Load it and ditch it. With weight-integrated BCs, load the pouches with the normal amount of weight you wear on a dive. Now, without looking, see how easy and intuitive it is to quickly ditch the weight pockets.

How and Why We Test BCs

The goal of every Scuba Lab gear review is to help you be an informed consumer of dive gear. Our reviews are impartial and rooted in both objective measurements of raw performance and the feedback of multiple test divers-folks just like you who know what really matters to divers. On the following charts, you will find the results of both types of testing.

Objective Performance Measurements

• Inherent buoyancy. This test measures how much lift the BC has when all air is dumped from the air cell. Since every pound of inherent buoyancy in a BC is a pound you have to offset with additional ballast, less inherent buoyancy is always better. We consider three pounds of inherent buoyancy to be acceptable; between one and two pounds average; less than one pound exceptionally good.

• Deflate Valve Function. The full details of this test are outlined in the chart. The short version: We believe the standard deflate valves on each BC should individually be able to vent the air cell at a pace that keeps up with the inflate valve in order to allow the diver to maintain buoyancy control if the inflater valve is stuck in the "open" position. Each valve that can do so gets a "yes." Ergonomic Tests

Our ergonomic tests are designed to tell you how dive gear functions in everyday use. Test divers use a 1 to 5 rating system to score each area of performance. The average score for each area is presented in the chart.

• Ascent Control: An evaluation of how easily the BC can be used to control a normal ascent.

• Attitude and Stability: Evaluated while swimming underwater to determine if the BC will keep the diver in the proper swimming position without wobbling.

• Weight Ditching: An evaluation of how easy or difficult it is to ditch weights in a simulated emergency situation.

• Valve Operation: Evaluated by the ease with which a diver can find and use the oral and power inflaters, the oral deflate held overhead, the pull dump and the remote exhaust valve(s).

• Comfort and Adjustment: Checked both in and out of the water with the BC strapped to a tank.

• Assembly: Performed on deck without instructions.

• Weight Loading: An evaluation of how easy or difficult it is for a diver to load weights and secure the system while wearing the BC.

• Pockets: Tested in and out of the water, this is an evaluation of how easy or difficult it is to access and use pockets.

||||| |---|---|---|---| | Deflate Valve Function We test flow rates to determine whether or not a BC's deflation valves will stay ahead of the inflation valve to avoid an out-of-control ascent in the event the inflation valve sticks open. In a heads-up ascent position, starting out with the BC totally empty and loaded with ballast equaling 20 percent of its manufacturer-stated buoyant lift, the inflation valve was simultaneously activated for 20 seconds with each of the deflation valves. Each time, the BC was checked to see if it remained negatively buoyant.| | Name| Inflater/Deflater Held Overhead | Exhaust Hose Pull Dump | Alternate Shoulder Pull Dump | | Aeris: Caribe| No| Yes| Yes| | Oceanic: Reef Pro| No| Yes| Yes| | Sea Quest: Latitude XLT| Yes| Yes| Yes| | Sea Quest: Pacifica| Yes| Yes| Yes| | Sea Quest: Pro QD i3| N/A| N/A| Yes| | Seasoft: Pro| Yes| Yes| N/A| | DUI: Delta Wings| Yes| No| N/A| | H20dyssey: Venture| Yes| Yes| N/A| | Tusa: BCJ-6900| No| Yes| Yes| | Aeris: Atmos LX| No| Yes| Yes|