CRESSI AQUARIDE BLUE PRO

Harness arrangement improves tank grip and comfort without restricting movement.

The Aquaride Blue Pro’s inflator is more ergonomic and has an improved hose retainer. There’s an expandable pocket with zip closure, and it has Cressi’s proven integrated-weight system.

CONTACT: cressiusa.com

MSRP: $479.95

Zach Stovall

SEAC NICK

Back-inflation air cell has inner and outer bags of rugged PU-coated 500-denier Cordura.

The Nick offers the unrestricted freedom of movement, light weight, and compactness of a back-inflation BC, along with full-feature amenities like cargo pockets and a right-shoulder dump valve.

CONTACT: seacusa.com

MSRP: $625

Zach Stovall

DIVE RITE NOMAD LTZ

Inflator and exhaust valves are positioned on the inside of the wing for added protection.

Made of durable SuperFabric material, the Nomad LTZ is built to resist the rigors of sidemount diving, whether it’s pushing deep into a cave or squeezing through a deck opening on a wreck.

CONTACT: diverite.com

MSRP: $579

Zach Stovall

HOLLIS SMS 75X SIDEMOUNT SYSTEM

Wing is designed to promote horizontal diving by offering increased lift near the hips, where it’s needed most.

Hollis’ SMS 75X is for sidemount aficionados who dive warmer waters. The system offers 30 pounds of lift and a new trim/weight system.

CONTACT: hollis.com

MSRP: $599

Zach Stovall

SEAC SHERPA


3-D-style bladder wraps around tank for improved weight distribution and stability.

With its wraparound air cell, Seac’s Sherpa has enhanced trim and tank stability, along with features including cargo pockets, six exhaust valves and six stainless D-rings.

CONTACT: seacusa.com

MSRP: $685

Zach Stovall

GENESIS SCUBA DRIFT


Integrated-weight ditch system offers two quick-release pouches that hold 8 pounds each.

This lightweight jacket-style BC offers everything you need for a safe, comfortable trip to the depths. There’s a backpad for comfort, and a sternum strap and cummerbund with double-pull overstrap help you dial in the perfect fit.

CONTACT: genesisscuba.com

MSRP: $350

Zach Stovall

ZEAGLE SPORT ELEMENT

One of five new Sport models designed for divers from beginner to expert.

The Element is the flagship of Zeagle’s new Sport line of jacket BCs
that use a conventional-weight-release system rather than the Ripcord system. Offering entry-level divers more affordable Zeagle performance, the Sport line includes models aimed at every diver’s experience level.

CONTACT: zeagle.com

MSRP: $449.95

Zach Stovall

SCUBAPRO KNIGHTHAWK


Built rugged with large, pre-bent D-rings and roll-out pockets to provide cargo-carrying capacity without adding bulk.

This robust yet extremely comfortable back-inflation BC offers a long list of performance features in a hydrodynamic design, delivering total comfort, control and stability at depth (Camo version is special order).

CONTACT: scubapro.com

MSRP: $619; $749 with Air2

Zach Stovall

ZEAGLE JACKET

Only jacket BC with Zeagle’s Ripcord weight-release system.

The new Jacket is aimed at serious recreational divers who want a full-featured BC. It has roomy cargo pockets, seven stainless D-rings, dual knife-mounting points and retractor mounts in each pocket.

CONTACT: zeagle.com

MSRP: Not available

Zach Stovall

DIVE RITE HUNTERPAC

Heavy-duty, 210-denier nylon- laminated, doughnut-shaped bladder provides 35 pounds of buoyant lift.

Designed with spearfishing in mind, the HunterPac BC combines recreational
BC features with a few spearfishing essentials. Features include a soft back plate, lumbar pad, and a one-size-fits-all adjustable harness.

CONTACT: diverite.com

MSRP: $440

Zach Stovall

SHERWOOD SCUBA VENTURA

Quick-drop-system weight pockets hold up to 8 pounds each.

Weighing only 4.9 pounds, the Ventura is built to withstand the rigors of dive travel. A new backpack improves stability, and the valve system ranks among the best.

CONTACT: sherwoodscuba.com

MSRP: $470

Zach Stovall