BCDs: Buoyancy Control Devices

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BCD on a tank for scuba diving

An in-depth understanding of each piece of dive gear is essential for any diver. This guide covers a necessary component of any diver’s setup, buoyancy control devices.

What is a BCD?

BCD stands for Buoyancy Control Device. While diving, a BCD is what allows a diver to maintain appropriate buoyancy while underwater. In addition to this, many BCDs include extras like pockets, straps, and buckles, allowing for the storage or attachment of other dive gear and accessories.

How Does a BCD Work?

In order to understand how a BCD works we first need to understand how buoyancy works. When neutral buoyancy is achieved, there is a balance between the upward and downward forces in the water. If positively buoyant, a diver will float up until they reach the surface. If negatively buoyant, a diver will sink down.

Here’s how a BCD works to help divers attain neutral buoyancy:

  1. Inflation: A scuba BCD has an inflation system that allows the diver to add air to the BCD to increase buoyancy. An air bladder is inflated either manually by using an inflator hose or by an automatic inflation mechanism that can be triggered in case of an emergency.

  2. Deflation: Similarly, the BCD has a deflation system that allows the diver to release air from the bladder to decrease buoyancy. This can be done by using a dump valve located on the BCD or by leaning forward to allow air to escape from the BCD.

  3. Weight System: The BCD may also have an integrated weight system that allows the diver to adjust their buoyancy by adding or removing weight. Weights are required to counteract the buoyancy of the chosen dive gear, such as a wetsuit. Weight pockets should be easy to remove and drop in the event of an emergency. If the BCD doesn’t have an integrated system, a weight belt will need to be worn by the diver.

By using the inflation and deflation systems and adjusting the weight system, the diver can achieve neutral buoyancy, which allows them to hover in the water without sinking or floating to the surface. This is an essential skill for scuba diving as it allows divers to conserve energy and move more efficiently through the water.

The Main Styles

There are two main BCD styles.

The Jacket

This is the most popular style among scuba divers.

BCDs on two scuba divers

Think of a jacket BCD as being similar to a life jacket. When inflated, the air bladder envelopes the back and sides of the torso in a similar manner. This style is great for divers who spend a lot of time at the surface, like shore divers.

One thing to keep in mind is that the jacket style tends to sit higher up on the torso, so depending on body type, some find that the BCD rubs in the armpit area.

The Back Inflate

A back inflate BCD has an air bladder that inflates only on the back. This type of BCD is less enveloping and can allow for a greater range of motion. There is less drag with a back inflate BCD making it more streamlined.

Some divers report having difficulty at the surface, finding that the back inflate pushes them forward in the water.

What is BCD Lift Capacity?

When shopping for a BCD you will likely read about its “lift capacity”.

BCD lift capacity is the amount of weight a BCD can counteract when fully inflated. In other words, it is the amount of positive buoyancy that a BCD can provide.

BCD lift capacity is measured in pounds or kilograms. For example, a BCD with a lift capacity of 30 pounds can counteract the weight of 30 pounds of gear and diver.

Keep in mind that lift capacity refers to water weight, which is the weight of an object when it is submerged in water. This is the weight that the BCD must counteract in order to achieve neutral buoyancy. Remember, the density of water is affected by salinity, so the water weight of an object will be different in freshwater than in salt water.

How Much Does a BCD Cost?

BCDs cost anywhere between $400 and $1500, with the average diver spending between $500 and $700.

Owning vs Renting a BCD

As with all scuba gear, owning is always a great choice because it means you are completely familiar with your gear.

That being said, a BCD is a significant investment. With so many options on the market, renting several styles before making a purchase can be a great way to determine what you like. Renting a BCD also makes traveling easier.

Are There BCDs Specifically Designed For Women?

Yes! Many scuba gear brands have recognized the need for BCDs that are designed to fit a wide range of body types. Here are a few of the most popular models designed for women.

Aqualung Pearl

The Pearl is a jacket-style BCD.

Here’s why divers love this BCD:

  1. Design: The Aqualung Pearl BCD has a contoured design that is tailored to the female body shape, providing a more comfortable and secure fit. The shoulder straps and waistband are adjustable, allowing the BCD to be customized to fit different body types.
  2. Weight System: The weight system is integrated into the BCD, and the weight pockets can be easily released in case of an emergency.
  3. Inflation/Deflation System: The Aqualung Pearl BCD has a two-stage inflation/deflation system that allows for precise buoyancy control. The first stage allows for small adjustments, while the second stage allows for larger adjustments.
  4. Pockets: The BCD has two large pockets for storing accessories such as dive lights, cameras, or extra weights. The pockets are secured with zippers and have internal loops for attaching gear.
  5. Material: The Aqualung Pearl BCD is made from durable 420-denier nylon material, making it resistant to wear and tear.
  6. Size: The BCD is available in four different sizes, ranging from X-Small to Medium, to accommodate a wide range of female body types.

Overall, this is a very well-designed and comfortable option for many female divers.

Zena Zeagle

The Zena Zeagle is recommended by many divers! This BCD has a back inflate air bladder.

This BCD has a Personal Fit System that allows divers to customize their fit! A ripcord weight system allows for quick release in an emergency. Also included are 4 D-rings, dual waistbands, and an expandable mesh pocket.

Here’s a breakdown of all the features that make the Zeagle loved by so many:

  1. Design: The Zena Zeagle BC has a unique and highly adjustable design that is tailored to the female body shape, providing a comfortable and secure fit. The shoulder straps, waistband, and cummerbund are all adjustable, allowing the BCD to be customized to fit different body types.
  2. Weight System: The BCD has a weight system that can hold up to 24 pounds of weight. The weight pockets are located on the back of the BCD, providing better weight distribution and balance.
  3. Inflation/Deflation System: The Zena Zeagle BC has a simple and easy-to-use inflation/deflation system that allows for precise buoyancy control. The inflator hose and dump valve are located on the left side of the BCD for easy access.
  4. Pockets: The BCD has two large pockets for storing accessories such as dive lights, cameras, or extra weights. The pockets are secured with zippers and have internal loops for attaching gear.
  5. Material: The Zena Zeagle BC is made from durable 1000-denier nylon material, making it resistant to wear and tear.
  6. Size: The BCD is available in a wide range of sizes, from X-Small to X-Large, to accommodate a variety of female body types.

Divers can customize the Zeagle even further by changing out the color panels!

Scubapro Bella

The Bella features a wrap-around bladder enhancing the overall fit.

  1. Design: The Scuba Pro Bella has a contoured design that is tailored to the female body shape, providing a more comfortable and secure fit. The shoulder straps, waistband, and cummerbund are all adjustable, allowing the BCD to be customized to fit different body types. A Y-Fit shoulder design allows for a greater range of motion in the water.
  2. Weight System: The BCD has an integrated weight system. The weight pockets are located on the back of the BCD, providing better weight distribution and balance.
  3. Inflation/Deflation System: The Scuba Pro Bella has a simple and easy-to-use inflation/deflation system that allows for precise buoyancy control. The inflator hose and dump valve are located on the left side of the BCD for easy access.
  4. Pockets: The BCD has two large pockets for storing accessories such as dive lights, cameras, or extra weights. The pockets are secured with zippers and have internal loops for attaching gear.
  5. Material: The Scuba Pro Bella is made from durable 420-denier nylon material, making it resistant to wear and tear.
  6. Size: The BCD is available in a wide range of sizes, from X-Small to Large, to accommodate a variety of female body types.
  7. Optional Features: The Scuba Pro Bella can be customized with optional features such as a Trim Weight System, which allows for precise weight distribution and balance, and a Steel Cylinder Kit, which replaces the standard aluminum cylinder with a more durable steel cylinder.

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