Aqualung Axiom i3 BCD Review
Last updated: July 2025
- Intuitive i3 inflator: Reliable buoyancy control
- Comfortable fit: Padding and harness feel secure
- Durable construction: Holds up to travel wear
- Clunky weight system: Mechanical pockets are awkward
- Hard-to-reach storage: Pockets are poorly placed
A well-built jacket BCD with a unique inflator system. It delivers comfort, stability, and intuitive buoyancy control. It’s a solid choice for newer divers but lacks the modularity and progression potential of backplate systems.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Intuitive i3 inflator system with reliable function | i3 confuses unfamiliar divers |
| Very comfortable in and out of the water | Poorly placed pockets are hard to access |
| Durable and travel-friendly design | Weight pocket system is clunky and error-prone |
Why I Chose Aqualung Axiom i3
This was my first BCD purchase. I wanted something comfortable and capable in both cold and warm water, and the i3 inflator caught my attention as an innovative way to manage buoyancy. It felt like a solid all-purpose option for a new diver just getting started. I used it for my first 40 dives, including quarry dives in the Midwest and several in Florida. Eventually, I knew I’d be headed toward drysuits, wrecks, and more advanced dives, so I planned to transition away from jackets. The Axiom was a good first step.
Verdict
The Axiom i3 gave me a reliable and comfortable platform to start diving. I never had problems with it in the water, and I enjoyed using the inflator even though others did not. But once I knew I’d be diving drysuit, wreck, and penetration environments, I knew it was time to switch to a backplate and wing system. That change was absolutely the right decision. The Axiom doesn’t do anything wrong, but like most jacket BCDs, it has a ceiling for progression.
Would I buy it again? No. It was a good first BCD, but it’s not the right fit for where I’m going now.
Who Aqualung Axiom i3 Is Best For
This item is best suited for:
- New recreational divers seeking a comfortable jacket BCD
- Traveling divers who want a durable all-purpose setup
- Divers interested in an intuitive lever-based inflator
It may not be ideal for:
- Divers progressing toward drysuit or technical configurations
- Situations where buddies are unfamiliar with the i3 system
Deep Dive into the Score
Scoring System: Each category is scored out of 10 and weighted by importance. This model is used consistently across all gear reviews for transparency.
| Category | Score | Raw Score | Weight | Weighted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Function & Performance | Strong | 8.0 | 30% | 2.40 |
| Ease of Use | Good | 7.0 | 20% | 1.40 |
| Versatility | Fair | 6.0 | 15% | 0.90 |
| Durability & Build Quality | Strong | 8.0 | 15% | 1.20 |
| Value | Fair | 6.0 | 10% | 0.60 |
| Brand Trust & Transparency | Good | 7.0 | 10% | 0.70 |
| Total | 7.20 / 10 | |||
Rounded Display Score: 7.2 / 10 — Strong
Deep Dive Score Explanations
- Function & Performance – 8: Delivered reliable buoyancy control in all environments. i3 system worked perfectly and felt natural to use.
- Ease of Use – 7: Very comfortable and easy to operate, but storage access and weight pocket design limited practical use.
- Versatility – 6: Great for rec dives in all climates but lacks long-term adaptability for advanced or technical goals.
- Durability & Build Quality – 8: No durability issues across 40 dives. Materials held up well and nothing failed.
- Value – 6: Priced fairly for the category, but loses value as soon as your goals shift beyond entry-level diving.
- Brand Trust & Transparency – 7: Aqualung is a household brand in scuba, though more traditional than progressive in design philosophy.
Performance in the Water
- Trim & Buoyancy: Trim was acceptable for jacket style, though more vertical at the surface. Buoyancy control was smooth thanks to the i3 lever, which added or dumped air reliably in all positions.
- Comfort: Extremely comfortable to wear and use. Easy to put on, take off, and adjust. Tank strap and padding made it feel secure without squeeze.
- Control / Function: The i3 system functioned well throughout my ownership. It never malfunctioned. Other divers often didn’t understand it, which made group use occasionally awkward.