The Dive Otter

Types of BCDs

[ #AskMark ]
WARNING - HOLY WAR ABOUT TO BEGIN

What kinds of BCDs are there?

The main choice will be a "jacket" style BCD or a Backplate and Wing (BPW). Some folks will argue there is actually a third style which is a "back inflate" BCD...which for our purposes is a "jacket" BCD that puts most/all of the air on your back instead of around your body. I have owned both types of BCDs so I am not specifically biased towards either one.


Jacket or Back Inflate BCD
Pro:
  • Probably what you learned with
  • Hugs your body and thus may feel more secure / comfortable
  • Quick and easy to adjust how it fits you
  • Built in pockets
Con:
  • Weight distribution is limited
  • Unlikely to work optimally with a drysuit or long-hose primary setup, but it's doable
  • Positive buoyancy that will need compensation

Backplate & Wing (BPW)
Pro:
  • Minimalist design / streamlined
  • Can be fine tuned for trim
  • Highly customizable for color, patterns, etc
  • Negative buoyancy so you can dive less additional weight
Con:
  • Fit adjustments can be finicky
  • No built in waist pockets - you'll want thigh pockets

Which BCD should I buy?

I would wait to buy your BCD until you are ABSOLUTELY sure you know what the next few years of your diving will look like. Jacket style BCDs will serve you just fine unless you intend to do Technical dives in the future...but a BPW feels sooooo much better from a buoyancy/trim perspective....at least for me.

I eventually gave away my Jacket BCD as it never saw water again after I got my BPW.

Are all BPW designs the same?

Short answer: No

You will typically find two types of Backplate and Harness configurations. The DIR style primarily sold by brands such as Halcyon and Hollis. The alternative is something like the xDeep brand which offers a DIR-like design but has different harness routing, offers buckles for easy adjustments and a Y crotch strap for comfort. Or you can run them like DIR...your choice.

There are also primarily two different Wing configurations the "horseshoe" and the "donut". Both will work fine, however it is generally accepted that "donut" is preferred as it offers better/easier management of the gas in the wing.

Aluminium or Stainless Steel Backplate?

Most people should buy an Aluminum plate as a "do it all" BCD until you have the funds to buy more than one. I also knew I would end up buying [2] BPWs so I purchased a Stainless Steel one first for 5mm/7mm/Drysuit diving and then bought an ultra-light plate for the same wing for when I travel to somewhere tropical and use 3mm or skin.

My Stainless Steel plate used for Drysuit is setup in the DIR style. My UL Aluminum plate that I use in warm water is setup in a non-DIR / modern configuration for more comfort.