December 2002
By John Brumm

BCs Reviewed in This Article

While there will always be inherent disadvantages in tying buoyancy and counter-buoyancy together into one system, many divers feel the upside of weight integration has clearly tipped the scales in its favor.

This year Scuba Lab reviewed 29 weight-integrated BCs, both back-buoyancy and jacket styles. Tests covered subjective performance issues like fit and adjustment, attitude and stability, along with objective criteria like valve flow rates and buoyant lift. And of course we tested all aspects of the weight systems. Here are our top picks.

AQUA LUNG

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| Malibu RDS|
Malibu RDS

Stable and comfortable back-buoyancy BC with an efficient integrated weight system. Weights load easily and ditch with a solid tug on the plastic handles. Good padding along the back and lumbar region. Twin-tank compatible. $450

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| Maverick RDS|
Maverick RDS

A good jacket-style BC at a great price. Ample shoulder adjustment and depth-compensating cummerbund ensure a snug fit. Very stable at depth. Weight system features curved pouches that contour to body shape. $375

GENESIS SCUBA

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| Phantom|
Phantom

Jacket-style. A half-dozen sizes to choose from. Excellent adjustment with quick-release buckles and a depth-compensating cummerbund add comfort. Available with the optional Akona Pro Kit. CQR weight-integrated system. $450

MARES

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| Dragonfly AirTrim|
Dragonfly AirTrim

Hybrid design with both under-arm and rear inflation. The system replaces the traditional ambient hose with a two-button control module attached to the BC. One button adds air, the other bleeds air. $749

OCEANIC

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| Chute 2|
Chute 2

Substantial buoyant lift, a Kevlar-reinforced air cell and optional mounts for twin tanks make this BC a logical choice for heavy rec or technical diving. $609.95 (plus $44.95/pair for weight pouches)

NOTE: Replaced by the Chute 3 QLR.

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| Flex QLR|
Flex QLR

Quick Lock Release weight integration combines the best of Velcro and mechanical security systems. This jacket-style BC is stable at depth. The ergonomic inflator provides excellent ascent control. Available in six sizes. $475

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| Probe|
Probe

A no-nonsense jacket-style BC with a versatile adjustment system. A sensitive power inflator allows for fine-tuning buoyancy. A double tank mounting system is available as an option. $555

NOTE: Replaced by the Probe QLR.

SCUBAPRO

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| Classic Plus|
Classic Plus

The latest version of a longtime jacket-style favorite. A contoured hard backpack and single strap steadies the tank. Foam padding along the lumbar region and a neoprene neck roll increase comfort. $677 with BPI; $791 with Air 2.

SEAQUEST

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| Balance|
Balance

Back-buoyancy BC with a low-profile air cell and a depth-compensating waistband instead of a cummerbund. Unique swivel buckles on shoulder straps allow for underarm routing. A large drop-down pocket is easy to access. $510

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| Black Diamond|
Black Diamond

Back-buoyancy BC with a large rigid backpack, substantial buoyant lift and lots of D-rings. With swivel buckles on its pull-down straps and ample padding. Weight system features oversized, body-contoured pouches. $660

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| Pro QD|
Pro QD

This jacket-style BC provides a stable ride at depth with little to no body squeeze. An internal expanding gusset system maintains an extremely low drag profile even for large bladders. Weight pouches load and ditch easily. $475

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| Pro Unlimited|
Pro Unlimited

Jacket-style BC with heavy-duty D-rings and a sheathed dive knife on the left pocket. Adjustable backpack. Adjustable chest strap allows for dry suit valves. Utilizes an efficient single-flap Velcro weight system. $820

SHERWOOD SCUBA

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| Avid|
Avid

This jacket-style BC features the CQR mechanical weight ditch system. Zippered pockets are large. Available with the optional Akona Pro Kit, which includes a dive light and swivel clip, both on retractors, and a dive knife. $495

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| Freedom|
Freedom

Back-buoyancy BC. Semi-rigid backpack works with tank and valve straps to secure cylinder to BC, while cummerbund works with shoulder and sternum straps to secure BC to body. With the CQR weight-integrated system. $475

ZEAGLE

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| Concept II Pro|
Concept II Pro

A modular back-buoyancy BC with high buoyant lift and lots of ballast carrying capacity. The dive store can adjust vest and shoulder components to tailor the fit, then attach appropriate bladder sizes. $586.50