How much does a new BCD cost?
Entry-level BCDs start at around $300, while high-end models built with the best materials can go up to $3,000. It’s crucial to find a BCD that is of your size and fits within your budget range to make the most of your diving experience. The Best Dive BCDs for 2025 are: Cressi Travelight BCD – Overall Winner, Best BCD. ScubaPro Litehawk BCD – Lightweight ‘Hybrid’ Travel Dive BCD. Oceanic Excursion BCD – Best Wing BCD with Pockets.The NEW SCUBAPRO Hydros Core is for divers who admire the design and quality of the HYDROS PRO but prefer a more minimalist BCD. This super-streamlined BCD features a lightweight, low-profile design, lower lift capacity, no integrated weight system and no trim weight pockets.
How much is a BCD service?
The standard BCD service is priced at £68. Additional costs may apply if there’s a broken inflator unit or any other structural defects discovered during the service. A BCD should be serviced annually, or as often as the manufacturer recommends. The low-pressure inflator and bladder can deteriorate and, should either one fail during a dive, a serious diving accident may occur.How long should Buoyancy Control Devices (BCD, aka wings) last? While BCDs don’t have an explicit service life, the modern BCD bladder and fittings should last at least 10 to 15 years, and with proper storage we’ve seen plenty of them last significantly longer.
How to choose the right BCD?
Choose your BCD based on where you’ll use it most, and then make sure it fits. With a style in mind, try on the BCD for size. If in doubt, try on a few sizes. If you’ll wear a dry suit or thick wetsuit, consider wearing it to get the right fit. Can you dive without a BCD jacket? Yes you can, but mostly divers wearing drysuits go without a BCD. The most common reason to have a BCD on is because of buoyancy. Let’s say I go down wearing a 3mm fullsuit; if I were to be at a greater depth, my suit would get more compressed and I would have less buoyancy.