Sherwood Scuba Axis BC
Sport Diver's Editor's Pick (Compact Back Inflation BC)
Compact and light enough to do travel duty, the back-inflation Axis also has the comfort and full range of features for any type of recreational diving. The integrated-weight system is one of the best, and updates to the harness, trim weights, and inflator have made the BC even more comfortable and stable. And unlike many compact back-inflation BCs, you even get zippered cargo pockets.

CONTACT: sherwoodscuba.com
MSRP: $588

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SCUBAPRO LiteHawk BC
The Litehawk is light in weight at around 5 pounds, but it’s not light on features, including a right-shoulder exhaust, swiveling shoulder buckles, and a two-position sternum strap. The back-inflation air cell is kept streamlined by elastic retainers, and the surprisingly plush harness is oh-so-comfy. Optional integrated-weight pockets are also available for $80.
CONTACT: scubapro.com
MSRP: $399

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Sport Diver's Cool Deal: Oceanic OceanPro
The OceanPro’s design integrates the back plate directly into the air cell rather than strapping to it. The result is comfort and zero tank wobble in any attitude. The optional integrated weights are well worth the investment — they stow securely and are easy to access without being in your way. Despite the friendly price, the OceanPro has rugged construction, a right-shoulder exhaust, and deep cargo pockets.
CONTACT: oceanicworldwide.com
MSRP: $389.95 ($439.95 with integrated weight pockets)

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IST Sports Mercury BC
IST’s newest jacket has a comfortable, nicely padded harness with an adjustable cummerbund and full back plate, integrated weights, rear trim weight pockets, a right-shoulder exhaust, and low-profile exhaust valves. The cargo pockets are roomy and have long zippers for easy access.
CONTACT: istsports.com
MSRP: $400

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Zeagle Covert BC
Designed for traveling divers who want to shave every unnecessary ounce, the ultracompact Covert weighs less than 4 pounds and rolls up like a newspaper. Don’t let the no-frills design and feather weight fool you — once it’s strapped to a tank and on your back, it’s comfy and rock-solid stable, and can handle 16 pounds of integrated weights.
CONTACT: zeagle.com
MSRP: $429.95

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Cressi Aquaride Blue Pro BC
Sport Diver's Editor’s Pick (Jacket BC)
Cressi refines its classic jacket BC with updates including adding a new ergonomic inflator, more-streamlined weights and an even-more-comfortable harness. The result is one of the most comfortable and stable BCs we’ve ever used. The weight system is flawless, the harness offers dive-all-day comfort, and it’s full of touches like well-placed D-rings and expandable bellows.
CONTACT: cressiusa.com
MSRP: $469.95

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Oceanic Hera BC
Sport Diver's Editor’s Pick (Hybrid BC)
Oceanic’s new hybrid model designed for women is not only shaped to fit the female, it’s designed to adapt to any woman’s shape. The lower ends of the shoulder straps are secured to the waist section of the harness with buckles that allow nearly 5 inches of adjustability front to back. The result is a customized fit that’s as comfortable and stable as possible. The hybrid air cell makes for easy trim underwater and secure surface floating.
CONTACT: oceanicworldwide.com
MSRP: $599.95

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Dive Rite Transpac XT BC
Developed for expedition-style cave diving, the Transpac XT harness has a flexible back plate, integrated hip pads, and lower-back support that make it a comfortable platform. Despite the beefy stainless hardware throughout, it weighs about 8 pounds when paired with Dive Rite’s lightweight Voyager EXP wing and integrated weight pouches, and combines rec comfort and ease of setup with tec precision and stability.
CONTACT: diverite.com
MSRP: $690, including wing and weight pouches

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Seac Sherpa BC
The Sherpa’s large, 3-D air cell wraps tightly and securely around the tank for proper trim and weight distribution, and when deflated it compresses tightly to reduce drag. The harness has a well-padded full back plate for stability, a two-position sternum strap, large cargo pockets, and plenty of D-rings for the gear junkie. The integrated weights use Seac’s proprietary system with the low-profile lock located on the outside of the pocket, where it’s easy to secure or release.
CONTACT: seacusa.com
MSRP: $685

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