A comfortable and functional BC will make any good dive even better. Our 2018 scuba diving Gear Buyers Guide will help you find the best scuba diving BC that fits your diving style. Based on your style preference — jacket, back-buoyancy, hybrid or tec — here is our guide to the newest BC models.

The Outlaw is a minimalist rig for divers who want flexibility without frills. Based on Aqua Lung's ModLock modular connection system, it can be customized for up to 27 size configurations, and broken down into base components for easy travel. Features include the sturdy GripLock tank band, plentiful webbed mounting points and interchangeable bladders.

Aqua Lung's newest BC, based on the brand's smart ModLock modular connection system, builds on the success of the minimalist Outlaw. Designed for added capability, the Rogue comes standard with the SureLock II Weight System, four stainless steel D-rings, increased lift capacity and a shoulder dump with a two-piece twist lock connector.

The Testers Choice from the 2017 ScubaLab BC test, the BC1 is built with high-end materials, from polyurethane-laminated textiles that shed water to titanium-coated stainless steel D-rings and self-sealing zippers. The jacket-style model also offers a smart ratcheting tank band and integrated-weight pockets that lock in with a satisfying click.

Part of Cressi's Atelier line, the Carbon is a classically built jacket-style BC. Made with a 420 denier nylon air cell and an ultralight rigid backplate that contributes to excellent underwater stability, the BC includes an easy-to-use integrated weight system and features a next-generation inflator mechanism that makes pinpoint buoyancy control extremely easy.

This new back buoyancy BC, part of the Atelier line, is feature rich. Offering impressive buoyant lift, the Commander's flatlock integrated-weight ditch system holds ballast weight securely and releases quickly. Zippered pockets and aluminum D-rings provide lots of options for carrying extra gear, and strategically placed padding provides maximum comfort.

Designed to withstand the tough use of scuba schools and rental centers, the jacket-style Solid has an exterior of rugged 500 denier Cordura. A reinforcement band at neck level in the back protects against wear from the reg's first stage, and is colored for enhanced visibility in the water. The Solid has three dump valves for easy buoyancy adjustments.

Created for serious cave adventure, the Katana sidemount system is designed for optimal streamlining to access confined spaces more safely. It's built with burly 1000 denier Cordura material with a polyurethane-laminated shell. Performance features include wing-integrated primary bungees, eight strategically placed D-rings, a reversible inflator/dump assembly and three weight pockets.

This modular tactical vest/BC hybrid is designed with a quick release system for connecting and removing the BC from the tank. It includes an LED lighting system with 2,000 lumens of white light, red light and/or infrared light, military-grade adjustable quick-release buckles, an accessory panel, detachable pouches and a vest that accepts a ballistic plate.

The versatile back-inflation Bolt has enough lift for any type of diving, it can handle single or double tanks, and it's compact enough to travel easily. The harness (with swiveling shoulder straps) is stable and comfortable, and the new Slide & Lock integrated-weight system is simple to load and quick to ditch.

The Prestige SLS jacket-style BC offers a high level of comfort and security along with lots of buoyant lift, ensuring an enjoyable time spent at depth. Its lightweight 420 denier construction makes it a good choice for travel. The SLS integrated weight system loads and ditches with ease and has an indicator that shows the weights are locked in.

Perfect for divers who travel with their gear, the Red Devil Single Backmount Set is a simple, lightweight system designed for beginners or technical divers. The set includes a 16-liter single-tank donut-style air cell and a red anodized aluminum backplate with a matching set of aluminum D-rings and buckles.

The Bella is specifically designed for female divers who prefer the comfort and security of a front-adjustable BC. A new Y-Fit shoulder design fits the body extremely well, allowing for excellent control and range of motion for the arms, which makes for a system that's comfortable and a secure ride cruising the depths.

The Glide comes with a new Y-Fit shoulder design that adapts to the body to maximize comfort, fit, range of motion and performance. The dump system includes three new-generation valves that allow you to deflate the wraparound bladder in any swimming position. Two roomy zippered pockets provide lots of cargo-carrying capability.

For divers who love back-inflation BCs for their freedom of movement, the Nick offers plentiful 44-pound lift capacity contained by a streamlining bungee system, six stainless D-rings and twin stowable storage pockets. The Q&S integrated weight system is smooth and secure, and the bladder is built to last from polyurethane-coated 500 denier Cordura material.

The Pro 2000 BC is Seac's longest-serving model that has been updated for 2017 with a new 3D wedge inflation system that fills from the bottom to optimize trim and improve support. The Q&S system weight pockets have also been reoriented to simplify loading and release. Other features include three dump valves and five black anodized aluminum D-rings.

Offering lots of comfort plus ample buoyant lift with its wraparound jacket-style design, the next-generation Liberator promises a comfortable, secure and stable diving experience. The Liberator comes standard with TUSA's ultra-reliable tilt valve inflator and new Advanced Weight Loading System III for the hassle-free management of your ballast weight.

An innovative Independent Harness System, enhanced lumbar and back pads, and a newly designed waist belt work together to deliver a secure and comfortable fi t. Add TUSA's Ultimate Stabilizing System and you've got a stable ride as well. New Repositionable D-ring and Snap Hook design allows for personal customization.

Zeagle's new "sport series" Bravo is the culmination of decades of BC innovation. The jacket-style rig locks the cylinder with twin tank bands, secured to a hard webbing backplate. Performance features include six stainless D-rings, twin trim pockets and dumps at the shoulder and back. And accents on the integrated-weight pockets add a bit of style.

Tipping the scale at just 5 pounds, the Covert is a first-class traveler, but it doesn't sacrifice capability for economy. It's built with sturdy, 1000-denier Cordura and offers 32 pounds of lift, 16-pound ballast-weight capacity, double tank bands and an elastic mesh cover to keep the replaceable inner bladder streamlined.

The first jacket-style BC made by Zeagle is designed for divers who want the secure comfort of wrap-around inflation along with Zeagle's signature features, including a harness that allows a customized fit and the Ripcord integrated-weight system. A pair of roomy cargo pockets and seven stainless D-rings make lots of room for stowing gear.

Designed specifically for women, with a special bladder shape and extra padding in the lower lumbar and neck areas, the Marina is Zeagle's newest jacket-style BC. It's made from a tough nylon material and offers a hard webbing backplate, twin tank bands, six stainless D-rings, integrated-weight pockets and multiple adjustment points to dial in a custom fit.