We tested the Scubapro X-Black BC. Stable, comfortable and ruggedly built, it was our Testers Choice for jacket and hybrid BCs.

We tested BCs at Blue Grotto Dive Resort in Central Florida. We conducted objective tests in the pool to measure buoyant lift and inherent buoyancy and to gauge each BC’s ability to cope with a runaway power inflator.

We also conducted a series of test dives where testers scored BCs in eleven categories including comfort, stability and ascent control. The X-Black may not look especially friendly, with its black-on-black palette and heavy-duty materials that wouldn't look out of place on a military tactical vest. But it turned out to be satisfying cozy both in and out of the water as well as rock-solid stable at depth, tying top scores in its category for stability and comfort. It is on the husky side: It weighs more than 10 pounds, the side panels (with three zippered cargo pockets) are more than 12 inches top to bottom, and the big wraparound air cell has more than 50 pounds of lift. But the harness molds nicely to the body, and a corset-like network of bungees keeps the air cell well in check, earning the X-Black a very good score for streamlining.

"Travels smoothly and easily through the water," one tester noted. Tested with the included Air2 octo/inflator, it was rated excellent for valve operation and ascent control. Comfortable, stable and built to last, it tied top scores in tough competition and was a favorite of most test divers. The X-Black is our Testers Choice for jacket and hybrid BCs.

2020 ScubaLab BCD Review