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Gear Review

SCUBALAB 2014: BC Review

Today’s BCs are complex pieces of equipment, with a host of features, capabilities and details. Check out ScubaLab's review of 16 new BCs.

ScubaLab Testers' Choice: Apeks WTX BC

Part of Apeks’ line of tec-oriented wing systems, the model we tested was built around a new ultralight travel plate, 18-pound-lift single tank “donut,” one-piece harness and SureLock weight system. For its performance and flexibility, the WTX is our Testers’ Choice.

ScubaLab Best Buy: Cressi Travelight BC

The restyled Travelight offers enough stability, comfort and amenities that it’s easy to forget it’s not a full-featured jacket BC with a rigid backplate. Ready why the Travelight was voted Best Buy this year by ScubaLab.

ScubaLab Testers' Choice: Mares Prestige 2 MRS+ BC

This latest model from Mares shows how manufacturers continue to distill all the best qualities of jacket-style BCs. Read why the Mares Prestige 2 MRS+ is this year's Testers' Choice for jacket BCs by ScubaLab.

Video: 60:Second ScubaLab - Aqua Lung Axiom i3 BC

Aqua Lung’s Axiom i3 is loaded with features designed to solve all of diving’s little hassles. From its patented i3 inflation system--no more dangling inflator hose--to its pinch-free tank strap and much more, the Axiom works hard to be a diver’s best friend.

ScubaLab Best Buy: Ikelite Gamma

While other compacts had brighter, tighter hot spots, the Gamma has a wider central beam and a broad outer halo that doesn’t drop off much nearly out to its limits. Check out how the Ikelite Gamma was our ScubaLab Best Buy.

ScubaLab Testers' Choice: UK Vivid eLED

UK’s newest compact, the Vivid eLED delivers a lot of performance in a small package. Read why the Vivid is the ScubaLab's Tester's Choice in the Pocket Lights category.

ScubaLab Testers' Choice: IST Sports Dolphin Tech T-24040

Careful where you shine this light when night diving, or you’ll quickly become unpopular. It’s blazing, with a hot-spot meter reading higher than any others in our test, though some had broader main beams. Find out why this dive light was our ScubLab Testers' Choice in the Primary & Canister lights category.

SCUBALAB 2014: Dive Lights Review

A diver's principal light source, these new models are getting more powerful and more compact. Check out SCUBALAB's review of 15 of the latest dive lights.