The Zeagle Covert XT was a ScubaLab Testers Choice during the 2018 BC test. Learn what testers liked about this back-inflate BC in this video review. See the full ScubaLab BC review here.

I’m Roger Roy, the ScubaLab director. We tested the Zeagle Covert XT BC. It was our Testers Choice for back-inflation BCs.

We tested the Covert at Blue Grotto Dive Resort in Central Florida. We conducted objective tests in the pool to measure its buoyant lift and inherent buoyancy and to gauge its ability to cope with a runaway power inflator. We also conducted a series of test dives where testers scored the BC in ten categories including comfort, stability and ascent control.

When we tried the original Covert, we joked that its fit reminded us of a corset. With an overhaul of the harness, air cell and integrated weights, it’s less like an undergarment and more like a tactical vest. Despite minimal padding, it received top scores for comfort and stability and diver comments like “sung and comfortable” and “precise attitude control.”

The Covert XT has picked up a few ounces, but it’s still under 6 pounds of inherent buoyancy in size medium. And all the changes have made it better, with more-rugged materials [especially in the air-cell cover], more lift and more options for storage, including web loops and accessory pockets.

The redesigned integrated-weight pockets load easily from the top and take 14 pounds, while rear trim pockets hold 10.

Even better than the original, the Covert is our Testers Choice for back-inflation BCs.