The Best Sidemount Bcd: Best Picks Of 2024
By, Sara RyanUpdated
Our Top Picks
1. Best Overall: Hollis SMS75 Sidemount Harness BCD (SM/MD)
Hollis Sidemount Harness is designed for cave or open water sidemount Cam slots for single tank and grommets at 11” for banded doubles. With a reinforced soft harness and an adjustable shoulder strap buckle, this BCD can take the abuse of even your longest dives. Read Review
2. Best Bang For The Buck: Hollis 208.1381
With our “QFS” Quick Fit System, the weight capacity is increased by 20lbs for a true one size fits all standard weight capacity. The “QFS” design offers fine tuning of torso height between small and large divers for a true one size fits all standard. Read Review
3. Best Easy Setup: xDeep Butt Plate for Sidemount BCD
You can’t get any better than this! xDeep Butt Plate for Sidemount BCD is made with quality materials and durable threads. With these large convenient and easy to reach rails, you have a perfect platform for your dive. The xDeep Butt Plate is made with high-quality marine grade stainless steel, making it durable and guaranteed colorfast. Read Review
4. Best Economical: xDeep Stealth 2.0 TEC RB Redundant Sidemount Scuba Diving BCD
xDeep Stealth 2.0 TEC BC Redundant Sidemount Scuba Diving BCD is a perfect choice for those looking to take their diving to the next level. The STEALTH 2.0 TEC BC offers easy-to-use, reliable and adaptable design with a powerful lift capacity of 19kg and multiple cylinders that can easily support advanced diving needs. Read Review
In technical diving, the best side-mount BCD or single-cylinder decompression device is a pressurized cylinder that can be attached to the diver’s regulators or buoyancy control system so they can ascend after spending time underwater. It is an alternative to standard double cylinders and rebreathers commonly used for technical diving. Technical diving uses air at more significant pressure than recreational diving, which decreases the amount of oxygen that reaches the diver.
The lower pressure lowers water's boiling point and Henry’s law constant, making it more difficult to dissolve soluble gases like carbon dioxide. This is because all gasses have higher partial pressures in ambient air than they dissolve in water at sea level. With that being said, there are still many advantages to using sidemount breathing apparatus instead of rebreather gear.
We think the highly recommended product for a best sidemount bcd is Hollis SMS75 Sidemount Harness BCD (SM/MD) with a reinforced soft harness. You may explore the following if you need more alternatives and more in-depth guidance. In addition, we also give you other BCDs for diving.
RELATED: We researched on 8,510+ customer reviews to create a list of top 10 best scuba diving gear in 2024. Check them here.
Our Top Picks
- Designed for cave or open water sidemount
- Adjustable and removable wing bungee
- Rigging kit included: Tank bungees, SS Cam bands, SS Bolt snaps & nylon line
- Cam slots for single tank and grommets at 11” for banded doubles
- Trapezoid shape to promote horizontal trim
- Lift capacity is 40lbs with innovative wing design to keep diver profile even lower than the competition and without the “turtle shell effect” which causes drag
- Single bladder option ideal for recreational sidemount with two cylinders or in a Drysuit for redundancy / Dual bladder option ideal for technical dives in a wetsuit
- Design allows for an “H” or “Y” style harness configuration, depending on user preference
- Standard weight capacity 20lbs, to offset added buoyancy in cold water with drysuits and thick undergarments
- “QFS” Quick Fit System offers fine tuning of the torso height between small and large divers for a true one size fits all
- quality materials and durable threads for many years of heavy duty use
- large convenient and easy to reach rails
- easy to install on your Stealth sidemount bcd, stainless steel bolts included
- The STEALTH 2.0 TEC BC does this brilliantly, keeping you stable, balanced and in trim, whatever the level of inflation.
- Increasing the STEALTH 2.0 buoyancy meant ensuring that the movement and position of the gas could be properly managed.
- The STEALTH 2.0 TEC was designed to excel in deep decompression diving and in extended cave penetrations.
- 19Kg of lift in the wing can easily support the multiple cylinders that advanced diving requires.
- The STEALTH 2.0 weight system can be configured for any diver.
- Includes: Stealth 2.0 Tec sidemount BC, Stealth 2.0 sidemount Harness with Standard Spine Weight Pocket / 4 compartments / 4 x 6 lbs (2.5 kg) each, set of bungee and hardware to rig the system
- Provides protection in tight restrictions inside caves and wrecks.
- Designed for minimum drag, staying tight to the body, whilst delivering a simultaneous high lift capacity.
- 19 kg of lift - perfect for technical diving with multiple cylinders.
- 4 pockets for weights (for total 8kgs / 18 lbs)
- One size fits most - 4 different colours: blue or pink camou, red and black.
- shoulder covers and a soft padding on the back. - crotch strap of 50mm webbing covered by a soft neoprene.
- Free Sidemount Ringging (2 tank band, 4 SS XL Clip,)
- 12 liters / 25lbs Bladder
- Installing eyelet sides for convenient installing
- Exhaust valves for buoyancy adjustment in any position
- Equipped with low pressure hose and inflating adapter for easy using
- Side-mount compact design for easy carrying and storage traveling
- High strength durable 1050D nylon 35lbs BCD Buoyancy Compensator wing- wear resistant, durable and
- Aqua Lung Titan Qick Connect Regulator (Closeout Sale) | Uses a balanced-diaphragm mechanism resulting in ease-of-breathing and consistent performance while environmentally protecting the internal parts
- Includes: Aqua Lung Pro HD BCD Features: SureLock II Mechanical Weight Release System
- Travel friendly design is perfect for divers on the go
- The durable ballistic nylon construction helps it stand up to the wear and tear of traveling the world
- 10lbs non-dumpable.
- BC: 30lbs lift.
What to Look For in a best sidemount bcd?
You may think purchasing seems simple, and it sometimes does the opposite! Studying the outcome of best sidemount bcd will take a considerable amount of time. Also, there are multiple sides of best sidemount bcd you need to check. That’s the reason why we’re all ready to assist you with best sidemount bcd issue.
You should pay more attention to the following criteria of best sidemount bcd in 2024:
Material
However, when it comes to cold water diving or technical, the priority should be given to durability, comfort and lift capability. It is also important to consider cost. BCDs with lightweight and durable materials will be more expensive than those made of lower quality materials.
Most high-end BCDs use 1000-denier Cordura. Cordura is tear- and abrasion resistant, so it can withstand rough water without worrying about the BCD breaking.
Nylon is another popular material. Although it's less durable than Cordura, nylon is light and therefore a great material for traveling BCDs.
Weight System
BCD manufacturers also design extra weight pockets at the back of their BCDs, called trim pockets. These pockets allow for smaller weights and help with trimming.
It doesn't matter what weight system you choose, there are a few commonalities. It is essential that all weight systems have a fast-release mechanism so you can unload dive weights immediately in an emergency.
The weight pockets must be constructed so that they don't move around while you swim. A weight locking mechanism is also recommended to prevent weights being accidentally released.
The third thing is to make sure the pouches hold enough weight for the required dive weights. You need to have plenty of weight for cold water diving. For warm water diving, you will need less. You should not overload the equipment as this can pose a danger to your safety.
Storage Space
BCDs with lower prices will come equipped with Velcro pockets or plastic D-rings. They aren't very secure, and divers have lost their entire scuba gear when they accidentally opened the pockets or broke the D-rings.
A BCD that has zippered pockets and expandable compartments is ideal. They provide ample storage and keep items secure inside. They can be folded up to take up very little space when not in use.
Also, consider how many pockets and D-rings a BCD contains as well as where they are located. They should be easy to find and large enough to hold all of your gear.
Lift Capacity
You will need more lift capacity for the more difficult diving.
You should always have more than what you actually need. If you're bringing more than 30 pounds of gear on your dives, you should consider a BCD capable of providing up to 40 pounds.
Adjustability
This extreme variation can be addressed by a BCD that has many adjustable features. Adjustable straps such as a cummberbund and crotch strap will help ensure that your BCD is securely on your body.
To prevent the device sliding around, you should look out for adjustable waist, shoulder and chest straps. Women's BCDs are one exception. They sometimes have a chest strap that is intentionally absent because it tends to compress a woman’s bust.
You might also consider using adjustable straps for your tank to secure it to your back, so you aren't left without an air supply hundreds of feet below the surface.
RELATED: Our top professionals have tested, examined, and ranked the 10 best scuba bcds of 2024 for you. See our top picks here.
FAQs
How Should A BCD Fit?
The perfect BCD should be snug enough to fit comfortably when it's fully inflated, but not too tight that it becomes restrictive. Your chest, stomach and crotch will feel secure when you strap it in. The best way to ensure a perfect fit is with adjustable straps
Jacket BCDs (the most common type) can feel constricting when inflated due to their placement. This issue is not present with back-inflation BCDs as the wing is in the back and away from your body.
You should also ensure your backplate doesn't exceed the maximum length. This can cause problems with the tanks stability. Too short a backplate can cause discomfort as the cylinder could hit the diver's tailbone while they dive.
Is A BCD Mandatory For Diving?
Yes. Yes. A BCD is an important device to quickly get you out of trouble in case of emergency. It is essential for your safety and security. A BCD is essential for any advanced diver. It is basically the same as a life-saving device like a jacket, once it's fully inflated.
If you're just getting started, it is important to ensure that your BCD can lift you up and your equipment safely to the surface. You can also dive with a BCD if you are willing to gamble your life. We don't recommend this.
How Do I Maintain A BCD?
Your BCD can be maintained in the same way as your other equipment. Your BCD should be thoroughly washed with water after each dive. This is done to remove any salt or debris. These salt deposits can build up and can cause damage to your gear.
BCD malfunction is often caused by improper cleaning of the air bladder. It is important to clean the interior of the bladder. Connect a garden hose with the inflator and flush out all debris. Otherwise, the accumulation of dirt and debris could eventually cause the bladder to burst.
It is best to dry your gear in an area that has good ventilation and shade. Avoid exposing your gear to direct sunlight as the UV rays could cause damage and make it more brittle. You should only store your gear once it is completely dried. Otherwise, any moisture may cause mold growth.
How Do I Inflate A BCD?
Two ways can you inflate your BCD. The majority of BCDs have a power inflator. This connects to the cylinder, and then inflates your bladder with the inflatorhose. An overpressure relief valve is one of the fail-safes. It kicks in when your bladder is being inflated too fast or excessively with gas. This is the best way to inflate your BCD.
In the case of a power failure, the second method is to inflate your bladder orally. It is easy but not difficult to inflate the bladder orally. This can be done at both the surface and underwater. Simply blow in the regulator using your mouthpiece, until the air is sufficient to fill it. You will need to change between the regulator and your mouthpiece underwater.
How Does BCD Sizing Work?
When shopping for a BCD, you can't just rely on your regular clothes sizes. A person could wear XL-sized T shirts, but need a BCD that is medium in size. You can find a size chart online and compare it to yours. Each brand has a slightly different size for every model. Always refer to the sizing charts.
Keep in mind, too, that BCD size can affect its dry weight, lifting capacity and drag. Pay attention to what features are affected by changing sizes. The BCD is generally larger, which means it has a greater lift capacity. It also has a bigger bladder, which can affect underwater drag. A few BCDs have a consistent lift capability across sizes.
How Long Does A Scuba BCD Last?
It doesn't matter how sturdy an equipment piece is. It will eventually break, especially if it is used frequently or exposed to harsh conditions. The best BCDs can last between 8-10 years and then need to be replaced. The less expensive ones might need to be replaced every few years.
If you properly maintain the unit, you will be able to do around 4,000 dives. Another problem is that not all divers know how to properly maintain their dive BCDs.
All in all, anything you need to acquire for your convenient purchase of best sidemount bcd is presented above. Admittedly, this information is accurate, thanks to our product consulting experts with a wealth of experience. Furthermore, we keep best sidemount bcd of 2024 data up-to-date at all times. It is helpful if you are a busy person. Try to check us as much as possible!
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