BCD & Regulators

Frequently asked questions

Is it better to buy a BCD and regulator as a package or purchase them separately?

Buying as a package is almost always the better value — the combined price is lower than purchasing the equivalent items individually, and the BCD and regulator are matched by our staff as a practical, compatible system. It also simplifies the buying process, which matters when you are making a significant first-time gear investment and are not yet deeply familiar with the options. The packages listed here represent combinations our Divemasters and Instructors actually use and recommend — not just items bundled for marketing purposes. If you want a specific BCD and regulator combination not shown here, contact us and we can usually build a custom package at a competitive price.

How do I choose the right BCD in a package for my diving?

The BCD style in each package reflects a particular type of diver and diving environment. The Scubapro Hydros Pro is a back-inflate, travel-friendly BCD that works equally well in Canadian cold water and tropical warm water — it is our best-selling BCD for good reason. The Scubapro Navigator is a lighter, more compact back-inflate option better suited to warm-water travel divers who want to minimize luggage weight. The Cressi Aquawing Max is a wing and backplate system suited to divers who want a more technical-style setup with modular configurability. The Scuba Force Black Devil CTX is also a wing and backplate package for divers who prefer European-style technical gear. If you are a new diver or diving recreationally in both Canada and warm destinations, the Hydros Pro package is the most versatile starting point.

Do these packages come with a dive computer or a gauge console?

It depends on the package and the regulator option chosen. Most configurations include a traditional gauge console with a submersible pressure gauge, depth gauge, and compass. Others can be configured with a dive computer as an add-on. Check the specific product description for each package to confirm what is included with your chosen regulator option. We recommend a dive computer even for recreational divers — a computer tracks your no-decompression limits in real time and provides a safety margin that a depth gauge and dive tables cannot match.

Are these packages suitable for a new Open Water diver buying their first gear?

Yes — these packages are well suited as a first complete scuba gear investment. All BCDs included are used in our own rental fleet and for training at The Dive Outfitters, so we know exactly how they perform over hundreds of dives in all conditions. We recommend new divers complete their Open Water course before purchasing their own BCD and regulator — you will have a much better sense of fit preferences and dive style after your first few dives in rental gear. If you are currently enrolled in a course with us, ask your Instructor for a fitting recommendation before buying. We can often arrange a trial fit in the store at our Edmonton location.

What warranty and after-sales support comes with these packages?

All BCDs and regulators in these packages carry full manufacturer warranties — Scubapro, Cressi, and Scuba Force all offer warranty coverage on their products when purchased from an authorized dealer. As an authorized Canadian dealer for all brands we carry, your warranty is fully valid. We also stock a full range of regulator parts and BCD parts for ongoing maintenance. For servicing, we can recommend qualified technicians in the Edmonton area, or contact us for guidance on finding a service centre near you if you are elsewhere in Canada.